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5 Perfect Mix Recipes: The Ultimate Homemade Seasonings You Need

5 Perfect Homemade Mix Recipes

Prepare five versatile dry seasoning blends for tacos, fajitas, sauces, dips, roasted foods, popcorn, oatmeal, and baked treats. Every mix is combined without cooking and can be stored for convenient everyday use.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 3 servings

Ingredients
  

Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, optional
Italian Seasoning Mix
  • 2 tablespoons Dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons Dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon Dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon Dried marjoram
  • 1 teaspoon Dried sage, optional
Ranch Seasoning Mix
  • 1/3 cup Dry buttermilk powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon Dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Fajita Seasoning Mix
  • 1 tablespoon Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, optional
Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 3 tablespoons Ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons Ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon Ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Combine each blend in a separate small bowl, whisking until the color and texture are even. Rub dried rosemary and thyme between your fingers before adding them to the Italian seasoning, and break up any lumps in the buttermilk powder.
  2. Transfer each finished mix to a clean, completely dry airtight jar. Label every jar with the blend name and preparation date, then store the herbs and spices away from heat and sunlight.
  3. Use 2 tablespoons taco seasoning with 1 pound browned ground beef, chicken, or turkey, plus about 1/2 cup water; simmer for 5–10 minutes. Use 1–2 teaspoons Italian seasoning in sauces, soups, dressings, or roasted vegetables, or about 1 tablespoon per pound of chicken or vegetables.
  4. For ranch dressing, combine 1 tablespoon ranch mix with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour cream or yogurt, then rest at least 30 minutes. For fajitas, toss the mix with 1 pound sliced protein or vegetables, 1–2 tablespoons oil, and 1 tablespoon lime juice before cooking in a very hot skillet for 10–15 minutes.
  5. Use 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice in a 9-inch pumpkin pie, or add 1/2–1 teaspoon to muffins, quick breads, oatmeal, whipped cream, or coffee. For roasted squash or sweet potatoes, use about 1/2 teaspoon per pound with oil and salt.

Notes

Most homemade dry mixes are best within 3–6 months, although they remain safe longer when kept dry. The Italian seasoning and pumpkin pie spice are specified for up to 6 months. Store ranch seasoning according to the package directions for the dry buttermilk powder. Salt-free versions can be made by omitting the salt and seasoning the finished dish separately.