It's time to learn how to make taco seasoning at home. And as long as you're getting your DIY on, why not make yourself even more go-to homemade spice blends?
13 Copycat Spice Blends
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Hey, smart spender! All those packets you’re using on Taco Tuesdays really add up. Why not make your own? You’ll save money and time (no more last-minute trips to the store). Plus, you can adjust the flavors to your family’s tastes. Grab a few empty spice jars—make sure they’re dry!—and have fun mixing. Keep these amazing homemade spice blends on hand to help you make every day delicious.
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1. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Capture in pies, cookies, beverages and more.
Combine:
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place up to 6 months. Yield: about 2-1/2 Tbsp.
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2. Taco Seasoning
It’s the hero of Taco Tuesdays everywhere.
Combine:
1/4 cup chili powder
3 Tbsp. dried minced onion
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
2-1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. each dried oregano and ground cumin
1-1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. ground coriander
To use, add 1/4 cup mix and 3/4 cup water to 1 lb. cooked, drained ground meat. Boil; cook and stir 2 minutes. Yield: about 1 cup
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3. Salt-Free Herb Blend
A sprinkle of this Mrs. Dash copycat really perks up poultry, meat and vegetables.
Combine:
4 tsp. sesame seeds
2 tsp. each celery seed, dried marjoram, poppy seeds and coarsely ground pepper
1-1/2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. each onion powder and dried thyme
1/2 tsp. each garlic powder and paprika
Store in an airtight container up to 6 months. Yield: 1/3 cup
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6. Creole Seasoning
Add a little heat to classic Southern recipes like chicken, seafood, beef and veggies.
Combine:
2 Tbsp. plus 1-1/2 tsp. paprika
2 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 Tbsp. each salt, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper and pepper
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Yield: 1/2 cup
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7. Cajun Seasoning
We love this on Bayou staples like pork, chicken, seafood, steaks or vegetables. Try it on these Cajun recipes to make with the Holy Trinity.
Combine:
1 carton (26 ounces) salt
2 oz. cayenne pepper
1/3 cup pepper
1/3 cup chili powder
3 Tbsp. garlic powder
Store in airtight containers. Yield: about 3-1/2 cups
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8. Chinese Five Spice
Grab this to add deep warmth to Asian-inspired dishes.
Combine:
2 Tbsp. aniseed
2 Tbsp. fennel seed
2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp. whole cloves
2 Tbsp. whole peppercorns
Grind with a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle until mixture becomes a fine powder. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Yield: about 1/2 cup
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4. Seasoned Salt
Delish on turkey sandwiches, meatballs, roasted potatoes, fish—you name it!
Combine:
1/3 cup salt
1-1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1-1/2 tsp. celery seed
1-1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. ground mustard
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. Yield: about 1/2 cup
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5. Italian Seasoning
The go-to spice for pasta sauce, burgers, soups, salad dressings and much more. A pantry staple for sure.
Combine:
6 Tbsp. dried basil
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
1 Tbsp. dried marjoram
1 Tbsp. dried thyme
Yield: 10 Tbsp.
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9. Greek Seasoning
Make your meals taste like they’re straight from the Mediterranean.
Combine:
1-1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. each dried mint and thyme
1/2Â tsp. each dried minced onion, basil and marjoram
1/4 tsp. dried minced garlic
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 2 Tbsp.
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10. Curry Powder
Always be prepared for Indian or Thai Night.
Combine:
Seeds from 3 cardamom pods, ground
2 tsp. each ground coriander and cumin
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1/2 tsp. each chili powder and pepper
1/8 tsp. fennel seed
Grind until mixture becomes a powder. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year. Yield: 2 Tbsp.
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11. Tex-Mex Seasoning
Keep this handy for all of your favorite Southwestern dishes.
Combine:
2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
4 tsp. dried minced onion
4 tsp. chili powder
3 tsp. dried minced chives
3 tsp. ground cumin
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: about 6 Tbsp.
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12. Moroccan Spice Blend
Add a big pinch to stews, roasted veggies, chicken and other Moroccan-inspired recipes.
Combine:
2 tsp. each ground ginger, nutmeg and salt
1-1/4 tsp. ground allspice
1-1/2 tsp. each ground pepper, mace and cardamom
1 tsp. each ground cinnamon and turmeric
1/8 tsp. saffron threads or 1/2 tsp. additional turmeric
Store in an airtight container. Yield:Â about 1/4 cup
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13. Garam Masala
Give rich warmth to dishes like classic tikka masala with this magical garam masala blend.
Combine:
4 tsp. ground cumin
1-1/2 tsp. each ground coriander, cardamom and pepper
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. each ground nutmeg and dried chili flakes
Store in an airtight container. Yield: 3-1/2 Tbsp.
Next, take a look at these other recipes using garam masala.
