DIY Homemade Spice Blends
Introducing……….
When I am cooking, I usually have 1 or 2 kids at my feet talking to me, or needing something. This makes for some slightly distracted cooking, which is why I really like to simplify the cooking process. If I can cut back on the measuring, number of ingredients, steps then it makes my cooking experience so much better. These spice blends are meant to do exactly that! Make these once and use them over and over. Instead of measuring out individual ingredients, you can use these mixes in a variety of dishes. Once in the jar, these mixes will keep for 3 months. Some other reasons that making your own spice mixes are a good idea:
- You have control over the ingredients. A lot of store packets add fillers which can be a problem if you have allergies, and also have a lot of sodium.
- You can save money. If you buy spices in bulk, these mixes are much less expensive that buying the store packets.
- Involve your kids and teach them about different flavors and spices.
Marinara Mix: This can be used to make spaghetti, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, pizza, and a variety of Italian dishes.
To make spaghetti sauce:
Taco Mix: Use for Tacos, 7 layer bean dip, sprinkle on homemade fries, or even use in Chili!
Ranch Mix: Use as a dip, salad dressing, as a sandwich spread, or sprinkle on popcorn!
A great place to buy herbs in bulk is Mountain Rose Herbs. They sell quality certified organic herbs and spices at reasonable prices. Making your own spices mixes is a great way to not only save you time and money, but also to involve your kids in the process. It is fun to measure and pour for the kids, and they can taste things along the way to learn about new flavors! Hope you enjoy!
Natalie Monson
I'm a registered dietitian, mom of 4, avid lover of food and strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you will find lots of delicious recipes full of fruits and veggies, tips for getting your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters and lots of resources for feeding your family.
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Love it!!! Will have to try these. I would love to make my own taco seasoning.
How long do the spices generally last in mason/spice jars?
3 months to be safe – especially for the Ranch. For the others I would say up to 6 months.
Thank you so much, I’m sure will used this recipes.
The buttermilk powder I buy should be refrigerated after opening.
How long do you suppose these cold be frozen for?
I have never used a packet to make marinara. Do I just add tomato sauce to the seasoning? Ratio? I am excited to try these! Thanks so much!
I am going to try these. I will be storing my Ranch Mix in the fridge because the dry buttermilk that I use needs to stay refrigerated. I would recommend that you read your dry buttermilk label.
Looks good! What do you mix with the ranch mixture to make salad dressing?
For the marinara mix you have Italian Seasoning. My jar has all of the remaining ingredients you have listed. So why not just use that instead of adding more of the same, including more salt?
1 Tbsp ranch mix, 1/2 cup mayo or Greek yogurt, and 1/2 cup milk
Probably up to a year.
Three 8 ounce cans of tomato sauce, one 6 ounce can of tomato paste, 2 3/4 cups of tomato juice or water, 1/3 cup mix, and if you like it chunky a can of diced tomatoes without the juice, or a few fresh tomatoes diced. Simmer for 30 minutes.
You could certainly do that!
Thanks so much!
the taco seasoning is disgusting. I tried it today and had to make something else because I almost puked trying the meat with the ‘taco seasoning’. So disappointing. what a waste.
Is there something specific you didn’t like about it? This is very similar to traditional taco seasoning, do you not like that flavor? We do test our recipes and want to make sure they are the best they can be 🙂
For the Ranch have you ever tried using plain yogurt? I am guessing it would taste pretty similar. I am excited to make these, thank you for sharing!
can i use regular powdered milk, i don’t have powdered buttermilk?
Should work fine 🙂
Yes, I actually usually use plain yogurt. Tastes great!
I would like to try the Ranch Dip, have you suggestion for a dairy-free option for the buttermilk? My daughter has a dairy-allergy.
I would like to try the Ranch Dip, have you suggestion for a dairy-free option for the buttermilk? My daughter has a dairy-allergy.
When your recipes call for one packet of Ranch, how much of this homemade recipe would that be?
I always use 2 tablespoons.
I don’t have anything Kim, but we do have a dairy free ranch dip here: https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes-blog/garden-party-dairy-free-ranch-dip-recipe.php
We tried the ranch and thought it was very good, but for some reason it didn’t get thick. Did we do something wrong?
I prefer to use fresh buttermilk in my ranch. If I made this mix workout the dried buttermilk, do you know how much fresh buttermilk I should use instead? I’d also omit the milk. If you omit the dried buttermilk would the dry mix last longer? Thanks!
I have a dairy free daughter. All you need to do is omit the buttermilk. then the seasoning is just fine. Add what ever dairy free alternative you use. I personally use coconut milk and plain coconut yogurt mixed with mayo. You can add a little bit of apple cider vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a minute to give it a buttermilk flavor. 🙂
Thanks for posting these to help moms save money and learn that there are options other than msg packets. I feel that not everyone will like these nor will they work for everyone but blatant insults and rudeness should not be on this forum. I think that simple opinions are necessary to make things better but hurtful comments should be avoided.
Thinking the spices might last longer if stored in jars in the freezer or vacuumed sealed.
Hmmm – not sure on that. Next time you make it possibly add less liquid.
Definitely!
I’m not sure how the substitution ratio would work out because I have only tried it using the specific ratios in this recipe. I would assume you could just add more fresh buttermilk when you are making it, but I could be wrong. If you try it, let us know!
I am making the marinara spice mix and ranch mix for gifts this year. I think adding garlic powder to the marinara sauce mix would be good, but I don’t want to over do it. Do you think 1 tsp per jar would be a good amount? Thanks for these recipes!
Hi! Do you have these on another page, maybe the recipes on a plain background . I just can’t read them. I know it’s my eyes, not your site, but some other sites I visit have a link to a “print” button somewhere on their page that leads to the recipe on a clean white page.
I am very interested in trying making these spice mixes for myself and husband, but I just can’t read them.
Love love your recipes. How do you make your Italian seasoning?
Thanks for making me a better cook.
I know this is an old post, but has anyone tried these without salt?
Was wondering if you have a chili mix seasoning recipe. Thank you’
Hi Bridget, I don’t think we’ve got one, but I found this promising recipe for homemade chili powder: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/homemade-chili-powder/
Wow, these recipes are so good! I will prepare at least some of these blends. Absolutely love it!
I know one great recipe for Italian seasoning, which I recommend as well!