Instead of using store-bought Italian seasoning, make your own at home! This simple blend of dried herbs is delicious in sauces, soups, and more.
Italian seasoning is one of those kitchen basics, like bread crumbs or a simple vinaigrette, that I prefer to make at home instead of buying at the store. I keep all the ingredients in my pantry anyway. I may as well combine them myself instead of picking up an extra spice! More importantly, making my own Italian seasoning allows me to control the balance of flavors. My homemade blend has a mix of sweet, earthy, and aromatic notes that I absolutely love.
I’ve shared my favorite Italian seasoning recipe below. Try it as written, or experiment with the ratios to make it your own. Once you find the right mix of flavors, this simple spice blend will become one of your go-to tools for seasoning sauces, soups, pizzas, veggies, and more.
What is in Italian seasoning?
But let’s back up. What is in Italian seasoning, anyway?
This popular spice blend is a mix of dried herbs and spices. Commercially available blends typically include basil, oregano, and marjoram. They may also contain rosemary, thyme, savory, and sage. Occasionally, one will incorporate dried garlic. I keep mine simple, using these 5 ingredients:
- Dried oregano,
- basil,
- marjoram,
- rosemary,
- and thyme.
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
I love that homemade Italian seasoning is so easy to make! Add all the ingredients to a small bowl or jar, and stir or shake to combine. Store it, covered, at room temperature for up to 6 months.
How to Use Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is such a versatile spice blend! You’ll find tons of ways to use it in your kitchen. Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:
How do you like to use an Italian seasoning blend? Let me know in the comments!
More Favorite Spice Blends
If you love this recipe, try making one of these spice blends next:
Italian Seasoning
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Serves 24
Instead of buying Italian seasoning at the grocery store, make your own at home! Feel free to adjust the ratios in this recipe to find a balance of flavors you love.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
In a small bowl, stir together the dried oregano, basil, marjoram, rosemary, and thyme. Sprinkle onto roasted vegetables, or try any of the serving suggestions listed in the blog post above.
Leftover Italian seasoning will keep in an airtight container or lidded spice jar at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Makes about ¼ cup
FAQs
Italian seasoning can be used to flavor just about anything, but some of our favorite uses are in classic Italian-American dishes like meatballs, pizza or chicken Parmesan. It adds extra interest to olive oil for dipping bread or vinaigrette for salads.
What are the three Italian spices? ›
What Are the Spices in Italian Seasoning?
- Rosemary- this herb grows abundantly all over the Italian countryside and is used in meat marinades and with grilling. ...
- Basil- is probably the most loved herb in the entire country of Italy. ...
- Oregano- this herb is a key ingredient in pasta dishes of Southern Italy.
8 Herbs & Spices Every Italian Cook Needs in Their Kitchen
- Basil. Basil is an aromatic herb essential to many Italian dishes, especially pesto. ...
- Thyme. Thyme is one of the main herbs in Italian cooking with a subtle minty flavor and a sweet and strong scent. ...
- Oregano. ...
- Rosemary. ...
- Sage. ...
- Bay Leaves. ...
- Parsley. ...
- Marjoram.
Ingredients in Italian Seasoning
Herbs: Basil and oregano are the base of this seasoning and provide great flavor, perfect for a wide range of dishes. Aromatic: Garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme add a fragrant depth, enhancing the overall flavor of this DIY Italian seasoning blend.
What does Italian seasoning do for the body? ›
It is rich in antioxidants.
The herbs in Italian seasoning are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body against damage from free radicals.
When to add Italian seasoning to meat? ›
Garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning
After you coat your meat, brown it. Usually, you only need a dash of Italian seasoning—around 2 tsp (8.4 g) typically works. Some recipes call for just 1 tsp (5.69 g) of minced onions or garlic, while others suggest a whole onion and many cloves of garlic.
What is the holy trinity of Italian spices? ›
Although some may debate that the holy trinity of Italian cuisine is really tomato, garlic, and basil, most do agree that the vegetable combination, or soffritto is more commonly used as the flavor base for many dishes.
What to use instead of Italian seasoning? ›
Simply use equal parts basil and oregano! These are the main ingredients in Italian seasonings and the ones that have the strongest flavor profile. These are the main herbs that you need to make your own Italian seasoning. Honestly, if you have those two then you've got yourself a great substitute.
What's in Italian seasoning McCormick? ›
MARJORAM, THYME, ROSEMARY, SAVORY, SAGE, OREGANO AND BASIL.
Do Italians put oregano in their sauce? ›
Ironically, oregano is not as commonly used in Italian cooking as other herbs, such as parsley or basil.
A trio of herbs—oregano, thyme and basil—are complemented with two types of pepper (red pepper flakes and ground black pepper), onion powder, salt, and garlic in two forms: fine garlic powder and minced dried garlic. This double-whammy of garlic is part of the power and charm of Zippy Sicilian.
Do Italians use bay leaf? ›
Bay leaf is very important in Italian cuisine.
Why is Italian seasoning so good? ›
Italian seasoning is a versatile blend of dried herbs like rosemary, basil, oregano and more. It's easy to make and customize to your tastes. Add it to pasta sauces, season chicken, stir it into soups or sprinkle it over your favorite Italian sub. Quick, easy, and so much better than the blends at the store!
Does Italian seasoning go bad? ›
Freshly blended seasoning can last for 1 to 2 weeks when refrigerated, while a pre-packaged mix has a significantly longer lifespan. Stored properly in a cool, dark place within an airtight container, pre-packaged Italian seasoning can retain its quality for up to 2 to 3 years.
What seasoning is similar to Italian? ›
You'll probably have something that will substitute Italian seasoning in the spice rack already! The best option includes these common herbs: dried marjoram or dried oregano with dried basil, parsley, rosemary or thyme. Mix them in a bowl and use them as you would Italian seasoning.
What tastes like Italian seasoning? ›
Honestly, if you have those two then you've got yourself a great substitute.
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon of basil + ½ teaspoon of oregano. ...
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of dried basil and thyme. ...
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning = ½ teaspoon dried basil.
Italian seasoning by McCormick & Company, Inc. belong to 'Seasoning Mixes, Salts, Marinades & Tenderizers' food category.
Is Italian dressing seasoning the same as Italian seasoning? ›
Is Italian seasoning the same as Italian dressing mix? No, not really. They are similar in that they contain many of the same spices, but the Italian dressing mix will contain a lot of sugar that you won't find in any Italian seasoning.
Are Italian seasoning and oregano the same? ›
Italian seasoning and oregano are not the same thing. Oregano is one of many ingredients in Italian seasoning, however. This means that you can use Italian seasoning as an alternative to oregano if you have that on hand. Italian seasoning is typically a blend of herbs like oregano, parsley, thyme, and marjoram.
