Homemade Italian Seasoning

• Oregano: Dried oregano has a strong, camphor-like aroma and a bold, slightly bitter flavor with earthy, green, hay, and minty notes. Its astringent mouthfeel adds depth and balances sweeter herbs like basil in the blend.
• Marjoram: Dried marjoram has a mild, sweet flavor with fresh, woody, citrusy, and floral notes. It’s less bitter than oregano, adding a subtle complexity.
• Basil: Dried basil adds subtle notes of anise, mint, pepper, and a hint of sweetness.
• Parsley: Dried parsley has a mild, clean taste with earthy, grassy notes and hints of mint and citrus, adding freshness and balance
• Thyme: Dried thyme has an earthy flavor balanced with citrus, mint, and woody floral notes. It adds a peppery, sweet taste with a hint of clove, bringing depth and complexity to the blend.
• Rosemary: Dried rosemary has a strong, earthy, woodsy flavor with hints of pine, citrus, pepper, and mint. Its intense taste adds depth, so I use smaller amounts.

See the recipe card below for all ingredients and measurements (US and metric).

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe for Italian seasoning is easy to customize! Try these delicious additions:

• Savory: Dried savory is most common in store-bought products. It has an earthy, subtle flavor with notes of marjoram, thyme, and mint. Feel free to add it if it’s available at the market.
• Sage: Try adding dried sage to the seasoning. It has an earthy, herbal flavor with a slightly peppery taste and hints of mint, eucalyptus, and lemon. Add a small amount to start, as the taste is strong.
• Alliums: Add garlic powder or onion powder for a roasted allium note. I often add them separately in Italian dishes, which is why it’s not included in the recipe.
• Make it Spicy: Red pepper flakes add a lingering heat to the seasoning. Add ¼ teaspoon to start, and increase to the desired capsaicin level. This is great if you prefer spicier sauces, dips, or proteins.
• Add Salt and Pepper: If you want to use Italian seasoning mix to flavor food, add kosher or sea salt to the blend. Add black pepper for a mild heat. Add about ¼ to ½ teaspoon, adjusting to the desired flavor level as needed.

Step 1: Combine the Herbs 
Combine dried oregano, marjoram, basil, parsley, thyme, and rosemary in a small bowl.

Mixing these dried herbs at home gives you more control over the flavor profile than buying store-bought versions.

Pro Tip: Each dried herb has a distinct shape—parsley is bulkier, and rosemary has a needle-like texture. You can gently crush the herbs with your hands to create a more uniform blend that’s easier to sprinkle. Be careful not to break them down too much; you don’t want a fine powder. If you’re using a measuring spoon to portion the herbs, there’s no need to break them up. Keep the herbs whole for the best texture.

Step 2: Store

You can immediately use the Italian seasoning for your dish or store it in an airtight container. I prefer to store it in a small glass jar, similar to the ones the herbs or other spice blends are sold in. That way, it will stay fresh for a longer time, about 6 months, in a cool, dark, and dry area of the kitchen.

Expert Tip: Storing your herbs in a glass jar is one of the best ways to keep them fresh and flavorful. Glass is non-reactive, meaning it won’t absorb or alter the delicate aromas of the herbs. Plus, it creates an airtight seal that protects them from moisture and air exposure, which can cause them to lose their potency. It’s also super easy to clean and doesn’t retain any lingering odors, so your herbs stay fresh.

Ways to Use Italian Seasoning

Now that you’ve mastered the best Italian seasoning recipe, here are some delicious ways to use it to elevate your dishes:

• Pasta Sauces: Stir it into marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, or any tomato-based sauce for an extra flavor boost.
• Meat: It’s a stable ingredient in my Italian meatball recipe. You could also use ground turkey or chicken.
• Breading: Combine the Italian seasoning blend with homemade bread crumbs to make a coating for chicken Milanese.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss your veggies in olive oil and Italian seasoning before roasting for a savory herb crust. Try my roasted mushrooms.
• Marinades: Add it to chicken marinade or steak marinade to infuse the meat with aromatic flavors.
• Homemade pizza: Sprinkle it on your pizza dough or sauce to give your pie a classic Italian taste.
• Soups and stews: Stir it into broths for a warm, comforting herbal flavor like in my minestrone recipe.
• Garlic Bread: Mix Italian seasoning into butter or olive oil and brush it over bread before toasting for the perfect herbed garlic bread.
• Salad dressings: Whisk it into vinaigrettes or creamy dressings for an easy way to add herbaceous notes. I always add it to my Italian dressing or Italian pasta salad.

More Seasoning Recipes

Sauces & Condiments

Homemade Taco Seasoning

7 mins

Cooking 101

Ranch Seasoning

5 mins

Sauces & Condiments

Hamburger Seasoning

5 mins

Sauces & Condiments

Cajun Seasoning

10 mins

If you tried this Italian Seasoning Recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!