All Purpose Seasoning

I’ve been using this all purpose seasoning blend for ages. For a long time, I mixed it up every time I needed to season something. Then I got smart and mixed up a big batch so there’s only one jar to grab. I modestly think it’s the best homemade all purpose seasoning mix.

I don’t know why it took me so long. I’ve been making my own seasoning mixes for years, starting with taco seasoning. Everyone else loved it so much that I posted a large batch taco seasoning which is 10 times the original amount (I did the math for you, you’re welcome very much). Another favorite is my steak seasoning.

Best All Purpose Seasoning

Similar to seasoned salt. A savory blend of herbs and spices, this all purpose seasoning mix is similar to popular brands of seasoned salt, like Lawry’s. Use it to season chicken, salmon, roasted vegetables, potatoes, soups, salads, you name it. It adds great flavor to whatever you cook.

All in one. You don’t need to open a bunch of spice jars to season your food if you have this seasoning recipe already combined. This blend contains salt and pepper, of course, but it also combines garlic, onion, flavorful paprika, and parsley. Its job is to enhance whatever you are cooking.

Make it your own. If you’ve used seasoned salt, this homemade mix is much the same but the advantage of making your own is that you can totally customize it. Make it your own special “house seasoning.” You can adapt it to fit.

All purpose. Roasting some chicken breasts? Sprinkle on a little of this seasoning first and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Your chicken will go from blah to great tasting. The seasoning can be used for salmon, or steak, or pork, whether it’s roasted, broiled, grilled, air fried, or baked. It adds a whole new dimension to potatoes and vegetables, too. You may want to double or triple this recipe once you’ve tried it. One of my favorite uses is this sheet pan dinner of baked chicken drumsticks with sweet potatoes, onions, and russet potatoes. This blend is truly all purpose!

Ingredient Notes

• Kosher Salt: You can use whatever salt you like but we like kosher salt because it is coarser.
• Garlic Powder: Use garlic powder, not garlic salt. There’s quite a big difference. Garlic powder is simply dehydrated garlic that is processed into powder form. If you use garlic salt, your blend will be way too salty.
• Onion Powder: The same goes for onion powder. Don’t substitute onion salt which is mostly salt. It can be a little confusing. Onion flakes, dried chopped or minced onion, or dehydrated onion are okay.
• Dried Parsley Flakes: While dried parsley doesn’t have as much flavor as fresh, the bits of green add visual appeal.
• Paprika: Use basic paprika. It is mild in flavor and won’t add heat to your blend. Smoked paprika or Hungarian paprika can be substituted but definitely start with less. They are much more potent in flavor.
• Ground Black Pepper: Use a coarse ground pepper if you can. If you only have fine ground pepper, you may want to use less.

How to make All Purpose Seasoning

You’ll need a small jar or bowl. If you have a spice jar that’s empty, refill it with this homemade seasoning salt and relabel it “My Famous House Seasoning”. You’ll feel happy and prepared every time you reach into the cupboard. Maybe you’ll want to leave it out on the counter because you’ll be reaching for it so often.

You can mix the ingredients in a small bowl but my preferred method is to just put them directly into a jar and shake it up. It’s a pretty easy formula: a tablespoon of each ingredient, except black pepper which is one and a half teaspoons.

For meat: To use this seasoning blend for chicken or other meats, sprinkle on the desired amount. I like to put some on both sides of the meat and rub it in a little bit. If you have a little extra time, let the meat set out for a few minutes to give the seasoning a chance to soak in.

Air fryer: I always use this blend for chicken made in my air fryer. Try air fryer chicken breasts, drumsticks, thighs, or wings.

For vegetables: To use this seasoning blend on roasted vegetables, add the desired amount to the vegetables along with the oil. Stir well and roast. It goes great on any kind of potatoes. You can season broccoli, cauliflower, squash, carrots, you name it.

For vinaigrette: If you like to make your own vinaigrette with oil and vinegar, add a bit of seasoning in proportion to the mix. A basic vinaigrette is one part vinegar to three parts oil. Begin there and season it to taste.

I’m sure you’ll be able to think of a thousand ways you can use this all purpose seasoning blend!

FAQs

Recipe Variations

• Make it salt-free. Some of you may be on a low sodium diet and are looking for ways to eliminate salt. By making your own blend, you can just leave the salt out. There’s plenty of flavor without it.
• Make it Mexican. Add a teaspoon of cumin and Mexican oregano. Substitute smoked paprika for the paprika if you like. Add a bit of cayenne pepper. This will make it similar to taco seasoning.
• Make it Italian. Add a teaspoon of dried basil, oregano, and a half teaspoon of thyme. Or, try our Italian seasoning.
• Other possible add-ins. Some add-ins you may want to experiment with: turmeric, coriander, dried dill, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, sugar, or celery seed.
• Omit an ingredient. Don’t care for one of the ingredients? Just leave it out!
• Make a double or triple batch.

Make-Ahead Ideas

An all purpose seasoning blend is an easy make ahead trick. If you have a jar of this on hand, you’ll be saving time every time you cook.

Storage Suggestions

Store in a tightly sealed jar or container. It will keep for up to six months or longer.