This all-purpose everyday seasoning blend is the shortcut to a deeply flavorful meal — five ingredients, one bowl, and it works on chicken, beef, and vegetables alike. Garlic and onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning cover most of what a weeknight needs. Make a batch and weeknight cooking gets noticeably easier.
Every kitchen needs that one secret weapon, the magic dust you can sprinkle on just about anything to make it taste incredible. Growing up, my family’s pantry was never without a shaker of Johnny’s Seasoning Salt. These days, I find so much joy in creating my own signature blends, and this is the one I reach for constantly. It’s my answer to those chaotic weeknights when time is short but my craving for a deeply flavorful meal is not. This all-purpose seasoning is your shortcut to a delicious dinner—just pick a protein or vegetable, season generously, and cook!
Ingredients
• 2 tablespoons / 18g (0.63 oz) garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons / 16g (0.56 oz) onion powder
• 1 tablespoon / 18g (0.63 oz) fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons / 5g (0.18 oz) ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon / 1.5g (0.05 oz) Italian seasoning
Instructions
1. Directions1. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.2. Whisk until thoroughly mixed and transfer to an airtight container or spice jar. Shake well before each use to prevent settling.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information*Per ½ teaspoon serving*
• CALORIES: 3
• FAT: 0g
• PROTEIN: 0.1g
• TOTAL CARBS: 0.7g (0.02 oz)
• FIBER: 0.1g
• NET CARBS: 0.6g (0.02 oz)
Pro Tips
• For a deeper, nuttier flavor, lightly toast the garlic and onion powders in a dry skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes before mixing.
• Customize the blend by adding 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Make a wet rub by mixing 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of the seasoning with 1 tablespoon (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) of olive oil. Rub it onto chicken, pork, or beef before grilling or roasting.
• Double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. Store it in a cool, dark place, and it will last for up to 6 months.
FAQ
Q: How long does this homemade seasoning last
A: When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry, this all-purpose seasoning will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
Q: What can I use this all-purpose seasoning on
A: This versatile blend is fantastic on almost anything. Try it on chicken, pork, beef, fish, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and even sprinkled over popcorn or eggs.
Q: Can I make this seasoning spicy or smoky
A: Absolutely. For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the blend. For a smoky flavor, mix in 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) of smoked paprika.
Q: Can I use a different type of salt
A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount. If using a coarser salt like kosher salt, you might need slightly more. If using finer table salt, which can contain anti-caking agents, you might want to use slightly less.
Pro Tips
- Lightly toast the garlic and onion powders in a dry skillet over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes before mixing — it deepens their flavor into something noticeably nuttier.
- Make a wet rub by mixing 2 tablespoons of the seasoning with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then rub it onto chicken, pork, or beef before grilling or roasting.
- Customize the blend with 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for smokiness or ½ teaspoon of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Double or triple the batch and store it in a cool, dark place — it lasts up to 6 months and there is no reason to make single batches.
- Shake the jar well before each use to prevent settling, since the finer powders drift to the bottom over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this seasoning blend keep?
Up to 6 months stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container or spice jar. Shake well before each use to prevent settling.
Is this everyday seasoning keto?
Per ½-teaspoon serving it has 0.7 g total carbs with 0.1 g fiber, about 0.6 g net carbs. As a seasoning used by the pinch, it adds essentially nothing to your daily count.
What is this blend best on?
Chicken, beef, and vegetables are the core uses — or mix it with olive oil into a wet rub for grilling and roasting.
Can I make it spicy?
Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the base blend, or include smoked paprika for a smoky variation instead.
Recipe card below.
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All-Purpose Everyday Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
Method
- Directions1.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. 2.
- Whisk until thoroughly mixed and transfer to an airtight container or spice jar. Shake well before each use to prevent settling.
