There are certain spice mixes I use over and over. But when I look at the commercial packets, I get a little scared. How can I know what’s in there? My gluten-free friend might be coming over…is this taco seasoning okay to use? There’s really only one way to know what’s in it…make it yourself!
And if it’s part of a recipe you make often, pre-making multiple batches can help you save time when you’re cooking, too. Let’s get you started with some of my favorites. (Title of each links to its recipe where possible.)
Homemade Taco Seasoning (ratio recipe)
I’m originally from Texas so I eat taco seasoning like nobody’s business! And this recipe is so easy, I have it memorized…equal parts of everything but the cayenne. You can make it extra spicy or not as hot…you get to choose. If you’re using in a recipe that calls for a commercial packet, that’s about 2 Tbsp. But make a bunch to have it ready whenever you are! (Check out my use of the Taco version under Skillets here)
Cajun Seasoning
Of course, I use this in its original recipe with shrimp, potatoes and peppers. But while I was on the Whole30, I found most Cajun spice blends aren’t compliant. And I loved this one which WAS compliant! So, it became my “go to” Cajun seasoning. Now I keep a small jar of it made up and use liberally whenever I want that Cajun kick!
Dry -Rubbed Grilled Steak Seasoning
Oddly enough, this Texan never cooked steak at home…until I found this recipe. Unfortunately, I can’t find it on the web, but you can find it on page 360 of the Whole30 Book on Amazon. One of just many jewels you’ll find in that book!
Easy Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
My family loves ranch, but since it traditionally includes dairy products, I had to investigate making it myself and found this recipe. Not sure if Erin has changed her recipe over the years or whether I simply wrote it down wrong (worse things have happened), but I use only 1/3 c homemade W30 mayo, ¼ cup coconut milk, and 1 Tbsp mix to make my dressing. Of course, you can use the dressing in a multitude of settings, but the mix itself can be used in any recipe calling for a packet of ranch dressing mix (this recipe makes the equivalent of one packet).
Pumpkin Pie Spice
I get the Best Customer mailings from Kroger and a year or two ago, one of the booklets included a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice Nut Mix. Wanting to try it but no pumpkin pie spice itself in the house, I got on Allrecipes.com to find a recipe. I’ve been making my own spice mix ever since!
Unfortunately, I can’t find this recipe on the site any more, so I will include it here. This makes enough spice for one pie. If you’re making nut mix or just wanting to add 1 or 2 tsp with a heaping Tblsp of pumpkin pureé to oatmeal in the fall, you’ll need to double or triple the batch…SOOO good!
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp cloves
Which will you make first?
Many more spice mix ideas out there to make at home, but these are my favorites that I keep made up all the time. Which one inspired you enough to get up and make it right now? Let me know in the comments below. And share your favorite uses for these as well!
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I plan on trying the cajun one this weekend! Love these!
Yay! Let me know how you like it!