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Loaded with my most frequently used spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper), this All Purpose Seasoning has a permanent spot at the front of my spice cabinet.
Classic house seasoning is a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic. I’ve made that spice mix plenty of times, and it’s a great combination. However, my go-to version adds onion powder and smoked paprika for smoky, savory blend that works on just about everything. (The only other seasoning mix that gets used as often in my kitchen is my homemade taco seasoning.)
All Purpose Seasoning
So many of my recipes already called for garlic, onion, and paprika together that mixing them into one jar was a natural next step. Now I use it almost every day.
I keep the salt proportion low in this blend so that I can be generous with it for extra flavor without oversalting my food. It goes on grilled chicken at least once a week, plus scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and pasta. And having it ready to go is just as good as the flavor I love so much. One shake does the work of five jars.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Garlic & Onion – You’ll need granulated garlic and onion to build a strong, savory foundation.
Paprika – Smoked paprika adds a smoky kick (and some rich red color!).
Salt & Pepper – I always use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, unless otherwise stated.
Notes on Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons. These are the ones I reach for, despite having an entire drawer of spoons. I have an intense dislike of spoons that don’t actually fit inside of spice jars. And, that’s why this rectangular design is my favorite.
- Jar with a lid
I used your recipe blend on some fried pork chops, and it was perfect! I even put some of the blend in the flour to season it, and it was so good! I told myself I wasn’t going to eat the whole pork chop because it was huge, and I’m on a diet. But that diet went out the window the moment I put a piece in my mouth! TY
How to Make All Purpose Seasoning
Combining the Spices: I measure the garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper into a small bowl or jar. Then I stir them together, or seal the jar with a lid and shake until the spices are fully blended.
Using: You can store in an airtight container until needed. When it’s time to cook, just add the all purpose seasoning into the recipe as you would any store-bought blend.
Expert Tip
This blend is easy to adjust to your tastes. My version goes a little heavy on the garlic and smoked paprika because I love that smoky, savory base. If you want more bite, add extra onion powder. If you want heat, add a pinch or two of cayenne. Taste it on something simple, like scrambled eggs or roasted vegetables, and adjust from there.
Storing Long Term – This seasoning can be best kept in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place, away from the stove. The goal is to avoid heat, light, and moisture. It’s at its best within about 6-12 months, but it’s still usable after that, just milder.
Using a Dry Spoon – Any moisture in the jar will make the blend clump. Always scoop with a completely dry spoon and never shake it directly over a steaming pot.
Stirring Before Measuring – Finer spices can settle to the bottom of the jar over time. You’ll want to give the jar a good shake the jar or stir it with a spoon before each use to make sure each scoop has the same balace of flavors.
Ways to Use this Spice Mix
I probably use this seasoning mix on Crispy Baked Chicken and Grilled Chicken Thighs more than anything else. Although, these Roasted Red Potatoes and Roasted Green Beans definitely come in a close second around here. Roasted vegetables are a terrific way to make the most of an easy all purpose blend like this one.
Make Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead: I love making seasoning blends in advance. Having house seasoning on hand throughout the year is truly a gift.
How to Store: This spice blend can be stored in a sealed container or jar. Keep in mind that while they certainly won’t become unsafe, spices start to noticeably lose flavor after a year or two.
More Seasoning Blend Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
For a spicy kick, you can add ½-1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to taste.
Plain paprika will work. But, one of the strengths of this blend is its smoky, rich flavor. Without smoked paprika, that element will be lost.
This seasoning can be used 1:1 in any dish that calls for all purpose seasoning. If you’re unsure how much to start with, I usually begin with 1-2 teaspoons of all purpose seasoning per pound of meat, and 1 teaspoon per pound of vegetables.
All Purpose Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated onion or onion powder
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl or jar, stir together the garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 1/29/21 – recipe notes and photos updated 10/13/26}
Hi Mary, I am allergic to garlic. Is there a homemade spice blend that you can recommend that will still give a great taste and kick to a meal? Thank you
You can skip the garlic in this blend and it will still be delicious, Eileen!
good food
Thanks for the recipes
I’m glad you’re enjoying them, Judy.
I grew up eating Lawry’s. So when I ran out this time I knew I have what I needed to make my own. Wow! I was floored by this blend. Only changes I made was that I added 2 tablespoons of Cayenne pepper and that I used roasted granulated garlic. OUTSTANDING!! Like F***k’s hot sauce, “I use that sh*t on everything!”. LoL. Thank you
Thanks for the grin, James. I’m glad you’re enjoying the seasoning blend!
I have always made this with just garlic and onion powder’s together.
Never thought of adding paprika and pepper to the mix..
Great tip .
Thanks
HERB
I hope that you enjoy it every bit as much as we do, Herb!
I used your recipe blend on some fried pork chops, and it was perfect! I even put some of the blend in the flour to season it, and it was so good! I told myself I wasn’t going to eat the whole pork chop because it was huge, and I’m on a diet. But that diet went out the window the moment I put a piece in my mouth! TY
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the spice rub!
Thanks, so simple that I realized I do this a lot before I saw your recipe. I know what I’ve been concocting now. Thank you!
I love that, Elizabeth.
This worked really well. I was making a copycat recipe for KFC gravy and this worked well for the seasoning I now have a stash and will use it again.
.
I’m glad you like it!
Let’s say I wanted to add some Turmeric to this cause I like the benefits of it, what would be a good amount to add?
Thanks for the blend ratios I use these exact spices almost every day so I will be nice to have one container instead of several.
You can add however much you like. I haven’t tried that myself.
Would this be good in vegetable beef soup? How much would you use for a recipe that makes 6-7 servings please.
I’d probably make the soup and then season to taste, Dee.
The homemade spice mix is a wonderful way to combine spices to make mixing recipes easier.
I believe I got your combo recipe and used it on salmon before. it’s everything I have in my stash but wanted to make sure I was right and it would work for that too
I’m so glad you like it!
making this today with not the salt.
I hope you love it!
I chop up an assortment of vegetables and give them a light coating of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of this seasoning blend. They all go onto a large tray in the oven at 195° for about 30 – 40 minutes. The family now eat so many more vegetables than ever before, because it’s so easy and tasty.
I’ve used the seasoning on chicken thighs and on Wagu topside roast. It seems a perfect choice for any food.
It’s pretty awesome what a good seasoning blend contributes to a meal, isn’t it?