Italian Seasoning

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Homemade Italian seasoning is a blend of classic Italian herbs. This versatile mix is perfect for pizzas, pastas, and more!

My kitchen cupboard is absolutely chock-full of dried herbs and spices. In fact, I actually have two cabinets just for spices.

It might be considered a problem for some, but I love being able to select from a variety of spices for baking, or grab my own homemade taco seasoning to make tacos when the craving hits.

Homemade Italian seasoning is another blend I keep on hand. It’s so easy to make and adds a pop of flavor to any Italian-inspired dish.

Using spices you probably already have on hand, you can make this versatile blend in just minutes!

Why make your own Italian seasoning?

Well, it’s one essential ingredient in lots of dishes, so if you love pasta dishes like American goulash or want to make your own pizza sauce, you’ll need it!

Making your own seasoning also allows you to tweak the ingredients to your liking. Want to use less oregano or add red pepper flakes? Go for it!

Homemade Italian seasoning is fresher, too, especially if you use your own dried herbs. Spice blends can sit on the shelf in stores for a long time, losing flavor.

Save money by using spices you already have on hand to make these easy blend!

Ingredients for Italian seasoning

You’ll need a variety of dried herbs:

Oregano – Use dried Mediterranean oregano, not Mexican oregano.

Basil – If you make your own dried basil, you will want to use Genovese or similar Italian variety of basil. Thai basil, chocolate basil, and lemon basil will not work.

Marjoram – Marjoram has a bit of a citrusy flavor and livens up Italian seasoning, so don’t skip it!

Thyme – There are many varieties of thyme. Common or French thyme are my favorites to use.

Rosemary – Rosemary tastes a little woodsy and adds savory flavor.

Parsley – While some think parsley doesn’t taste like anything, it actually has a mild bitter flavor that pops in dishes.

Sage – Dried sage looks a little clumpy due to its soft leaves. but can be measured the same way as the other more pourable dried herbs.

How to make this recipe

In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Mix well.

If you like, you can pulse the spice blend just a couple of times in a food processor to grind the herbs a bit. You don’t want it fully broken down into a powder, so just a few pulses will do.

Scoop into a spice jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

That’s it!  

Storage tips

Store homemade Italian seasoning in a cupboard, drawer, or pantry.

Spices and herbs should be stored in airtight containers away from light and heat for the best freshness.

It is not recommended to store spices and herbs over the stove.

Stored properly, this blend will keep for at least 6 months. If it no longer has a strong aroma, it’s time to replace!

Italian seasoning can be stored in the freezer to keep even longer.

Recipe suggestions

You can easily switch up the flavors in this Italian seasoning mix by swapping your favorite spices or adding others.

One common ingredient in Italian spice blends is savory. It is a bit peppery with notes of marjoram and thyme. Note that there is both summer savory and winter savory, with slightly different flavor profiles.

Crushed red pepper flakes are a great ingredient to add for a bit of heat in your mix. For this recipe, use about 1 teaspoon, depending on your heat preference.

Garlic powder or onion powder can also be added. Because theses are powders, they can clump a bit in the mix, so be sure to mix well to fully incorporate.

Ways to use Italian seasoning

When using directly in a dish, always scoop out from the jar with a spoon or measuring spoon, then sprinkle over the simmering pot. Sprinkling from the jar over a hot pan can bring steam into the jar, adding moisture.

Mix into homemade pizza sauce or easy spaghetti sauce.

Use in herb pizza dough or American goulash, or sprinkle into soups.

Season chicken before baking or add herbal flair to homemade garlic bread.

Whisk with olive oil, white wine vinegar, garlic, and salt to make a simple salad dressing.

Remember that dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs. Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb in place of 1 tablespoon fresh herb.

Whip up this easy Italian seasoning blend and you’ll never be without your favorite flavors!