Pre-made spice blends at the grocery store make cooking easier but they tend to be pricey. Did you know you can mix up your own taco seasonings for pennies on the dollar compared with the cost of a pre-made packet? Plus, you can control the spiciness or salt to what you like.

Use dry herbs and spices that you’ve bought recently. Dried herbs and spices don’t go bad, but they do lose their flavor over time. Before creating a blend, make sure your ingredients are still fragrant and vibrant in color. If you’re using whole spices and herbs, grind them in a clean coffee grinder for maximum flavor. Store leftover spice blends in a tightly sealed container and label it. Once it’s gone restock and keep cooking! Feel free to tinker with blends based on your taste – the possibilities are endless. Save this guide and add a tablespoon or two the next time you need a spice blend for a dish.

Taco Seasoning

Try it in chili, tacos, burgers, or a steak marinade.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp. chipotle powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. cumin
• ¾ tsp. garlic powder
• ¾ tsp. sweet paprika
• ¼ tsp. oregano

Everything Bagel Seasoning

This works on everything! Try with eggs or avocado toast.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. poppy seeds
• 1 tbsp. dried minced garlic
• 1 tbsp. dried minced onion
• 1 tbsp. toasted white sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp. flaky sea salt

Cajun Spice Mix

This is often used in jambalaya and gumbo or rubbed on a protein before grilling or over oven-baked fries.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. sweet or smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 ½ tsp. dried thyme
• 1 heaping tsp. of cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder

Italian Bread

Add to sauces, meatballs, or rub on a protein.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. dried basil
• 1 tbsp. dried parsley
• 1 tbsp. dried oregano
• 1 ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1 tsp. dried minced lemon peel (optional for brightness)
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper

Shawarma Seasoning

Traditionally “shawarma” refers to a style of cooking meat on a split. This take on the blend is warm and savory for the meat.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 tbsp. ground coriander
• 1 tbsp. sweet paprika
• 2 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. turmeric
• 1 ¼ tsp. granulated garlic
• 1 tsp. cardamom
• 1 tsp ground cloves