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!  

Homemade Italian seasoning in a glass jar.

Easy seasoning blend!

I’m always looking for ways to make dinner easier. Enter my homemade Italian seasoning, perfect for so many Italian recipes, like pollo alla pizzaiola, creamy chicken pesto pasta, stuffed portobello mushrooms, pasta sauce, pizza, baked chicken, halibut, or even sprinkled onto tomato bruschetta

Having spice blends at the ready makes weeknight cooking easy! Instead of spending ages hunting through your spice rack for the right combination of herbs, simply grab a jar of this boldly flavored homemade Italian seasoning.

Homemade Italian seasoning is easy to make, and it’s a good way to consolidate and use up the last little bit in your jars of dried herbs and spices. It’s also easy to store and can last up to 6 months. To make Italian seasoning at home, simply combine dried herbs like parsley, oregano, rosemary and other spices in a small bowl or a mason jar, then seal the jar and keep it away from light and heat. 

Table of Contents
  1. Easy seasoning blend!
  2. What is in Italian seasoning?
  3. How to make Italian seasoning
  4. How to use homemade Italian seasoning
  5. How to store homemade Italian Seasoning
  6. Feel like cooking? Try these great recipes! 
  7. Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
labeled ingredients for Italian seasoning including thyme, basil, parsley, marjoram, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.

What is in Italian seasoning?

To make this recipe super affordable, I buy everything in bulk from grocery stores, health food stores, or online.

I used the traditional dried herbs here, but I also added 2 optional ingredients that I think make this Italian seasoning blend extra special and extra flavorful. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:

  • Dried basil: Basil has a distinct flavor, with hints of anise and mint. 
  • Dried thyme: Thyme is a robust, earthy herb. 
  • Dried rosemary: Dried rosemary tastes piney and peppery.
  • Dried marjoram: Similar to oregano, marjoram is a bit more delicate and also a little sweeter.
  • Dried parsley: Dried parsley is much more subtle than its fresh counterpart, but still adds some earthiness and a bit of pepperiness. 
  • Dried oregano: Strong and pungent, oregano is quite a spicy dried herb.  
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): I love red pepper flakes for a nice kick. I only use a teaspoon, so the blend does not become too spicy. Rather, the heat is very mild, and complements the other herbs. 
  • Garlic powder (optional): Everyone knows how I feel about garlic in all its forms! So, of course, I’m using it in this blend! Garlic powder is sweet and savory, lacking the sharp taste of raw fresh garlic. It plays well with the earthy dried herbs in this recipe.   
Close up of Italian seasoning in a jar with a spoon.

How to make Italian seasoning

Making Italian seasoning could not be easier! Simply gather all the ingredients and mix them together in a small bowl. I like using either a fork or a little whisk to really get everything mixed well. 

Then, carefully pour everything into a small glass jar. I prefer glass to plastic here. Plastic retains odors, and you might not be able to use the container for anything else if you decide to use plastic for this seasoning!

This recipe yields about ½ cup of Italian seasoning, so keep that in mind when finding a jar or container. 

Tip: Glass or plastic to store spice blends?

Glass jars are the best!

Plastic containers absorb odors especially when ingredients are stored in them for a long time, which makes plastic more suitable for last night’s leftovers and glass better for long-term spice storage.

How to use homemade Italian seasoning

Italian seasoning is one of those “do it all” blends that can add wonderful flavor to so many things! Don’t feel like you can only use it in Italian recipes, either: It’s great in any dish that could use some oomph. Here are some ideas for how to use it:

How to store homemade Italian Seasoning

Spice blends with dried herbs stay fresh for a long time! I’m talking several months! To ensure your Italian seasoning lasts as long as possible, store it in a glass jar with a tight lid for up to 6 months. 

Keep it away from light and heat, so a dark pantry or cupboard is ideal. I know, though, that having spices within reach on the kitchen counter is super convenient. If you decide to do this, try to keep the blend as far away from the stove as possible so it maintains its flavor and aroma for longer. 

You’ll know when your blend has reached the end of its life when it no longer has the pungent, mouth-watering aromas that you should notice the instant you open up the jar. 

Feel like cooking? Try these great recipes! 

Browse All Mediterranean Recipes.

Visit Our Shop.

4.97 from 30 votes

Homemade Italian Seasoning

Suzy Karadsheh
Homemade Italian seasoning in a glass jar.
This homemade Italian seasoning is SO easy, you'll wonder why you ever bought it at the store. Learn what's in Italian seasoning and how to make it! No need to use this spice blend exclusively in Italian recipes, either. It adds oomph to whatever it touches! This recipe yields about 1/2 cup Italian seasoning, or 8 tablespoons. You can double the recipe to make more.
Prep – 2 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian
Serves – 8 tablespoons
Course:
Condiment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional

Instructions
 

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the dried herbs including basil, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, parsley, and oregano. Add red pepper flakes, and garlic powder if using. Mix to combine.
  • Transfer the homemade Italian seasoning to a jar and tightly close the lid.

Video

Notes

  • How to use Italian seasoning: So many options here! Try it in pasta sauce, on garlic bread, with chicken, or with fish
  • How to store homemade Italian seasoning: Store in a glass jar in a dry, dark place (like an unheated pantry). It will keep for about 6 months. 
  • Visit Our Shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients including extra virgin olive oils and spices. 

Nutrition

Calories: 10kcalCarbohydrates: 2.3gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 6.7mgPotassium: 55.2mgFiber: 1.3gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 150.9IUVitamin C: 0.9mgCalcium: 52.8mgIron: 1.9mg
Tried this recipe?

Share it with the world

Get our best recipes and all Things Mediterranean delivered to your inbox.
4.97 from 30 votes (19 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How many stars would you give this recipe?




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Gwen Hindhaugh says:

    Have just joined your site, extremely pleased with what you offer. Many thanks Aussie. GH

    1. TMD Team says:

      Welcome to The Mediterranean Dish, Gwen! So happy to have you here!

  2. Kiko says:

    5 stars
    Once I cooked it was over quickly :). now I’ve upgraded by filleting and drying and pounding (as flakes) garlic and red onion. The aroma is indescribable.

  3. Karie says:

    How much would equal a package of seasoning? thanks

  4. Rosalind says:

    5 stars
    Very convenient and you don’t have to buy individual one

  5. Ruth says:

    5 stars
    What is 10kcal ?
    Delicious soup- I ended up adding some cumin coriander and a tiny bit of smoked paprika as well as a squeeze of lemon because I only had balsamic vinegar which didn’t give it the brightness I was looking for. These spices plus the Italian, all used conservatively brought the flavor to a new place. I blended 2 cups to thicken it- really nice in this rainy weather!! Lots left for today

  6. Amanda S says:

    5 stars
    This is a really good recipe for Italian seasoning. Tasted great in my vegan goulash!

  7. Betty McCommon says:

    4 stars
    Excited to make some. I have an abundance of fresh herbs I can dry to use. Will make great gifts.

    1. TMD Team says:

      That is going to taste fantastic, Betty!

  8. Christine Gabriel says:

    LOve your recipes…..and the cookbook! I was rather surprised not to find fresh herbs used for the homemade Italian seasoning, is there a particular reason for this?
    I try to grow a slection of herbs, at least during the summer, and chop and use when possible, leaving the dried herbs available for winter etc.
    Perhaps it’s because they wouldn’t keep?
    Would the taste of either one be better do you think, my sense of taste is sadly not as good as I’d like.
    Cheers, and thankyou again for all th cooking inspiration you encourage.
    Chris

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Christine. We used dry herbs here so the seasoning mix would keep longer.

    2. Aleesha Garcia says:

      Fresh herbs have too much moisture and will mold when stored.

    3. Shirley says:

      You can dehydrate your fresh herbs and use them instead of buying

  9. Bhawana says:

    what can I use as a substitute for Marjoram? As it is difficult to find it where I live.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hello! Marjoram is very close in flavor to oregano, so you could just add a bit more of that, as well as more of the other spices in the recipe to make up for the loss of the marjoram.

  10. Gareth Jones says:

    5 stars
    I have mixed these spices today ready for use with my Italian dishes the smell is absolutely beautiful this will be used this weekend when my children come to visit thank you.

  11. Joy says:

    5 stars
    Much better than store-bought!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Yesss! Thanks, Joy!

  12. Cate says:

    5 stars
    Awesome recipe. Why on earth would I buy Italian seasoning from a store when I can make yours?
    Grazie

    1. TMD Team says:

      Right!?! Thanks, Cate!

  13. Kathi says:

    5 stars
    Hi! I’m looking for a good seasoning mix for homemade spaghetti and your recipe sounds amazing. But, my question is, do you grind the herbs before or after you measure them?

    Thank you so much!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Kathi. The are purchased pre-ground. If you dry your own herbs, then, yes, grind them here before measuring.

  14. Bruce says:

    5 stars
    Hi Suzy,

    I just came across your site. Everything looks delicious!

    I can’t wait to try your baked cod recipe and your baba ganoush!

    Thank you for sharing your treasures with us!

    1. Suzy says:

      It’s my pleasure, Bruce! Hope you enjoy the recipes you try!

  15. Lee says:

    5 stars
    Suzy, your the BEST ,🥰

    1. Suzy says:

      Awwww! Thank you, Lee!