Pizza Seasoning Blend

Homemade seasoning blends are the best! All you need is your spice rack and a few minutes to make your own version of this Pizza Seasoning Blend. It will open up lots of recipe possibilities and save you money too! Prepared with what most of us have in our spice racks already, this blend will keep in your fridge for months!

Who doesn’t love to have seasoning blends on hand for when the mood strikes? Maybe it’s just me, but nothing makes me happier than a well-stocked spice rack, drawer, or shelf – whatever it is you have! Especially when I’m in a hurry, this prepared Pizza Seasoning Blend makes life so much easier! And, it’s not just limited to pizza either! I like to shake a little of this seasoning onto my Sunday night spaghetti dinner. I also use it to add new life to reheated lasagna and as a topping for my lasagna soup!

When I’m not in a rush, I like to reach into my spice collection and measure out exact amounts for each one. I tend to do this a lot when cooking soups, stews, or anything else that takes time and effort. Oh, here’s another great idea. Take a look at this awesome Spice Rack Sauce recipe!

On weeknights, even now that life has slowed down greatly for me, I much prefer a grab-and-go type of spice mix. That’s why this Pizza Seasoning Blend is so great. Plus, you can use it for so many recipes. I’ll get to that in a bit.

SPICE RACKS

The problem, however, is that those pre-mixed, store-bought, spice blends can be quite expensive. Compare, if you will, the cost of buying a store blend to the cost of making one yourself at home. Of course, those cost savings depend on whether or not you have an existing stocked spice rack. And, truthfully, most of us do!

Unless you are a seasoned cook, most home cooks will have a spice rack that sits on the countertop. You know the kind I speak of. They are either plastic or chrome and most of them spin around so that you have easy access to the spices.

Some home cooks have old-fashioned wooden spice racks that are mounted to the kitchen wall. To be honest, these are the types of spice racks I prefer. My mom used to have one of them and I have fond memories it it. When we bought our house, despite wanting to modernize everything, I wanted to keep some old-time charm to it too.

I found this spice rack on Amazon. I admit, it is a little expensive, but when you consider what you’re getting, it’s not that much of a stretch. The rack is well-made with real wood. And, the spice jars are full. I trust the McCormick brand and use it often. It was a no-brainer for me. It used to hang quite nicely in our kitchen, but when it comes to spice racks, I rest not, Dear Reader! I’m constantly changing and re-organizing my spice storage system.

LET’S CHAT ABOUT SPICES FOR A BIT!

Anyone who knows me well will confirm that I am obsessed with spice racks and spice jars. John.e can attest to the fact that over the past ten years, I have updated and completely changed our spice storage system at least a half a dozen times.

Initially, I had to have all of our spices in mason jars. That lasted for a year or so. Then, I found some really great glass jars with a pull-off lid. The seal was great, but again, they were quite big. Next, I used smaller bottles, and then spice bottles that I picked up from Ikea. I could go on, but I digress.

My obsession has taught me a few things about buying spices. First, keep your spices in a cabinet or at least out of direct sunlight. Yes, I have my spice rack on the wall in my kitchen, but it is as far away from the windows as I could possibly get it.

Secondly, buy spices in small amounts. You should never have more than three to six months supply. Spices lose their pungency and flavour. The only seasonings I buy in larger quantities are salt and pepper. That’s why I love the McCormick jars. They’re not too large for me, but keep in mind, I cook quite often. And, when I run out, it’s easy to replace that one jar.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO PREPARE THIS RECIPE

The following is a list of the ingredients needed to prepare this Blackening Seasoning Blend. For exact amounts and measurements, refer to the printable recipe card located near the bottom of this post.

• Dried Basil and Dried Oregano
• Dried Red Chili Flakes – You can use as much or as little of this as you wish. If you don’t care for spicy food, still, I encourage you to add a little bit at least to the Pizza Seasoning Blend. It does add a lot of flavour and since you’ll only use a little at a time, the spice/heat level will be pretty weak.
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder – Use garlic powder and not granulated garlic. There’s a big difference in the taste!
• Parmesan Cheese

PARMESAN CHEESE

I know a wedge of parmesan – even a small one – can be anywhere from 12 to 20 dollars. So, you can use other cheeses that will save you a few bucks. My go-to cheese if I can’t get good parmesan is pecorino romano. It has a very similar taste and texture.

I have another option that’s a little outside the box, but don’t knock it until you try it! Have you heard of nutritional yeast? It’s quite good and is an ingredient many vegans will use as a parmesan alternative. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast commonly used as an ingredient in creamy, dairy-free cheese substitutes. You can often find it used as a topping for foods like my Doritos Cool Ranch Popcorn.

I’ve also used it in my Homemade Ranch Seasoning, which is great stirred into buttermilk to make a salad dressing. Or into sour cream for a very tasty ranch dip! I’ve also used it in this Garlic Bread recipe. Honestly, Dear Reader, it’s delicious!

Finally, in addition to a wedge of real parmesan, the stuff you can easily find in a can at any grocery store works well in this recipe too!

HOW TO MAKE PIZZA SEASONING BLEND

This is rather simple. Measure all of the ingredients into a bowl and whisk to combine. Transfer to a mason jar with a lid and keep refrigerated. Alternatively, you can measure the ingredients into a mason jar and put the lid on. Shake the ingredients together well to combine. This seasoning blend will keep well for 6-8 weeks in your refrigerator.

WHAT TO MAKE WITH PIZZA SEASONING BLEND:

Any recipe that can benefit from the earthy flavours of basil and oregano, as well as the sharp saltiness and creaminess of good parmesan cheese, can benefit from this prepared Pizza Seasoning Blend.

Let’s start with something simple. Italian Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes is a great summer side. Or maybe you’re looking for something more robust like this Pesto Pizza Taquitos. Maybe a hearty, family-friendly Tomato Tortellini Soup is more you thing.

Pizza Seasoning Blend can be used in so many recipes. It’s present in almost every tomato-based pasta sauce you’ve ever eaten. It’s so delicious in a summer pasta salad. Try mixing it into some softened butter and smear it liberally onto a slice of bread. Place it under the broiler. It’s a great alternative to garlic bread.