Name: Garlic Herb Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp dried parsley; 1 Tbsp dried oregano; 1 Tbsp dried basil; 1 Tbsp dried thyme; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Please note this post contains affiliate links.

This garlic herb seasoning is the all-purpose blend you’ll reach for constantly. Made with pantry staples in 5 minutes, it adds savory flavor to chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta, seafood, and basically anything that needs a flavor boost. No additives, no fillers, no preservatives. Just dried herbs, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper that you mix together and store in a jar.

JUMP TO RECIPE

A close-up of a spoonful of dried mixed herbs, spilling onto a brown surface, with a small white bowl filled with more of the herb mix in the background.

about this Garlic Herb Seasoning recipe

If you’ve ever flipped over a store-bought seasoning jar and wondered why there are 14 ingredients listed for what should just be dried herbs and spices, this homemade garlic herb seasoning is your answer. Five ingredients (plus salt and pepper), zero fillers, anti-caking agents, or preservatives. It tastes fresher and you can pronounce everything in it.

I started making this garlic herb seasoning when I got tired of buying overpriced “Italian seasoning” or “all-purpose blend” at the grocery store. It’s so much fresher, way cheaper, and lets you customize the salt level, increase your favorite herbs, or skip ingredients you don’t love.

This garlic herb seasoning is the most versatile blend you can make. Sprinkle it on chicken, pork, steak, or seafood before cooking. Toss it with vegetables before roasting. Stir it into sauces, soups, and stews. Mix it into softened butter for compound butter, or stir it into olive oil for an easy bread dip. Once it’s in your pantry, you’ll use it constantly.

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this homemade garlic herb seasoning stays fresh for up to 6 months. Double or triple the batch to keep extra on hand or to package up as easy homemade gifts. A small jar with a handwritten label makes a great hostess gift or holiday present for food lover friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with simple pantry ingredients.
Ready in less than five minutes.
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
Much more budget-friendly than buying specialty seasoning blends.
Great for meal prep and batch cooking.
Works with everything from chicken and seafood to veggies, rice, and pasta.
Makes a thoughtful homemade gift for food lovers.
Doubles and triples easily for larger batches.

Eight small glass bowls on a pink surface, each containing a different garlic herb seasoning: dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Labels clearly identify each seasoning.

ingredients

Dried Herbs. Dried parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme make up the herb foundation of this garlic herb seasoning. Check your jars before mixing. Dried herbs lose their potency after about a year, so if yours have been sitting around since 2022, replace them for the best flavor. You can swap in rosemary or sage for a more earthy version, or add tarragon for something a little different.

Garlic Powder. Garlic powder (not garlic salt) is what gives this blend its signature garlic flavor. Using garlic powder lets you control the salt level separately. If you only have granulated garlic on hand, that works too. Just use the same measurement.

Onion Powder. Onion powder brings a subtle savory depth that balances the herbs and garlic. It blends seamlessly with the other spices and helps round out the overall flavor.

this recipe’s must-haves

A small mixing bowl is all you need to bring this garlic herb seasoning together. Choose a bowl large enough to comfortably whisk the ingredient mixture without spilling.

A whisk or fork helps evenly distribute the herbs and spices while breaking up any clumps. This creates a more consistent seasoning blend that sprinkles evenly onto foods.

An airtight jar or container is essential for storage. Keeping the blend sealed away from moisture, heat, and light helps preserve the flavors and keeps your homemade garlic herb seasoning fresh for months.

A white bowl on a pink surface contains spices, featuring a blend of salt, dried herbs, ground black pepper, and garlic powder for flavorful seasoning.

how to make this Garlic Herb Seasoning (step-by-step)

Combine

Add the dried parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk

Whisk or stir everything together for about 30 seconds until evenly combined. Break up any clumps from the dried herbs with the back of a spoon or your fingers as you mix.

Store

Use the garlic herb seasoning immediately or transfer it to an airtight jar or spice container. Label the jar with the date and store in a cool, dry place away from heat and light for up to 6 months.

A white bowl filled with mixed garlic herb seasoning, with a small silver spoon resting inside. A textured cloth is partially visible in the background on a brown surface.

Tips for Success

Crack black pepper fresh for a more robust flavor than pre-ground pepper.
Store the blend in a completely dry airtight container to prevent moisture from causing clumping.
Make a double or triple batch since this homemade seasoning stores exceptionally well.
Label the jar with the preparation date so you can keep track of freshness.
A small funnel makes transferring the seasoning blend into a spice jar cleaner and easier.
If humidity causes clumping over time, simply break the mixture apart with a fork before using.

variations

For a little heat, stir red pepper flakes into the seasoning blend. The extra spice works particularly well on chicken, seafood, roasted veggies, and homemade croutons.

To brighten the flavor profile, add dried lemon zest or a small amount of fresh zest before using. The citrus notes pair especially well with seafood, vegetables, and light pasta dishes.

For a more earthy and savory version, swap some of the parsley or basil for rosemary or dried sage. This variation is excellent for roasts and hearty comfort-food recipes.

If you are watching sodium intake, reduce or omit the salt completely. The herbs and garlic still provide plenty of flavor, allowing you to season dishes individually as needed.

For an Italian-inspired finishing seasoning, mix in grated Parmesan cheese. Keep in mind that any seasoning blend containing cheese should be refrigerated and used more quickly.

More Garlic Herb Recipes To Enjoy: Garlic Herb Butter I Sourdough Garlic Toast I Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon I Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes

A jar filled with dried garlic herb seasoning sits on a brown surface, with some of the savory mixture spilled beside it. A textured grey cloth is partially visible in the upper left corner.

faqs

Can I make this seasoning salt-free?

Yes! Just leave out the salt and the recipe works the same way. You can season individual dishes with salt to taste, which is actually a great option if you’re watching sodium or cooking for someone with dietary restrictions. The herbs and garlic still bring plenty of flavor on their own.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. All ingredient measurements scale evenly, making it easy to prepare larger batches.

What is this seasoning best used for?

This garlic herb seasoning is one of the most versatile blends you can make. It’s especially good on roasted vegetables, chicken, seafood, pasta, salad dressings, and compound butter. I also use it on popcorn, scrambled eggs, garlic bread, homemade croutons, and basically anything that needs more flavor with minimal effort.

How long does homemade garlic herb seasoning last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from heat and light, this garlic herb seasoning stays fresh for up to 6 months. After that, the herbs start to lose their potency. Label the jar with the date you made it so you can keep track.

can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

No, this recipe is designed for dried herbs only. Fresh herbs contain moisture that would cause the blend to clump and spoil quickly. If you want to use fresh herbs, add them directly to your dish at the end of cooking rather than mixing them into a stored blend.

Can I make this in bulk?

Yes, this garlic herb seasoning scales perfectly. Double or triple the recipe for larger batches, or make even more to package up as homemade gifts. The shelf life stays the same (up to 6 months) as long as you store it properly.

Need more spice mixes? Check out my spice recipe page!

A close-up of a spoonful of garlic herb seasoning, with some herbs scattered on a pink surface next to a white bowl filled with more dried herbs. A piece of light-colored cloth is visible in the corner.

How To Use Garlic Herb Seasoning

This garlic herb seasoning works beautifully on roasted or grilled chicken, steak, pork, and fish. It is also an easy way to season proteins before cooking.

Toss it with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, zucchini, or other veggies before roasting. The herbs create incredible flavor with very little effort.

Stir it into olive oil to create a simple bread dip or use it as a base for marinades and homemade salad dressings.

Sprinkle it over popcorn, roasted nuts, or homemade croutons for a savory snack.

Mix it into softened butter to create a flavorful compound butter for bread, vegetables, seafood, or grilled meats.

Add it to pasta dishes, rice, soups, stews, mashed potatoes, sauces, or even sour cream-based dips for extra flavor.

How to Store Garlic Herb Seasoning

Container: Store this garlic herb seasoning in an airtight glass jar or spice container. Plastic containers work but glass holds up better long term and doesn’t absorb flavors.

Storage: Keep the jar in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. The cabinet across from your stove (not next to it) is ideal. Heat and light degrade dried herbs quickly. Properly stored, this blend stays fresh for up to 6 months. After that, the herbs start losing their potency and the flavor fades.

Label It: Always label the jar with the date you made it so you know when to refresh the batch.

More Spice Mixes To Make For Your Pantry

If you enjoy making homemade seasoning blends, be sure to try Best Steak Seasoning. This versatile blend is perfect for steaks, burgers, and other grilled meats, adding bold flavor with simple pantry spices.

For Tex-Mex inspired meals, The Best Fajita Seasoning is a must-have. It brings smoky, savory flavor to chicken, beef, shrimp, and roasted vegetables.

Another great option is Southwest Spice Mix. Packed with warm spices and herbs, it is ideal for tacos, soups, roasted vegetables, and countless other recipes.

everyday seasonal cookbook

With seasonal produce guides, recipes, and more, this cookbook is filled with seasonal food for every occasion.

download now

Finally, if you make this garlic herb seasoning recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

Want to know when I come out with a new recipe or the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter to get them straight to your inbox!