Homemade Italian Seasoning

Skip the store-bought versions and create your own aromatic Italian seasoning blend at home. This classic herb mixture captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking and will elevate your pasta dishes, pizza, chicken, and vegetables with authentic Italian flavors.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried rosemary
2 tablespoons dried thyme
2 tablespoons dried marjoram
1 tablespoon dried sage

Instructions

Basic Preparation

Measure ingredients: Carefully measure all the dried herbs into a small mixing bowl.
Mix thoroughly: Stir all ingredients together until evenly distributed.
Store properly: Transfer to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or spice container.
Label and date: Label your container with the contents and date made.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Keeps fresh for up to 6 months
For best flavor, replace after 1 year

Uses for Italian Seasoning

Pasta and Pizza

Add 1-2 teaspoons to marinara sauce
Sprinkle on pizza before baking
Mix into olive oil for bread dipping
Season pasta salads

Meat and Poultry

Rub on chicken before roasting
Season beef or pork before grilling
Add to meatballs and meat sauce
Mix into burger patties

Vegetables

Toss with roasted vegetables
Add to grilled zucchini and eggplant
Season tomato-based dishes
Sprinkle on caprese salad

Bread and Oils

Mix into focaccia dough
Create herb-infused olive oil
Season garlic bread
Add to homemade crackers

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Italian Seasoning

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Include 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Perfect for pizza and spicy pasta dishes

Salt-Free Version

Keep the blend as-is for a sodium-free option
Add salt separately when cooking
Great for those watching sodium intake

Fresh Herb Alternative

Use 6 tablespoons total of fresh herbs
Chop finely and use immediately
Fresh herbs are more potent, so use less

Tips for Best Results

Herb Quality

Use high-quality dried herbs for best flavor
Check expiration dates on your herbs
Crush dried herbs lightly between your fingers to release oils

Grinding Options

Leave herbs whole for longer shelf life
Grind in small batches for immediate use
Use a mortar and pestle for best texture

Storage Tips

Keep away from heat sources like the stove
Use glass containers rather than plastic
Consider vacuum sealing for longer storage

Buying vs. Making

Advantages of Homemade

Control over ingredient quality
No preservatives or anti-caking agents
Customizable to your taste preferences
More economical in the long run
Fresher flavor

Quality Ingredients to Look For

Organic herbs when possible
Bright, vibrant colors
Strong, fresh aroma
No brown or faded herbs

Recipe Scaling

Double Batch

4 tablespoons each: basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram
2 tablespoons sage
Makes enough for 6-12 months

Small Batch

1 tablespoon each: basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram
1/2 tablespoon sage
Perfect for trying the blend

Pairing Suggestions

Classic Italian Dishes

Spaghetti marinara
Chicken parmesan
Margherita pizza
Minestrone soup
Italian wedding soup

Modern Applications

Herb-crusted salmon
Roasted potato wedges
Mediterranean quinoa bowls
Herb butter for bread
Salad dressings

The History of Italian Herbs

Italian cuisine has been shaped by the Mediterranean climate, which is perfect for growing aromatic herbs. These particular herbs - basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and sage - have been staples in Italian cooking for centuries, each bringing its own unique flavor profile to create the harmonious blend we know as Italian seasoning.

Conclusion

Making your own Italian seasoning is simple, economical, and allows you to control the quality and flavor of your herbs. This versatile blend will become a staple in your spice cabinet, perfect for adding authentic Italian flavor to countless dishes. Once you start making your own, you'll never want to go back to store-bought versions!

Italian Seasoning