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How to Make Italian Seasoning with Pantry Staples

Small plate on a wooden cutting board with unmixed spices of Italian seasoning.

 


 

Italian seasoning is a spice mix chock full of a fabulous blend of dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary and oregano. It's aromatic and flavorful and comes in handy when you want a lot of flavor with just one jar. Make the spice blend once at it will last you many dinners. It's convenient and I think there's no shame in reaching for this jar, when you want that extra snap with minimal thinking.

 

Sometimes we just want a lot of flavor fast. So no, maybe Italians and professional chefs don't really use this blend, but I don't see any problem with it. You have made it yourself after all, you are just pre-making your dinner well in advance, right.

 

Straight view of a glass jar of Italian seasoning tipped over on a wooden cutting board.

 

As a Norwegian, Italian seasoning is something that became new to me when I started food blogging and researching food. I noticed a lot of American recipes using this spice blend. And as you may have guessed, since I didn't know about it, I couldn't buy it in the stores here either.

 

Well, I call that a win situation. This forced me to make my own, and now I make it on a regular basis and use it at least weekly. And I hope you will do the same!

 

Jar tipped over with Italian seasoning flowing onto a wooden cutting board.

 

What is Italian Seasoning

 

Italian seasoning is a spice and herb mix not made by Italians, but made by Americans to easily get the flavors of Italy in a wide array of dishes. The seasonings that are usually in this spice blend are oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil among others. It's just a big party of delicious herbs, don't you think!

 

Italian Seasoning on parchment paper and vintage spoon.

 

But what about marjoram?

 

It does usually include marjoram. Both oregano and marjoram are in the mint family and they are kind of similar. The oregano is more pungent and spicy, while the marjoram is more floral and woodsy. The marjoram is so mild that you can't really substitute oregano for marjoram, but in this case I don't think it matters. Of course, if you have marjoram, I would definitely put it in. But as this is a pantry staple, and pretty epic, spice blend without it, I am so okay with it.

 

Most of the typical substitutions for marjoram are in this spice blend, so this Italian seasoning is perfectly balanced. Typical substitutions are:

 

  • Less oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Basil
  • Sage

 

Plate with spices such as cilantro, chili flakes, rosemary and oregano.

 

How to Make Italian Seasoning

 

How to make spice blends in general is super easy. You simply measure out all the ingredients in a bowl, give it a good mix and store in an airtight container. I prefer a glass jar with a tight lid, so I can always see if it's time to make another batch.

 

Unmixed spices in an Italian seasoning. Backlighting.

 

The amount of chili flakes you add really depends on two things; 1 - how spicy you like it, and 2 - how spicy your chili flakes are. I used to purchase my chili flakes in the normal super market. That was pretty mild chili flakes, so I used 1 tablespoon of it in this Italian seasoning. I don't want this to be overly spicy, because it's meant to be an all around spice mix. Now I purchase my chili flakes at an Asian specialty store, and these are STRONG. I have totally burned myself on that several times. I keep forgetting it's so strong. So I don't put more than 1 teaspoon of this strong kind of chili flakes in. I'm just giving you a warning, and my experience, so you can be a better judge of the spice situation.

 

Recipes Using Italian Seasoning

 

Of course we need some recipes to use it in. That is why we make it after all. This is not the kind of spice blend you make, are really excited about it, but then you hide it in the cupboard and never use it again. This baby can be used in pretty much everything:

 

 

Italian seasoning on a wooden board with a vintage spoon.

 

And plenty of other recipes. Let me know if you have any exciting ones. And I'll make sure to post new recipes using it as I go.

 

Other Spice Blends

 

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I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later!

 

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📖 Recipe

Italian Seasoning

Italian Seasoning

Yield: 12 tbsp
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes

Here's how to make a delicious Italian seasoning using only pantry staples. Italian seasoning is a fantastic and versatile spice blend that should always be in our spice shelf.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon dried oregano, *
  • 2 tablespoon dried basil
  • 2 tablespoon dried cilantro (leaves)
  • 2 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes, **

Instructions

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container, good for several months. Makes about ¾ cup or 11-12 tbsp.

Notes

* Italian seasoning usually includes marjoram, which is a mild family member of oregano. I don't see this as necessary because a lot of the ingredients we use here are common substitutes for marjoram. However, if you have it, add in 2 tbsp! You may also add in dried sage, if you wish.

** The amount of chili flakes depend on how spicy you like it and how spicy your chili flakes are.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 tbsp
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 7Total Fat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 1.4gFiber: 0.9gSugar: 0.1gProtein: 0.2g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or tag @thegingerwithspice on Instagram, I'd love to see!

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Sophia

Sunday 28th of April 2019

I use Italian seasoning all the time but have never thought to make my own! It's so easy, thanks for the recipe !

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Tuesday 30th of April 2019

Then it sounds like you could benefit of making your own! Cheap and mega delish :)

Stephanie Simmons

Sunday 28th of April 2019

It's so good to know that I don't need to be buying a separate thing of italian seasoning! I'll definitely have to keep this in my pantry!

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Tuesday 30th of April 2019

It's just stuff we already have (or should have!). Thanks, Stephanie!

Lathiya

Saturday 27th of April 2019

The homemade spices are the best and I love this Italian seasoning. I got one from store but bookmarking this recipe to make my own.

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Tuesday 30th of April 2019

Thank you, Lathiya. Hope you'll like it!

janna

Wednesday 17th of April 2019

I have all these spices separately so makes sense to put them all together. beautiful photos btw!

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Thursday 18th of April 2019

Thank you so much, Janna. Hope you'll like it!

Mimi

Monday 15th of April 2019

I agree - Italian seasoning has some incredible flavors and is such a versatile blend to use. Definitely one of my favorites - I always keep it next to me just in case I want to add some taste delights :-)

Stine Mari | Ginger with Spice

Tuesday 16th of April 2019

So versatile! And so easy to get a lot of flavor in your dishes, right :)

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