Easy homemade Italian seasoning made with simple herbs. Fresh, customizable, and delicious on pasta, veggies, meats, and more.

hand holding up jar of Italian seasoning

Every time I turn around, I run into a recipe that says “your favorite Italian seasoning.” I usually like to make my own spice blends, so I started experimenting with an Italian blend, and that’s how this homemade Italian seasoning was created.

Making it at home means I always know what’s in it, and it’s so much fresher and more flavorful. I love mixing my own blends, like my Greek Seasoning and Taco Seasoning, so it only made sense to create an Italian version, too. This simple blend comes together in about five minutes and adds that cozy, comforting Italian flavor to almost anything you cook.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Italian Seasoning Blend

It’s fresher and has more flavor than store-bought blends. A little goes a long way!
You control every ingredient, so there are no fillers or additives. This blend is naturally salt-free, giving you full control when seasoning dishes.
It takes less than five minutes to make from basic pantry herbs.
It’s entirely customizable for your taste.
It saves money compared to buying pre-mixed seasoning.
It keeps well for months when stored properly.
It’s an easy way to elevate weeknight meals with some big Italian flavor.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each herb brings something special to the mix. Together, these herbs make a flavorful, versatile blend that works with just about everything. You can find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the end of this post.

Dried Oregano: The heart of Italian seasoning. Warm, slightly peppery, and full of depth.

Parsley: Bright and clean, parsley lightens up the blend.

Basil: Sweet and aromatic, basil gives the seasoning that classic Italian flavor.

Marjoram: A gentle, floral herb that ties the flavors together.

Dried Rosemary: Woodsy and fragrant, rosemary adds a touch of savory richness.

Thyme: Earthy and balanced, thyme rounds out the mix.

Learn more with Virginia Tech’s comprehensive guide about growing, harvesting, drying, and using herbs.

How to Make Homemade Italian Seasoning

Step 1: Measure the Herbs: Measure each dried herb into a small bowl.

Step 2: Mix Thoroughly: Stir the herbs together until everything is evenly blended. If you prefer a finer texture, lightly crush them with a mortar and pestle or pulse them in a spice grinder a couple of times.

Step 3: Store Properly: Pour the mixture into an airtight jar or container. Label it and store it in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat. It will stay fresh for about six months.

This recipe makes about ¼ cup of seasoning, enough for several meals. It’s one of those simple homemade staples that adds a fresh, personal touch to your cooking.

What to Put It On

Once you have this seasoning on hand, you’ll find yourself using it constantly. One of my favorite ways to use this seasoning is on roasted chicken breasts, but there are so many delicious ways to use it! Here are some other suggestions:

Pasta Dishes: Add it to sauces, or even olive oil and garlic pasta.
Pizza: Sprinkle it over your pizza before baking for an extra burst of flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss with olive oil and seasoning before roasting.
Soups and Stews: Stir into tomato-based soups or hearty minestrone.
Meats and Seafood: Rub it on chicken, pork, or fish before cooking.
Salad Dressings: Whisk into olive oil and vinegar for a quick Italian vinaigrette – another one of my favorite ways to use it!

Flavor Variations (Optional Ingredients)

Everyone’s idea of Italian seasoning is a little different, so feel free to play with it and make it your own. Here are a few ways to change things up:

Spicy Italian Blend: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. We really like a little spice!
Garlic Lover’s Mix: Stir in a teaspoon of garlic powder for bold flavor.
Zesty Lemon Blend: Add a bit of dried lemon zest for a bright, fresh twist.
Herby Mediterranean Mix: Add a touch of dill or mint for a lighter, summery flavor.

Experiment with small batches until you find your favorite combination.

Tips for the Best Italian Seasoning

Use quality herbs and spices: The fresher your dried herbs, the better your seasoning will taste. Replace any that have lost their color or aroma. Fresh herbs are not recommended if you are backing a batch to keep on hand.
Dried Rosemary: You’ll need to chop or grind up the rosemary so it blends evenly with the finer herbs in the mix.
Adjust to taste: Love basil? Add more. Prefer a stronger rosemary flavor? Go for it. Make it your own.
Make a double batch: If you cook often, double or triple the recipe so you always have some ready to go.
Use whole herbs when possible: If your herbs are in large pieces, crush them lightly before mixing to release more flavor.
Keep it fresh: Store your blend in an airtight container on your spice rack or cabinet, in a dry place to avoid moisture. It should last up to 6 months, but you’ll probably use it much sooner.

Once you start making your own Italian seasoning, you’ll never look at that grocery store kind the same way again. It’s fresh, easy, and full of flavor that tastes like home.

If you try this Italian seasoning, let me know in the comments how you used it!

With Love and Flavor

homemade italian seasoning in mortar and pestle

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