Introduction
If you’ve ever reached for a jar of McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe while cooking pasta or pizza, you know just how magical it is! The best part? You can recreate this flavorful herb blend right at home.
» Trust me—I’ve been making my own spice mixes for years, and nothing beats the freshness and customization of a homemade seasoning. Did you know that Italian seasoning is one of the most popular spice blends in American kitchens, used in everything from pasta sauces to marinades?
But here’s the good news—you can easily recreate the McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe at home! With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a versatile, aromatic seasoning that elevates any dish.
In this guide, we’ll break down the ingredients, preparation, and tips to help you craft your own flavorful blend.
So, let’s dive in!
🌿 What is McCormick Italian Seasoning?
» When it comes to Italian seasoning, McCormick is a household favorite. This blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary gives everyday dishes a burst of authentic Italian flavor.
» Whether you’re making a hearty lasagna, seasoning roasted veggies, or topping your homemade pizza, this mix is versatile and reliable.
» Popular across kitchens worldwide
» Perfect for pasta sauces, pizza, soups, and grilled dishes
» Inspired by traditional Mediterranean cooking
🍴 Kitchen Equipment For McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe
The beauty of this recipe is that it requires minimal equipment—no fancy gadgets needed! Here’s what you’ll need:
» Measuring spoons – to get the right proportions of herbs
» Small mixing bowl – for combining all the dried herbs
» Spoon or whisk – to gently mix the seasoning evenly
» Mortar & pestle (optional) – for crushing herbs to release more aroma
» Airtight spice jar or glass container – for storing your homemade blend
» Labels or masking tape – to mark the jar with the name and date
👉 That’s it! Simple, quick, and super easy—just how homemade cooking should be.
Ingredients for McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe
You don’t need fancy spices—just herbs you probably already have in your pantry.
♥ 2 tablespoons dried basil 🌿
♥ 2 tablespoons dried oregano 🍃
♥ 2 tablespoons dried rosemary 🌱
♥ 1 tablespoon dried thyme
♥ 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
♥ 1 tablespoon dried sage
👉 Tip: If you’re missing an herb, don’t worry! Substitute with more of your favorite (like oregano or basil).
How to Make McCormick Italian Seasoning 2025
» Making your own McCormick Italian Seasoning recipe at home is fun, easy, and much fresher than store-bought jars. Here are a few steps you can follow:
Can I grind my Italian seasoning into a fine powder?
Yes, you can use a spice grinder to make a finer texture. This is ideal for sauces or marinades where a smooth blend is preferred.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
♥ Measure out all the herbs: 2 tbsp dried basil, 2 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp dried rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp marjoram, 1 tbsp sage.
♥ Double-check your pantry for freshness—stale herbs can make your blend taste flat. 🌿
Step 2: Prepare Your Equipment
♥ Grab a small mixing bowl, a spoon or whisk, and optionally a mortar & pestle to crush the herbs.
♥ Make sure your storage jar is clean and dry. A labeled jar makes it easier to track freshness. 🫙
Step 3: Lightly Crush the Herbs
♥ Use a mortar & pestle, or your fingers, to gently crush rosemary, thyme, and sage.
♥ This step makes your seasoning more aromatic & flavorful.
Step 4: Mix the Herbs
♥ Place all herbs in the mixing bowl.
♥ Now, you need to stir it gently and whisk it well until you get the herbs are perfectly combined.
♥ Take a moment to smell the mix—you should notice a balanced, fresh aroma. 🍃
Step 5: Taste and Adjust (Optional)
♥ Taste a tiny pinch of your blend.
♥ Adjust ratios if desired: add more basil for sweetness or oregano for a stronger punch. ⚖️
Step 6: Transfer to a Storage Jar
♥ Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight jar.
♥ Seal the jar tightly to preserve the freshness and avoid moisture.
Step 7: Label and Store
♥ Write the date on the jar so you know how fresh it is.
♥ You can store this seasoning in a cool & dry place to preserve freshness.
♥ Your seasoning will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months. 🏷️
Step 8: Enjoy Homemade McCormick Seasoning
♥ Sprinkle over pasta, pizza, roasted veggies, soups, or use in marinades.
♥ Watch your meals transform with a homemade Italian flair! 🍝
✨ Pro Tip: Crush the herbs slightly with your fingers before mixing to release their natural oils for a more intense aroma.
Tips for a Perfect McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe
» Creating the perfect homemade McCormick Italian Seasoning is easy if you follow these little secrets I’ve learned over the years:
» Use Fresh Dried Herbs 🌿 – Herbs lose flavor over time. Make sure your dried herbs are not expired for maximum aroma.
» Crush Herbs Before Mixing 🪨 – Lightly crush them with a mortar & pestle or your fingers to release essential oils.
» Balance the Flavors ⚖️ – Adjust the ratios based on your taste. Love basil? Add a bit more for sweetness. Prefer stronger oregano? Increase slightly.
» Mix Perfectly 🍴 – You need to stir it well to combine all herbs evenly. No clumps!
» Store Properly 🫙 – Keep in an airtight jar away from heat, light, and moisture.
» Label and Date 🏷️ – This helps track freshness and know when it’s time to make a new batch.
» Experiment with Variations 🌶️ – Don’t be afraid to add garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes for a personal touch.
» Start Small 🥄 – Make a small batch first. You can always scale up once you perfect the blend.
» Use in Multiple Dishes 🍝 – Test your blend in pasta, pizza, soups, and roasted vegetables to see how versatile it really is.
👉 Pro Tip: Homemade blends often taste better than store-bought because you can tweak the flavor exactly to your liking!
🌶️ Variations of Italian Seasoning Blend
Want to make it your own? Here are some fun tweaks:
» Garlic & Onion Touch – You can add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder & onion powder.
» Spicy Italian Blend – Mix in ½ teaspoon red chili flakes.
» Low-Sodium Option – Skip any salt or MSG; keep it herb-focused.
🫙 Storage Tips and Shelf Life
To keep your seasoning fresh and aromatic, follow these storage tips:
» Store in an air-tight glass container. Try to avoid sunlight.
» Keep this seasoning in a cool and dry place to preserve freshness.
» Shelf life: The shelf life of this seasoning is about 6 months for the best flavor.
What is the difference between homemade and McCormick seasoning?
Homemade blends allow flavor customization, fresher aroma, and quality control, while McCormick offers convenience and consistency but may contain preservatives or slightly different ratios.
Ingredients Substitutes For McCormick Italian Seasoning
» Don’t have every single herb?
No problem! Here are some smart substitutions you can try without losing that authentic Italian flavor:
🔄 Ingredients Substitutes
| Original Ingredient | Best Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil 🌿 | Parsley or spinach flakes | Milder, adds freshness |
| Oregano 🍃 | Marjoram | Sweeter, less pungent flavor |
| Rosemary 🌱 | Savory or thyme | Earthy, aromatic replacement |
| Thyme | Oregano or rosemary | Maintains Mediterranean flavor |
| Sage | Poultry seasoning or thyme | Warm, slightly peppery taste |
👉 Quick Tip: If you’re out of multiple herbs, just mix whatever Mediterranean herbs you have—your blend will still taste amazing!
How to Use McCormick Italian Seasoning 2025
» The beauty of McCormick Italian Seasoning is its versatility—it can enhance a wide range of dishes. Here’s how you can use it in your everyday cooking: this herb blend is a true multitasker. Here are some of my go-to uses:
» Sprinkle into pasta sauces and pizza
» Toss with roasted vegetables
» Rub onto chicken, beef, or fish
» Stir into soups and stews
» Mix in salad dressings or marinades
» Add to eggs or omelets
👉 Tip: Start small and adjust to taste—this flavorful blend goes a long way!
Homemade Italian Seasoning vs. Store-Bought McCormick
So, is it worth making at home? Absolutely! Here’s why:
- Cost-Effective – Buying herbs in bulk saves money.
- Customizable – Adjust the ratios to match your taste.
- Fresher Flavor – Homemade blends often taste more vibrant than pre-packaged jars.
But hey—McCormick is convenient when you’re short on time. I keep both in my kitchen!
Nutrition Facts of McCormick Italian Seasoning
» Here are the nutritional facts about the McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe. Since it’s mostly dried herbs, the calories are minimal, but it’s rich in flavor and nutrients:
Here’s an approximate nutritional profile per 1 teaspoon (about 1g) of homemade Italian seasoning:
Nutrient Amount
» Calories 2 kcal
» Total Fat 0.1 g
» Saturated Fat 0 g
» Carbohydrates 0.4 g
» Dietary Fiber 0.3 g
» Sugars 0 g
» Protein 0.1 g
» Sodium 0 mg (salt-free)
» Vitamin A 3% DV
» Vitamin C 1% DV
» Calcium 2% DV
» Iron 2% DV
Key Points:
» Low in calories and fat, making it a healthy seasoning option.
» Provides small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals from herbs.
👉 Tip: Adding this seasoning to dishes instead of salt helps reduce sodium intake while keeping meals flavorful!
Alternate Seasoning Recipes You Can Try
If you enjoy making your own McCormick Italian Seasoning, here are some other flavorful blends to try at home:
👉 Garlic & Herb Seasoning
👉 Mediterranean Herb Blend
👉 Spicy Italian Seasoning
👉 Pizza & Pasta Sprinkle
👉 Herb & Lemon Seasoning
McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all dried ingredients & herbs in a mixing bowl.
- Stir well until evenly blended.
- Transfer mixture to an airtight spice jar.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Use a spice grinder for more finer texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use as a 1:1 substitute for McCormick Italian Seasoning in any recipe.
- One of the best seasonings for grilled chicken, pasta sauces, and salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a salt-free version?
Yes! Italian seasoning is naturally herb-based. Omit any added salt for a healthier version that doesn’t compromise flavor.
Does Italian seasoning need salt?
No, traditional Italian seasoning is herb-based and doesn’t require salt. You can add salt separately when cooking, giving you control over the dish’s overall seasoning.
Can I add chili flakes to Italian seasoning?
Yes, adding chili flakes gives your blend a subtle heat, creating a spicy variation perfect for pizza, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Can I substitute herbs in Italian seasoning?
Yes! Basil can be replaced with parsley, oregano with marjoram, rosemary with thyme, and sage with poultry seasoning. Adjust to taste without compromising overall flavor.
What dishes can I use Italian seasoning in?
It works in pasta sauces, pizza, soups, stews, roasted vegetables, marinades, salad dressings, and grilled meats, adding a versatile and aromatic Italian flavor to countless dishes.
Can Italian seasoning be used in meat dishes?
Definitely! Sprinkle on any type of meat dishes. It adds a fragrant, savory flavor that complements most proteins.
How long does homemade Italian seasoning last?
If stored correctly in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight, homemade Italian seasoning remains fresh and aromatic for approximately six months.
Is homemade Italian seasoning better than store-bought?
Homemade blends are fresher, more flavorful, and customizable. You control the ratios and quality of herbs, often making them more aromatic and delicious than store-bought versions.
My Final Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own McCormick Italian Seasoning Recipe made right at home! I love how this blend instantly upgrades even the simplest dishes. Personally, I never make roasted veggies without it—it’s my little secret for turning “meh” meals into “wow” moments.
» So, next time you’re in the kitchen, skip the store-bought jar and try mixing your own. You’ll taste the difference, and your family (or dinner guests) will too. ❤️ Give it a try today and let your cooking shine with the flavors of Italy! 🇮🇹
Whether sprinkled on pizza, stirred into pasta sauce, or rubbed onto grilled meats, this seasoning is a true kitchen essential. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, then write to us in the comment section below!
Give it a try today—your dishes will thank you! Till then.
Happy Cooking!
