4 DIY Spice Blends

Tired of buying expensive pre-made spice blends when you already have cupboards full of herbs and spices? These four homemade blends are quick, versatile, and a brilliant way to use up those half-empty jars hiding at the back of your pantry. Once you make these, you’ll never want to go back to supermarket versions again.

Serves: Makes 4 blends (each enough for multiple uses)
Prep time: 3-8 minutes per blend
Cook time: None
Total time: 15 minutes (to make all 4)
Special Equipment: Airtight jars or containers for storage

Let’s learn how to make it.

Each one brings something different, herby freshness, smoky depth, fiery heat, or warming aromatics. Keep them ready to sprinkle, rub, or stir into your everyday dishes.

Blend 1: The Everything Savoury Blend

A little like bagel seasoning, salty, herby, smoky, and versatile enough to sprinkle on roasted veggies, salads, fish, or even eggs.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp dried thyme

• 1 tbsp paprika (smoked if you have it)

• 1 tbsp onion & garlic salt (or use ½ tbsp onion powder + ½ tbsp garlic powder + a pinch of salt)

• 1 tbsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp onion seeds (optional)

• 1 tbsp fine salt (reduce if your onion/garlic salt is very strong)

Method

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.

2. Mix well and transfer to a clean, airtight jar.

3. Sprinkle on roasted vegetables, fish, salads, or anything that needs a punch of flavour.

Blend 2: The Spicy Fiesta Blend

Think taco seasoning, bright, zesty, smoky, and just the right kick of heat. Perfect for Mexican dishes, scrambled eggs, or even sprinkled over popcorn.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp ground coriander

• 1–2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)

• 2 tsp onion & garlic salt (or homemade substitute, see above)

• 1 tsp lemon sugar (or 1 tsp sugar + pinch of lemon zest)

• 1 tsp table salt

Method

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.

2. Taste and adjust heat by adding more cayenne if you like it fiery.

3. Store in a jar and use for tacos, fajitas, popcorn, or scrambled eggs.

Blend 3: The Aromatic Herb Blend

A great way to use up those forgotten packets of dried herbs. Fresh, fragrant, and perfect for soups, breads, dips, or salads.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tbsp dried oregano or Italian herbs

• ½ tsp dried sage

• ½ tsp dried dill

• 1 tbsp dried chives

• ½ tbsp onion & garlic salt

Method

1. Stir all ingredients together until evenly combined.

2. Store in a sealed jar.

3. Use in breads like focaccia, sprinkle into soups, or mix with olive oil for a quick dip. If you want to make your own focaccia here is my recipe!

Blend 4: The Indian Spice Blend

My personal favourite, aromatic, warming, and deeply flavourful. Use this as a base for curries, roasted vegetables, or to season meat.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp ground cumin

• 2 tbsp ground coriander

• 1 tbsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala

• ½ tsp chilli powder

• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Method

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

3. Use as the base for curries, roasted cauliflower, or spiced lentil dishes.

Chef’s Tip

Always store spice blends in airtight jars, in a cool, dark cupboard. They’ll stay fresh for around 6 months, but I guarantee you’ll use them up much quicker.

Enjoy

Del x

Looking for another way to stock your kitchen cleverly? Check out this video about Homemade Pantry Staples From Veggies Scraps!