These homemade spice blends are an easy way to add bold flavour to vegan meals. With 12 versatile seasoning mixes to choose from, you'll have everything you need to transform vegetables, tofu, soups, sauces, and more.
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Why You Will Love These Homemade Blends
If you ever find yourself reaching for the same few seasonings every time you cook, it might be time to build your own collection of homemade spice blends. Making your own seasoning mixes is an easy way to add more flavour to your meals, customize them to your taste, and know exactly what ingredients are going into your food.
From warming Cajun and chilli blends to classic Italian seasoning and an all-purpose mix you'll want to sprinkle on everything, these homemade spice blends are simple to make and incredibly versatile. Whether you're seasoning roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, sauces, or your favourite vegan meals like our vegan lentil ragu, these blends are a great way to make everyday cooking more delicious.
Below, you'll find a full list of ingredients for 12 blends that we've tested in our own kitchens at We Made This Vegan. We're offering this A4 document as a free printable download so that you can easily keep these blends on hand.
Now, let's explore these amazing homemade spice blends in detail and discuss how they can revolutionize your vegan cooking!
Why Make Your Own Seasonings?
Complete Control Over Ingredients
Store-bought spice blends can contain much salt, preservatives, and other additives. By making your own seasoning blends, you decide what goes into them-be it extra cayenne pepper for a little heat, or substituting a pinch of white pepper for a milder flavor.
Cost-Effective
Buying bulk spices from thrive market or local grocery stores is an easy way to save money. Though it might seem like a hefty initial investment, you'll realize quickly that you can blend so many jars of own spices without spending much money in the long run. Plus, you can do away with single-use plastic packaging by using your own spice bottles or empty spice jars.
Personalization
If you love garam masala but want it more aromatic, or prefer your cajun seasoning with less heat, making your own blends gives you free rein. You can adapt each homemade blend to your favorite recipes. It's also a good idea if you have dietary preferences or allergies.
Increased Freshness
Ever bought a jar of seasoning from the store, only to realize it's been sitting there for ages? Making homemade spice mixes guarantees fresh spices, maximizing flavor. The best way to maintain that freshness is to store your blends in an airtight container in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Tips
Choose Whole Spices When Possible
Whenever you can, opt for whole spices-like cumin seeds, peppercorns, and bay leaf-and grind them yourself in a coffee grinder or dedicated spice grinder. Freshly ground spices have a fuller flavor, which is especially important in blends like garam masala or creole seasoning.
Proper Storage
Keep your homemade spice blends in an airtight container, like a small mason jar, in a dry place (such as a cupboard away from the stove or any heat source). Exposure to humidity, heat, and light shortens the shelf life of your blends.
Label and Date
It's a good idea to include the name and date of creation on each jar. While ground spices can lose potency over time, most will last several months to a year in ideal conditions.
Adjust to Taste
Don't hesitate to experiment. If you find a homemade seasoning mix too spicy, reduce the chili peppers or cayenne pepper. If you find it bland, add extra black pepper or garlic powder. Cooking is all about personal preference, and homemade means you can tweak each recipe to your liking.
Use Them for More Than Just Vegan Dishes
Sure, our focus is plant-based, but these blends can be used in any recipe-vegan or otherwise. For example, the dry rub for our BBQ seasoning can be used on tofu, but it also works wonders on pork chops (for non-vegans), or even a cauliflower steak. It's entirely up to you!
12 Homemade Spice Blend Recipes
Now, let's dive into each blend.
- Vegetable Seasoning
A tasty combination of thyme, rosemary, marjoram, nutmeg, pepper, basil, salt, and sage. This is excellent for roasted or sautéed vegetables and can even add depth to potato salad. - Pepper Seasoning
If you're a lover of bold flavor, this one's for you. It uses black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, brown sugar, and mustard powder-perfect for a mild dry rub on tofu or tempeh. - Cajun Seasoning
Classic cajun seasoning usually includes cayenne, paprika, garlic, onion, parsley, black pepper, and thyme. It's a staple in any kitchen that loves a little heat-amazing for taco Tuesdays or on roasted veggies for a hearty taco soup. - Chilli Seasoning
Similar but not identical to Cajun, this blend leans on chili powder, garlic, cumin, paprika, onion, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. It's essential for adding depth to chilis, stews, or bean burritos. - Jerk Seasoning
Jamaican-inspired, with cayenne pepper, onion, thyme, dried parsley, paprika, cinnamon, allspice, and more. This is the first thing you should consider if you enjoy pungent, warm flavors that pair well with sweet fruits like pineapple. - Italian Seasoning
Classic Italian flavors come together with basil, garlic powder, oregano, onion, parsley, rosemary, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. A must-have for pasta sauces, soups, and quick marinades. Even vegan turkey sandwiches benefit from a sprinkle. - Potato Seasoning
Featuring bay leaf, white pepper, salt, paprika, cardamom, and celery seed-ideal for roasted potatoes, but also a unique flavor twist for vegan "chicken" style seitan or tofu. - Seitan Seasoning
Typically includes brown sugar, salt, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. It's a handy dry rub for seasoning homemade seitan, allowing it to stand out in both texture and flavor. - All Purpose Seasoning
Sometimes called a purpose seasoning blend, it combines paprika, ground black pepper, salt, onion, garlic, coriander, oregano, dill, and red pepper flakes. It's terrific on everything, from soups to quick stir-fries, and is a great way to save time during the cooking process. - BBQ Seasoning
Relying on brown sugar, white sugar, salt, paprika, chili powder, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and cumin, this is basically a dry rub for all your barbecue needs-vegan or otherwise. - Ranch Seasoning
Think tangy and herby. This blend includes dried parsley, onion, dried minced onion, garlic, dried chives, dried dill, salt, and black pepper. Mix it with vegan mayo for a quick ranch dip or dressing. - Curry Seasoning
This includes ground ginger, black pepper, chili powder, coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and mustard seeds. Similar to garam masala, it's a must for Indian-inspired dishes, from chickpea curries to warming lentil soups.
Ways to Use Homemade Seasonings
Topping for Veggies
Drizzle vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle on your favorite homemade blend before roasting. For instance, cajun seasoning on sweet potatoes or steak seasoning (vegan version) on mushrooms.
Marinade Base
Whisk together any blend with olive oil, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and a dash of salt. This is a quick, flavorful marinade for tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
Spread for Sandwiches
Mix your chosen blend with vegan butter or vegan mayo to create a flavorful spread. Italian seasoning or an all purpose seasoning can add extra zing to your favorite sandwich.
Soups, Stews & Chilis
Don't underestimate the power of a homemade taco seasoning in your vegan chili or taco soup. A creole seasoning can be the hero of a hearty gumbo, and a pumpkin pie spice can jazz up a sweet potato soup.
DIY Gifts
Need a last minute gift? Combine your own seasoning mixes in a cute jar, label it, and give it away. Nothing says "I care" like diy gifts of homemade spice jars, especially around the holidays.
Ice Cream
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a mild spice blend like pumpkin pie spice to homemade vegan ice cream for a cozy flavor twist.
More DIY Seasoning Blend Ideas
- Poultry Seasoning: While it's traditionally used for poultry, vegans can use this fragrant mix of sage, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, nutmeg, and black pepper in stuffing and roasted vegetables.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: A combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and salt. Sprinkle it on avocado toast, salads, or roasted vegetables for a crunchy, savory boost.
- Garam Masala: Use whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, and cardamom, then grind them for the freshest taste. This blend is a staple in Indian cuisine, perfect for curries and rice dishes.
Storing Your Blends
- Containers: Use empty spice jars or reused glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Label them clearly.
- Shelf Life: Ground spices typically keep their potency for 6-12 months; whole spices can last longer.
- Placement: Keep jars in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Refilling: If you buy from bulk bins, it's easy to refill your jars regularly, ensuring fresh spices every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Make My Blends Less Spicy?
Adjust the quantities of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or black pepper. You can also balance heat with something sweet like brown sugar or a mild herb blend.
Are These Blends Gluten-Free?
Yes, assuming the bulk spices you use are gluten-free. Always double-check labels to ensure no cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or sensitivity.
What If I Don't Have a Spice Grinder?
You can use a coffee grinder (dedicated to spices only) or even a mortar and pestle for a more traditional approach.
Can I Make Larger Batches?
Absolutely! A great way to streamline your cooking process is to make big batches of your favorite spice blends-just be mindful of storing them in an airtight container and keeping track of freshness.
Can I Reduce the Salt?
Yes. One of the best parts of making your own seasoning blends is controlling the salt content. Feel free to omit or reduce salt if needed.
Final Thoughts
These 12 homemade spice blend recipes are just the beginning. As you experiment, you'll find new ways to develop and customize your own blends, making each dish uniquely yours. You might even find a new favorite spice combination you never considered before. Don't forget to check out our free printable for an easy recipe reference and keep these instructions in your spice cabinet.
Whether you're a seasoned (pun intended) cook or it's your first time venturing into making own seasoning mixes, starting with these blends is the perfect way to explore a world of flavor. Skip the store-bought spice blends, experiment with simple ingredients, and enjoy the difference that real, fresh spices can make in your favorite dishes-vegan or otherwise.
Once you taste the difference, you'll never want to go back to typical store-bought blends. Not only will you save much money, but you'll also avoid extra fillers and additives. Plus, you'll have a constant supply of thoughtful diy gifts for friends and family. Throw in a bottle of homemade vanilla extract for a sweet finishing touch, and you'll have the ultimate gift basket ready at a moment's notice.
So go ahead-gather your jars of spices, grab a spice grinder if you have whole spices, and begin crafting your own path to flavor town. You might even wind up with an entire pantry dedicated to your own spices-and that's not a bad thing at all. Happy blending, and bon appétit!
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