10 Seasoning Mixes That Easily Make Food Taste Better

Pre-mixed spice blends are one of the easiest ways to upgrade your food without a lot of extra effort. A good seasoning mix can take plain rice from boring to bold (hello furikake), turn roasted veggies into something crave-worthy (fajita seasoning!), and make weeknight chicken taste like you tried way harder than you did (Greek seasoning).

These are the 10 spice blends we actually use. From punchy taco seasoning to cozy pie spice, every one of these mixes does the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor. And yep, they’re all homemade, tested, and linked below.

1. Italian Seasoning

The flavor: Earthy, herby, and versatile with oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

What it’s good on: Pasta sauces, no-cook pizza sauce, roasted vegetables, chicken parm sandwiches, marinades, breadsticks.

Make it: Mix dried basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili flakes.

We use Piper Cooks’ Italian Seasoning in everything from lasagna to salad dressings.

Spice mix in a jar.

Pro tip: Sprinkle it on pizza dough before baking or mix into softened butter for an easy herb spread.

2. Greek Seasoning

The flavor: Savory and herby with a little garlic and oregano punch.

What it’s good on: Chicken, lemon potatoes, grilled veg, Greek salad, rice.

Make it: Combine dried oregano, parsley, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and onion flakes.

Try this Greek Seasoning from Piper Cooks on roasted chicken or sheet pan dinners.

Spice mix in a jar.

Pro tip: Add fresh lemon juice and olive oil for a quick marinade.

3. Everything Bagel Seasoning

The flavor: Garlicky, oniony, crunchy.

What it’s good on: Avocado toast, eggs, bagels, cream cheese, cucumber salad, or popcorn.

Make it: Combine sesame seeds (white and black), dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, and poppy seeds.

We keep this Everything Bagel Mix in our spice cabinet at all times. It goes on everything.

Spice mix in a bowl.

Pro tip: Toss it on roasted potatoes or mix into breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

4. Taco Seasoning

The flavor: Bold, warm, and smoky with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.

What it’s good on: Ground beef for taco salad or taco fries, lentils, chicken, beans, taco mac and cheese, taco quesadillas, tortilla soup.

Make it: Mix chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne powder, and pepper.

Skip the packets: this Taco Seasoning hits all the same notes without the additives.

Spice mix in a jar.

Pro tip: Adjust cayenne powder to your spice preference.

5. Fajita Seasoning

The flavor: Smoky, savory, with a kick of cumin and chili.

What it’s good on: Chicken fajitas, peppers and onions, shrimp, steak, veggie stir-fries.

Make it: Combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar.

Use Piper Cooks’ Fajita Seasoning for quick sheet pan dinners or meal prep bowls.

Spice mix in a jar.

Pro tip: Great with oil and lime as a marinade too.

6. Ranch Seasoning Mix

The flavor: Creamy, tangy, herby, and garlic-forward.

What it’s good on: Ranch dressing, popcorn, roasted potatoes, dip, chicken.

Make it: Blend dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutritional yeast (optional).

Try this Ranch Seasoning Mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt for an easy ranch dip.

Spice mix in a jar.

Pro tip: Add to mashed potatoes.

7. All-Purpose / Everyday Seasoning

The flavor: Savory, balanced, and super versatile.

What it’s good on: Eggs, chicken, roasted veggies, pasta, burgers.

Make it: Blend garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, and parsley.

Piper Cooks’ Everyday Seasoning is the one we reach for most often, especially when the fridge is empty but dinner still needs flavor.

Spice mix in a jar.

Pro tip: Keep a jar next to the stove. You’ll use it constantly.

8. Pumpkin Pie Spice

The flavor: Warm, sweet, and cozy with cinnamon, ginger, and clove.

What it’s good on: Overnight oats, scones, lattes, muffins, pumpkin pie ice cream, cookies, roasted squash.

Make it: Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and clove.

This Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend is way better than store-bought and takes under 5 minutes.

Spice mix in a bowl.

Pro tip: Try it in pancake batter or sprinkled over baked apples.

9. Apple Pie Spice

The flavor: Lighter and more floral than pumpkin spice, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

What it’s good on: Baked apples, waffles, apple pie overnight oats, granola, French toast.

Make it: Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and allspice.

This Apple Pie Spice is great for fall baking but also works in breakfast recipes year-round.

Spice mix in a bowl.

Pro tip: Add to oatmeal with maple syrup for instant comfort food.

10. Southwest Seasoning

The flavor: Smoky, peppery, bold, and a little spicy.

What it’s good on: Tacos, slow-cooker chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, wraps.

Make it: Combine smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, coriander, and cayenne.

We use this Southwest Seasoning on everything from rice bowls to breakfast burritos.

Spice mix in a jar.

Pro tip: Great for tofu or tempeh too, just pan-fry with oil and a spoonful of seasoning.

Want More Flavor Boosters?

10 Sauces That Make Everything Taste Better

14 Salad Dressings That Make You Want to Eat Salad

Even More Recipes to Try

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