Beau Monde Seasoning Mix

Written by
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Linda Larsen
Updated 05/18/21
Beau Monde Seasoning Mix

The Spruce / Nyssa Tanner
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 1/3 cup
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
12 Calories
0g Fat
3g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 12
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 1%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 797mg 35%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Calcium 23mg 2%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 36mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Although we can't be sure of its origin or how beau monde seasoning got its name, surely its flavor is as tasty and bold as the concept conveyed by that name: "beautiful world" or, less literally, "beautiful people." This seasoning is a simple mixture of some easy-to-find spices and goes well on pretty much everything you put it on, from burgers to soups.

Although finding a beau monde spice mix at stores might be fairly easy, by making your own you can customize it to your taste, adding a little more of one spice or leaving another out altogether. Our promise is that our mixture, as is, will be a game changer for busy weeknights, when quick and easy dinners are most needed. Sprinkle it on steak before grilling, add it to chicken breasts before frying, or put a pinch in your salad dressing to liven it up.

Typically, the beau monde blend combines celery seed, onion powder, and garlic powder, but personal taste dictates that pinches of cinnamon, ground thyme, or basil also have room in the spice blend. Experiment and come up with your own version of this flavorful mixture, but whatever you add, be sure it comes from a fresh spice jar, is properly ground, and has no moisture in it, as humidity can ruin the whole blend. Label the mixture six months after the date of preparation and enjoy it in your favorite savory recipes.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon ground bay leaf

  • 1 tablespoon ground allspice

  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon ground cloves

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon white pepper

  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1 teaspoon ground mace

  • 1 teaspoon ground celery seed

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Beau monde seasoning mix ingredients

    The Spruce / Nyssa Tanner

  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine all the spice ingredients.

    Combine all the ingredients into mixing bowl

    The Spruce / Nyssa Tanner

  3. Mix with a spoon until very well blended.

    Mix the spices together in a bowl with a spoon

    The Spruce / Nyssa Tanner

  4. Pour the seasoning mix into a jar with a tight-fitting lid and store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

    Beau monde seasoning mix in a jar

    The Spruce / Nyssa Tanner

  5. Enjoy.

How to Make a Great Spice Blend

To make great spice blends, you need a good set of measuring spoons, clean jars for storage, and some labels. Here are a few expert tips for great results every time:


  • Use a spice or coffee grinder to grind your spices. Add the spices and pulse the machine as you would a blender or food processor. Some spices are very strong in flavor and smell, so cleaning the appliance is needed, especially if you are using your coffee grinder to mix spices. To clean it, run some bread cubes through it—they'll pick up any leftover spice and give you seasoned breadcrumbs as a bonus. You don't want onion flavor in your coffee, and you also don't want coffee flavor in your spices.
  • Make sure that you are starting with very fresh spices. The spices should have a bold smell. If you aren't sure or the smell is faint, discard and buy new ones.
  • Label the spice blend to be sure you're using it within its best time frame. Spices do lose flavor over time.

How to Use Beau Monde Spice Blend

Beau monde spice is a beautiful seasoning to have at hand when you're in need of some spice inspiration. Here are a few ideas on how to use this versatile blend:


  • Marinade: Add 1 tablespoon of the blend to 4 tablespoons of olive oil and a squeeze of lime. Use this marinade on cubed beef, tempeh, chicken strips, tofu, veal, or fish. Cook the protein using your preferred method.
  • Sauce: Make a basic gravy and add 1 teaspoon of the beau monde seasoning when the gravy is thickening. Use the gravy on potatoes, vegetables, or meats.
  • Beef stews and goulash: Pat dry the cubed meat and generously sprinkle the meat with the seasoning before browning it in the pot. Add your cooking liquids and vegetables to complete your recipe and discover a new flavor profile for these types of recipes.
  • Dips: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of beau monde blend to 1 cup of cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Taste test and season with additional salt if needed. Top with a tablespoon of olive oil and a squeeze of lime. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon of the blend to your favorite hummus recipe, or experiment with other spreads.