If you've ever dreamed of bottling the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean, this Mediterranean Italian Herb Mix with Oregano is exactly what you need. Fresh, aromatic, and endlessly versatile, this homemade italian seasoning recipe will quickly become your go-to secret ingredient. Whether you're sprinkling it over pizza, mixing it into pasta sauces, or using it for dry italian dressing mix recipes, this blend brings the spirit of Italy straight into your kitchen. And if you love the idea of homemade seasoning mixes and dry mixes, you're going to adore how easy and rewarding it is to whip this up!
Italian Herb Mix with Oregano
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 1 cup of seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a slight kick
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to preference
Gather and Measure Your Ingredients
Start by laying out all your dried herbs and spices. This not only ensures you have everything you need but also makes the assembly process quick and efficient.
Combine in a Mixing Bowl
Add all your ingredients to a large mixing bowl. If you want to customize it further, you can slightly adjust the quantities based on your taste. For example, add more oregano for a deeper Mediterranean flavor or more red pepper flakes if you like it spicy.
Blend or Leave Rustic
At this point, you can decide whether you want a coarse, rustic italian spice blend or a finer powder. For a smoother mix (ideal for dry italian dressing mix recipes), pulse it a few times in a spice grinder or coffee grinder. Otherwise, a simple stir will suffice.
Store Properly
Transfer your seasoning recipe to an airtight container or small mason jars. Label the jars with the date and contents, especially if you're creating multiple homemade dry mixes at once.
Let it Marry
While you can use your homemade italian seasoning right away, letting it sit for a day or two allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more aromatic.
Pairings in Detail
This Mediterranean Italian Herb Mix is incredibly versatile and pairs well with countless dishes:
- Pasta: Stir into your favorite pasta sauces, whether tomato-based or creamy Alfredo.
- Meats: Rub it onto chicken thighs, pork chops, or steak before grilling or roasting. It's perfect for italian seasoning mix recipe ideas focused on meat.
- Vegetables: Toss chopped veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers in olive oil and a generous sprinkle of your homemade seasoning before roasting.
- Dressings: Combine 2 tablespoons of the mix with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, and a tablespoon of water to create a version of the classic good seasons italian dressing mix recipe.
- Breads: Add a tablespoon into your homemade bread dough for an herby, aromatic loaf.
FAQs
1. What kind of oregano should I use?
Mediterranean oregano is preferred for its bold, slightly peppery flavor, but Mexican oregano can be used if that's what you have on hand. Both types add a wonderful aroma and taste to your italian spice mix recipe.
2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Fresh herbs contain moisture, which can cause your homemade seasoning to spoil faster. Stick to dried herbs for long shelf life, especially if you're focusing on homemade seasoning mixes that you plan to store.
3. How long will this homemade Italian seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, your Italian spice blend will stay fresh for up to six months.
4. Can I make a bigger batch?
Absolutely! This seasoning recipe scales up easily. It's a fantastic idea if you want to stock up on dry mixes or gift jars to family and friends.
5. What meats work best with this seasoning?
This seasoning is a match made in heaven for chicken breasts, thighs, pork tenderloin, and even lamb. It's versatile enough for beef cuts too, making it an essential in your Italian seasoning packet recipes collection.
6. Is this good for canning recipes?
While you won't "can" the seasoning itself, using canning jars for storage is ideal. It keeps the herbs dry, fresh, and aromatic.
7. How is this different from a store-bought italian seasoning packet?
Besides the obvious freshness and lack of preservatives, making your own homemade seasoning gives you complete control over the ingredients. You avoid unnecessary additives and can tweak the blend to your exact taste.
8. Can I add Parmesan cheese to the mix?
It's best not to include cheese in the dry mix, as it can spoil. Instead, sprinkle Parmesan separately when preparing your dishes.
9. Can I create variations of this mix?
Definitely. Try adding fennel seeds for a slight licorice note, or paprika for a smoky twist. It’s one of the joys of working with spice blends recipes — endless customization!
