Easy Homemade Mixes and Seasonings
Are you out of onion soup mix? Can't find any Cajun seasoning or apple pie spice in your pantry?
Here are our favorite homemade mixes, including spice mixes, flours and baking mixes, and many more DIY mixes. Not only are these homemade mixes budget friendly, they're easy to fix and they're usually healthier (no preservatives).
-
Chili Powder Seasoning Blend
The Spruce
This simple homemade chili powder is a blend of 5 herbs and spices. Use it in dips, chili, and in any recipe calling for chili powder.
-
Homemade Instant Oatmeal With Brown Sugar
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Here's a DIY instant oatmeal you can make for a fraction of the price of store-bought packets, and it's extremely versatile. Add less sugar, process it longer for smoother oatmeal, or add a bit of maple flavoring or vanilla.
-
Self-Rising Flour
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
If your recipe calls for self-rising flour and you only have all-purpose, it's a snap to improvise. All you need to add is a little salt and baking powder.
-
Homemade Stuffing Mix
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
This easy stuffing mix is similar to the convenient store-bought top-of-the-stove mix. It's an excellent use for day-old bread, and you probably have most of the seasonings on hand.
Continue to 5 of 12 below. -
Homemade Biscuit Baking Mix
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
This is another convenience to be used often. Keep a container of this biscuit mix in the refrigerator to use whenever you need it. This makes great biscuits and dumplings.
-
How to Make Self-Rising Cornbread Mix
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
If your recipe calls for self-rising cornbread mix and you don't have it, here's how you can make it yourself.
-
Cinnamon Sugar
The Spruce
This cinnamon sugar is a wonderful finishing touch for a whipped cream topping, pie, or dessert, or sprinkle it over buttered toast or your pancakes or French toast.
-
Cajun Spice Blend
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Most purchased Cajun or Creole spice blends are made with the addition of salt. This homemade version is salt free, so it's much more versatile. Use it in any recipe calling for Cajun or Creole seasoning.
Continue to 9 of 12 below. -
How to Make Cake Flour
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Here's a quick how-to for making your own cake flour. Or, if all you have is cake flour and you need all-purpose, here's how to substitute.
-
Homemade Vanilla Sugar
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Sprinkle vanilla sugar over your cereal or on pie crusts or desserts before baking. Or, use it to sweeten your coffee or tea.
-
Blackened Seasoning for Fish or Chicken
The Spruce A variety of herbs and spices go into this Cajun style seasoning mixture. This is an excellent seasoning for pan-fried fish fillets or chicken.
-
Herb Seasoning Blend
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Use this basic herb seasoning blend to flavor sauces, fish or seafood dishes, or chicken.