6 Homemade Spice Mixes Everyone Should Have

These homemade spice mixes are great kitchen hacks that you can use to cut minutes off of your meal preparation time. If you have a few jars of homemade seasonings in your pantry, it makes cooking chicken and other meat a cinch because you'll already have your rub prepared. You can also use these spices to experiment with homemade sauces.

Whether you are cooking a meal or making your own homemade salad dressing, these spice mixed will serve you well. 

6 Homemade Spice Mixes Everyone Should Have

• Allspice
• Cajun Seasoning
• Italian Seasoning
• Ranch Mix
• BBQ Mix
• Taco Seasoning

1. Allspice
   Yield: 1 teaspoon
   
   
   
   If you ever run out of allspice, this simple spice mix recipe will ensure you can still make your recipe. Allspice is actually made up of three common spices: cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. 
   
   1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
   1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
   1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
    
2. Cajun Seasoning
   Yield: 1/4 cup
   
   
   
   This Cajun seasoning recipe makes a great chicken or salmon rub, and is a great recipe to have on hand if you want to make a spicy dish. If you don't want your food spicy, you can adjust the paprika and cayenne to taste. 
   
   1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
   1 tablespoon kosher salt
   1 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
   1 teaspoon garlic powder
   1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
   3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
   3/4 teaspoon cayenne
   3/4 teaspoon oregano (optional)
   
    
3. Italian Seasoning
   Yield: 1/4 cup
   
   
   
   If you're making a Mediterranean inspired pasta dish or chicken dinner, this Italian seasoning recipe is perfect. 
   
   1 tablespoon dried oregano
   2 teaspoons salt
   1 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
   1 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
   1 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
   1 teaspoon white sugar
   1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
   1/4 teaspoon celery salt
   1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
   1 teaspoon dried basil
    
4. Ranch Mix
   Yield: approx. 1/4 cup
   
   
   
   This ranch mix makes a good seasoning, and it's perfect if you want to make homemade ranch dressing. 
   
   2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
   1 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
   1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   1 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
   1/4 teaspoon basil flakes
   1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    
5. BBQ Mix
   Yield: approx. 2 tablespoons
   
   
   
   This BBQ seasoning mix is extremely versatile and is great for the grill. You can use it as a rub, or to make your own sauce dressing. 
   
   1 tablespoon smoked paprika
   1 teaspoon sea salt
   1 teaspoon ground black pepper
   1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   1/2 teaspoon ground sage
   1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
   1/4 teaspoon allspice
   1/4 teaspoon chili powder
    
6. Taco Seasoning
   Yield: 2.5 tablespoons
   
   
   
   Taco seasoning is the perfect homemade hack. You won't have to rely on seasoning packets, and you can adjust the spices according to your taste. If you use pepper flakes, you may want to mix it in the food processor for 15-20 seconds in order to break them up.
   
   1 tablespoon chili powder
   1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   1/4 teaspoon onion powder
   1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or crushed cayenne
   1/2 teaspoon paprika
   1 teaspoon kosher salt
   1 teaspoon black pepper
   1/4 teaspoon oregano
   1 teaspoon black pepper