The right seasoning can take your recipes to the next level. That’s why I love making my own homemade pizza seasoning blend! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a custom blend that perfectly complements your favorite Italian recipes.
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Fun. Making your own seasoning is a fun and easy way to get creative in the kitchen and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills.
- Affordable. Make as much or as little as you need with common pantry ingredients.
- Versatile. It’s not just for pizza! Use this Italian seasoning blend on roasted veggies, pasta dishes, garlic bread, and more.
Put Down the Packet: DIY pizza seasoning in 5 minutes flat
If you’re a fan of pizza, you know that the right seasoning can make all the difference.
It’s easy to reach for a store-bought seasoning packet, but there’s something extra special about making your own custom blend. It’s easy to make, plus it allows you to customize the flavors to suit your tastes perfectly!
Since it’s made from ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, it’s also more affordable than buying a specialized blend.
In this post, I’ll show you how to create a delicious and versatile seasoning blend, inspired by Penzeys frozen pizza seasoning, using just a handful of common pantry ingredients.
Ingredients you’ll need:
Dried Oregano. Oregano is a staple in pizza seasoning and adds a distinctive aromatic flavor that complements tomato-based dishes.
Dried Basil. Basil ‘s sweet and slightly peppery taste also pairs well with tomatoes and helps to give your seasoning blend a fresh and bright flavor.
Dried Minced Onion. This ingredient adds a subtle, savory sweetness to the seasoning blend that pairs well with the other herbs and spices. You can also use onion flakes or dried shallot.
Garlic Powder. This adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that complements the other herbs and spices. It’s also known for its immune-boosting properties.
Dried Thyme. Thyme has a slightly minty and lemony flavor that helps to balance out the sweetness of the basil and oregano.
Dried Fennel. Fennel seeds add a subtle, licorice-like flavor to the seasoning blend. This herb is commonly used in Italian cuisine and helps to give the seasoning a more authentic and complex flavor (think: sausage).
Paprika. Paprika is a mildly sweet and smoky spice that adds depth and complexity to the seasoning blend. It also adds a beautiful reddish-orange color to the blend.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes. Adds a kick of heat, giving it a little extra spice and complexity. The amount used can be adjusted based on your personal preference.
How to make it
- Combine the ingredients together in a bowl, bag, or jar.
- Store your seasoning blend in an airtight container or a small jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Use as desired to add tons of flavor to your recipes.
How to use pizza seasoning
You now have a delicious and versatile pizza seasoning blend that you can use to add extra flavor to your favorite homemade or store-bought pizzas. But why stop there? Here are a few more ideas for using your homemade pizza seasoning:
- Mix a teaspoon of the seasoning blend into tomato sauce for pasta or air fryer chicken parmesan.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend onto roasted vegetables or potatoes.
- Add a teaspoon or two of the seasoning blend to your favorite salad dressing.
- Use it in place of Italian seasoning in all of your favorite recipes for a little extra oomph. I LOVE using it to make these seasoned pretzels!
Frequently asked questions
It’s very similar to classic Italian seasoning, but with a more intense flavor and a slightly sweet sausage-like flavor from the fennel and a touch of smokiness from the paprika.
They’re similar, but not exactly the same. Pizza seasoning typically includes more herbs and spices that are specifically used on pizza, like as fennel and crushed red pepper flakes. Italian seasoning tends to have a more generic blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. However, both blends can be used in similar ways and can often be used interchangeably in recipes.
Yes!
You can store this coffee rub in an airtight container, like a mason jar or a ziplock bag, at room temperature. Kept in a cool, dry place, it will last for several months.
You can add this pizza seasoning directly to your sauce if you’re having a homemade pizza night, or sprinkle it right on top of your favorite take out or frozen pizza.
The main difference between making your own seasoning blends and buying pre-made blends is the level of control and customization you have over the final product.
When making your own blend, you can tailor it to your personal taste preferences and adjust the ratio of herbs and spices to your liking. It also allows you to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, which can result in a more flavorful and aromatic seasoning. Pre-made blends are convenient, but they’re mass-produced and may contain preservatives, fillers, or lower-quality ingredients.
I’m a huge fan of fresh herbs, but for seasoning blends like this one I recommend sticking to dried ones. Drying herbs alters their flavor and reduced moisture, so the flavor would be dramatically different if you tried using fresh ingredients to make this pizza seasoning. If you want to add a burst of fresh flavor, you can still add fresh herbs to your dish to taste.
Other recipes you might like:
- Cowboy Steak Rub
- Guava Barbecue Sauce
- Homemade teriyaki sauce
- How to make katsu sauce
- 20 Easy Marinade Ideas
Pizza Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried fennel
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients into a small bowl and mix until combined. For the most flavor, use a spoon so gently crush the herbs against the side of the bowl.
- Transfer to a tightly sealed container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 5 months.
Nutrition
