Homemade seasoning blends are the best! All you need is your spice rack and a few minutes to make your own version of the popular Italian Seasoning Blend. It will open up lots of recipe possibilities and save you money too! Prepared with what most of us have in our spice racks already, this blend will keep in your pantry for months!

ITALIAN SEASONING BLEND

Who doesn’t love to have seasoning blends on hand for when the mood strikes? Maybe it’s just me, but nothing makes me happier than a well stocked spice rack, drawer, or shelf – whatever it is you have! Especially when I’m in a hurry, this prepared Italian Seasoning Blend make life so much easier.

When I’m not in a rush, I like to reach into my spice collection and measure out exact amounts for each one. I tend to do this a lot when cooking soups, stews, or anything else that takes time and effort. Oh, here’s another great idea. Take a look at this awesome Spice Rack Sauce recipe!

On weeknights, even now that I’m working from home, I much prefer a grab-and-go type of spice mix. That’s why this Italian Seasoning Blend is so great. Plus, you can use it for so many recipes. I’ll get to that in a bit.

SPICE RACKS

The problem, however, is that those pre-mixed, store-bought, spice blends can be quite expensive. Compare, if you will, the cost of buying a store blend to the cost of making one yourself at home. Of course, those cost savings depends on whether or not you have an existing stocked spice rack. And, truthfully, most of us do!

Unless you are a seasoned cook, most home cooks will have a spice rack that sits on the countertop. You know the kind I speak of. They are either plastic or chrome and most of them spin around so that you have easy access to the spices.

Some home cooks have the old fashioned wooden spice racks that are mounted to the kitchen wall. To be honest, these are the types of spice racks I prefer. My mom used to have one of them and I have fond memories it it. When we bought our house, despite wanting to modernize everything, I wanted to keep some old-time charm to it too.

I found this spice rack on Amazon. I admit, it is a little expensive, but when you consider what you’re getting, it’s not that much of a stretch. The rack is well made with real wood. And, the spice jars are completely full. I trust the McCormick brand, and use it often. It was a no-brainer for me. It hangs quite nicely in our old, country kitchen.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT SPICES FOR A BIT!

Anyone who knows me well will confirm that I am obsessed with spice racks and spice jars. John.e can attest to the fact that over the past eight years, I have updated and completely changed our spice storage system at least five times.

Initially, I had to have all of our spices in mason jars. That lasted for a year or so. Then, I found these really great glass jars with a pull-off lid. The seal was great, but again, they were quite big. Next, I used smaller bottles, and then spice bottles that I picked up from Ikea. I could go on, but I digress.

My obsession has taught me a few things about buying spices. First, keep your spices in a cabinet or at least out of direct sunlight. Yes, I have my spice rack on the wall in my kitchen, but it is as far away from the windows as I could possibly get it.

Secondly, buy spices in small amounts. You should never have more than three to six months supply. Spices lose their pungency and flavour. The only seasonings I buy in larger quantities is salt and pepper. That’s why I love the McCormick jars. They’re not too large for me, but keep in mind, I cook quite often. And, when I run out, it’s easy to replace that one jar.

HERE’S WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE ITALIAN SEASONING BLEND:

Dried Parsley
Dried Basil
Dried Oregano
Garlic Powder
Dried Thyme
Onion Powder
Dried Rosemary
Ground Black Pepper
Dried Red Chili Flakes (optional)

It couldn’t be easier to make. I measure out all of the ingredients into a bowl. Then, I whisk them together until the blend looks uniform. Transfer the mixture to a mason jar and store in your pantry for up to six months.

WHAT TO MAKE WITH ITALIAN SEASONING BLEND:

I could just be brazen and say that anything can be made with Italian seasoning, but I won’t. Instead, let me showcase some of the recipes you can find right here at Lord Byron’s Kitchen.

Let’s start with something simple. Italian Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes is a great summer side. Or maybe you’re looking for something more robust like this Pesto Pizza Taquitos. Maybe a hearty, family-friendly Tomato Tortellini Soup is more you thing.

Italian Seasoning Blend is used in so many recipes. It’s present in almost every tomato-based pasta sauce you’ve ever eaten. It’s so delicious in a summer pasta salad. Try mixing it into some softened butter with some parmesan and place it under the broiler. It’s a great alternative to garlic bread.

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