If you love cooking but don’t want a cupboard full of separate seasoning blends, a Master Spice Mix is the perfect solution. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a versatile base that works for almost any dish—and then “twist” it into different global flavor profiles with a few quick add-ins.
Below is the master blend plus four easy variations inspired by Mexican, Italian, Cajun, and BBQ flavors.
🔸 The Master Spice Mix (Base Recipe)
This simple blend is salty, savory, and aromatic—great for seasoning vegetables, chicken, fries, pasta, soups, and everyday cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
Method:
Mix everything together and store in an airtight jar. This becomes your all-purpose seasoning that can be used as-is or customized into flavorful variations.
🌮 Mexican Spice Mix
A bold, earthy, and slightly spicy mix—perfect for tacos, fajitas, beans, roasted corn, and grilled meats.
Add to the Base:
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne
🍃 Italian Herb Mix
Fragrant and herbal—use for pasta, garlic bread, pizza, roasted potatoes, soups, and Mediterranean-style dishes.
Add to the Base:
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
🔥 Cajun Spice Mix
Hot, smoky, and robust—ideal for blackened chicken, seafood, stews, fries, and roasted veggies.
Add to the Base:
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp white pepper
🍖 BBQ Dry Rub Mix
Sweet, smoky, and perfect for slow-cooking, grilling, and roasting meats—or even seasoning popcorn.
Add to the Base:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp cayenne
How to Use These Mixes
- Sprinkle on proteins before cooking
- Toss with roasted vegetables
- Stir into soups, marinades, and sauces
- Mix with olive oil or butter for a quick seasoning spread
- Keep small jars labeled for easy meal prep