All-Purpose Seasoning Blend (2024)

Flavor Variations

There are a variety of other herbs and spices you can add to this blend to achieve different flavor profiles. Here are a few suggestions:

• Spicy version: If you’d like a little kick in this seasoning, add some cayenne, or replace a portion of the sweet paprika with hot paprika. Start with a small amount and increase the quantity to suit your taste.
• Smoky version: Adding a bit of smoke flavor is nice if you use this blend as a seasoning for grilled meats. Just replace some of the sweet paprika with smoked paprika. We recommend 1/2 to 1 teaspoon. If it’s barbecue flavor you’re after, you might want to try our easy pork chop rub.
• Fish and seafood version: Dried lemon peel is a great addition to all-purpose seasoning and it’s especially good when used on fish and seafood (or vegetables and salads). Try adding 1 teaspoon and work up from there.
• Poultry version: Adding dried rosemary, thyme, and sage will give this all-purpose blend a subtle poultry seasoning flavor. Cut the sugar back to 2 teaspoons, and add 1 teaspoon of each.

• 1 tablespoon table salt, see notes
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley, lightly crushed
• 1-1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1-1/2 teaspoons minced onion
• 1-1/2 teaspoons dried tarragon, lightly crushed
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon sugar, plus more to taste

• Combine all the ingredients except for the sugar in a small bowl.

• Mix in the sugar, taste, and add more if desired.

• Transfer the seasoning to a 4-ounce glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

• Store in a cool, dry place and use as desired.

About the salt: You need a fine-grain salt for this recipe to ensure that it is evenly distributed throughout the seasoning. You can use either regular table salt or fine-grain Himalayan pink salt. (Want a salt-free version? See below.)

The best way to taste a seasoning blend during preparation: If you want to make adjustments to this or any other homemade seasoning blend during preparation, you need something bland to apply it to. Our top choice is plain, cooked pasta. Penne and rigatoni are good choices because of their ridges. You can also use small pieces of bread brushed lightly with a neutral oil like canola or avocado.

Flavor Variations

There are a variety of other herbs and spices you can add to this blend to achieve different flavor profiles. Here are a few suggestions:

• Spicy version: If you’d like to have a little kick in this seasoning, add some cayenne, or replace some of the sweet paprika with hot paprika. Start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon and increase the quantity to suit your taste.
• Smoky version: Adding a bit of smoke flavor is nice if you plan to use this blend as a rub for grilling. Replace some of the sweet paprika with smoked paprika. Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon.
• Citrusy version: Dried lemon peel or dried orange peel are great additions to all-purpose seasoning and are particularly good when used on fish, seafood, vegetables, and salads. Try adding 1 teaspoon and work up from there.
• Poultry version: Adding dried rosemary, thyme, and sage will give this all-purpose blend a subtle poultry seasoning flavor. Cut the sugar back to 2 teaspoons, and add 1 teaspoon of each of the three dried herbs.

Salt-Free Version

If you are on a salt-restricted diet or prefer a salt-free version of this seasoning, omit the salt from this recipe and consider adding 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard and 1-1/2 teaspoons dried lemon peel.

You may also want to add some nutritional yeast. It has an umami-rich, slightly nutty flavor and is very low in fat and sodium. Because it has a flaky texture and is best stored in the refrigerator, we would recommend coupling it with the all-purpose blend as you use it rather than mixing it in, but either is an option. Note: If you have questions or concerns about this ingredient or salt-free diets in general, consult with your healthcare practitioner.