Skip the store-bought seasoned salt and make it at home for fresh, vibrant flavor.
I don’t know about you, but one of my biggest issues in the kitchen is running out of an ingredient in the middle of a recipe. Sure, I could plan better and keep track of what I have on hand, but that’s easier said than done when you’re busy. And, of course, it always seems to happen with spices and seasonings. I frequently find myself searching for substitutions online. With this seasoned salt recipe, it’s one more thing I don’t have to worry about while adding savory flavor to my meals.
Another reason I love making seasoned salt from scratch is that I control the ingredients. One popular brand contains maltodextrin, silicone dioxide, and annatto (for color). Another brand uses cornstarch, tricalcium phosphate, and natural flavor, plus sugar. I find that paprika gives the mix plenty of color without adding other ingredients. And, because I don’t need this blend to be shelf-stable for years, I don’t have to worry about fillers that prevent caking and make the mix free-flowing. And sugar, well, there’s no place in my seasoned salt for sugar. That can always be added to a recipe if needed.
Customization is another reason to make homemade spice blends. If you or someone in your family doesn’t like a specific ingredient, leave it out. The same is true for the seasonings you like. For example, I love smoky flavors, especially smoked paprika. I often make my blends with one of my three smoked varieties rather than regular paprika. Using smoked paprika gives this blend a savory, smoky flavor. Opting for sweet paprika is another way to create an interesting flavor in your meals. Another way I adjust this recipe is by adding a bit more garlic. I love garlicky flavor in my food, so an extra dash kicks it up a notch.
Other ingredients that you can add to seasoned salt are turmeric, celery seed, ground mustard, and rosemary. Try it with one, a few, or all to suit your preference. Turmeric is a spice that adds an earthy, slightly peppery flavor and a beautiful golden color to foods. I use it generously whenever I make a pot of chicken soup, and it balances the other spices and herbs I use.
How to use seasoned salt
This seasoned salt recipe is all you need to add intense flavor to your meals. Sprinkle it on steaks, burgers, poultry, pork, lamb, or fish before cooking. You can even marinate beef or poultry in a little olive oil and seasoning before cooking. Watch how simple French fries and your favorite vegetables come alive with flavor that equals the fanciest high-end steakhouse. The fries can be seasoned before or after cooking. You can also use this seasoning as a base for other recipes to create delicious meals, such as the following additions:
- Greek: Add thyme, oregano, parsley, cinnamon, and nutmeg
- Mexican: Add cumin and chili powder
- Italian: Add oregano and basil or Italian seasoning
- Mediterranean: Add rosemary and basil
How do I store leftovers?
This seasoned salt recipe will stay fresh for up to 1 year when stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. Keep your spices away from heat and sunlight. I shake my seasoning every few weeks to keep it from clumping or forming a block. If that happens, and shaking doesn’t loosen it, a knife inserted into the jar can help break up the clumps. I find that using empty spice jars is the best way to store my spice blends. I label them with the name and date for future reference.
Serving suggestions
Try this seasoned salt recipe sprinkled over Baked Potato Slices, Potato Wedges, or Air-Fryer French Fries. Add extra flavor to Oven-Baked BBQ Chicken or Air-Fryer Frozen Hamburgers. Discover amazing flavor when you sprinkle it over Broiled Asparagus or Sautéed Green Beans.
Another way to use this seasoned salt is as a holiday or special occasion gift. Fill a pretty small jar and tie a bow around it. Homemade spice blends are always welcome gifts for people who like to cook.
Seasoned Salt Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to blend all the spices evenly.
- Transfer the mixed seasoned salt into an airtight container. Shake the container before each use to ensure even distribution of the spices.
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