Here’s the tea, not all all-purpose seasonings are created equal. Some are heavy on salt, some lean more garlicky, some have a Cajun vibe. That’s why a lot of us who cook a lot end up making our own so we can control the flavor and the salt.
If you’ve been cooking with me, you already know I don’t play about seasoning. This is one of those blends that helps you move quick in the kitchen but still make food taste like you actually care.
All Purpose Seasoning Ingredients
- Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt is what I use and recommend every time. It has a clean flavor, larger flakes, and it’s way easier to control. It won’t make your seasoning taste overly salty all at once. Table salt (regular iodized salt) is very fine and more concentrated, so it’s easy to overdo it. If this is what you have, use less than you think you need. Start with ½ teaspoon and continue to build from there using taste.
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Smoked Paprika or Regular Paprika
- Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper: Only if you like it spicy.
How to Make All Purpose Seasoning
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
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- Measure out your spices: Grab your salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any extras you like. Measure everything into a bowl.
- Mix it up: Stir the spices together until everything is evenly combined. Break up any clumps so you don’t get pockets of salt or seasoning.
- Taste and adjust: Give it a quick taste. Want more garlic? Add it. Need more salt? Sprinkle a little more. This is where you make it yours.
- Transfer to a container: Pour the seasoning into an airtight jar or spice container.
- Label it: If you’re anything like me and have a whole cabinet full of blends, label it so you know exactly what it is.
- Store properly: Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture so it stays fresh.
Homemade All Purpose Seasoning Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
One Serving (One Meal)
- 1-2 teaspoons salt Kosher or sea salt work best. How much salt you need will depend on your taste. Start with ½ teaspoon and continue to build from there using taste.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika regular paprika is fine
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper If you like it spicy.
Jar Servings
- 2-3 tablespoons salt How much salt you need will depend on your taste. Start with 1 teaspoon and continue to build from there using taste.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoons cayenne pepper If you like it spicy.
Instructions
- Grab your salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any extras you like. Measure everything into a bowl.
- Stir the spices together until everything is evenly combined. Break up any clumps so you don’t get pockets of salt or seasoning.
- Give it a quick taste. Want more garlic? Add it. Need more salt? Sprinkle a little more. This is where you make it yours.
- Pour the seasoning into an airtight jar or spice container.
- If you’re anything like me and have a whole cabinet full of blends, label it so you know exactly what it is.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture so it stays fresh.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
All-purpose seasoning is exactly what it sounds like, your go-to mix you can grab when you don’t feel like pulling out 10 different spices.
It’s a blend of everyday staples like salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and usually something like paprika. Some blends throw in herbs or a little heat, but the goal is the same every time, give your food solid flavor without overthinking it.
Think of it like your “baseline” seasoning. You can use it on chicken, seafood, veggies, potatoes, pretty much anything. Then if you want to get fancy, you can layer other spices on top.
Pretty much everything, chicken, seafood, beef, veggies, potatoes, eggs. It’s your go-to when you want flavor fast.
Not exactly. Seasoning salt usually has a higher salt content and a more specific flavor profile. All-purpose seasoning is more balanced and flexible.
Yes, especially for basic recipes. It works great as a base, then you can layer in other spices depending on the dish.
No, only if you add cayenne pepper.
Yes, but omit it if you don't want it.
If stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it will stay fresh for about 6 months to a year.
Either it needs more salt, or your spices are old. Spices lose their punch over time, so freshness matters.
Glass spice jars with tight-fitting lids are my favorite. They don’t absorb odors, they keep moisture out, and you can actually see what you’re working with.
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