Blending your own seasonings at home is a great way to save money, and make your spice blends exactly how your family likes them. A store-bought seasoning packet usually costs about $1, but you can a mix up big batch of nearly any seasoning blend for less than $5-- saving you big bucks  throughout the year.

1. Taco Seasoning

Ingredients

1/4 cup dried minced onion
3 Tablespoons chili powder
2 Tablespoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper, to taste
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons oregano, crushed

Method

Adapted from VeggieConverter

2. Rotisserie Seasoning

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons kosher salt 
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning 
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

Method

Combine all spices and store in an airtight container. Makes about 1/2 cup. Use about 2 1/2 tablespoons of seasoning rub on a four-pound chicken, or use desired amount on chicken breasts or thighs. 

Adapted from CrockPot 365

3. Italian Seasoning

Ingredients

1/4 cup dried basil 
1/4 cup dried oregano 
1/4 cup dried marjoram 
1/4 cup dried rosemary
1/4 cup dried thyme

Method

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight shaker container.

4. Ranch Seasoning

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons dried parsley, crushed
1 Tablespoon dried dill
1 Tablespoon onion powder
1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes
1 Tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder 
3/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Method

Combine ingredients in food processor, process until pulverized. Store in airtight container. Combine with buttermilk or liquid whey for creaminess when using in recipes.

Adapted from Food

5. House Seasoning

Ingredients

2 cups parts kosher salt
1/2 cup black pepper
1/2 cup garlic powder

Method

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight shaker container. Use in place of plain salt for an extra seasoning kick.

Adapted from Paula Deen

6. Pumpkin Pie Spice

Ingredients

1/4 cup cinnamon
1 Tablespoon nutmet
1 Tablespoon ginger
1/2 Tablespoon ground cloves

Method

Use about 2 teaspoons for one pumpkin pie, or use to taste in oatmeal, pumpkin spice latte syrup or pumpkin quinoa.

7. Salt Substitute

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons dried basil
2 Tablespoon dried thyme
4 teaspoons onion powder
4 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
4 teaspoons ground cumin 
2 teaspoons garlic powder  
2 teaspoons ground mustard 
2 teaspoons paprika

Method

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight shaker container.

8. Chipotle Salt

Ingredients

2 teaspoons ground chipotle peppers (smoked jalapenos) 
1 cup kosher salt

Method

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight shaker container.

9. Citrus Salt

Ingredients

1/4 cup very finely minced lemon zest 
1/4 cup minced fresh rosemary
1/4 cup sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Method

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight shaker container in refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Adapted from Food Network

10. Curry

Ingredients

1 Tablespoon cumin 
1 Tablespoon cardamom 
1 Tablespoon coriander 
1/4 cup ground turmeric 
1 Tablespoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon cayenne

Method

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight shaker container. Or try the spice blend from this Kootu Curry recipe.

11. Garam Masala

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons cumin 
1 Tablespoon coriander
1 Tablespoon cardamom
1 Tablespoon ground pepper 
2 teaspoons cinnamon 
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Method

Mix ingredients and store in an airtight shaker container.

Looking for even more frugal tips? Ditch the boxed baking mixes with these 12 DIY baking mix recipes and 

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Image: TokyoFoodCast