This Southwest Spice Blend is the perfect way to measure out a bunch of herbs and spices at one time. Use a little bit of this spice mix anytime you want that delicious southwest flavor.
I love to make my own special blends for my family. That way I can control the amounts of everything. Two of my favorites are tajin substitute and my homemade seasoning salt.
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Why this Southwest Spice Blend Recipe is a Keeper
Any chance I get, I make my own seasoning mixes at home. I love this easy southwestern seasoning because it’s truly perfect for when I need just a pinch.
- Cost-Effective & Customizable: Making your own spice blends is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made packets. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients and can tailor the heat and flavor profile to your exact preferences.
- No Unwanted Additives: Store-bought blends often contain anti-caking agents, excessive salt, or other fillers. I love this recipe because when you make homemade spices yourself, you know exactly what’s going into it.
- Pantry Staple Ingredients: The spices in this blend are common and likely already in your spice rack, making this simple recipe easy to whip up anytime.
What Are Some Common Uses for this Homemade Seasoning?
Some common uses for this homemade southwest seasoning recipe include seasoning beef or grilled chicken for tacos. You can also try making southwest chicken salad by using some in place of regular seasonings.
Pro Tip for the Southwestern Seasoning
Freshness Matters: Grinding your own spices (if using whole spices) or blending them fresh yields a more potent and aromatic result than older, pre-ground options.
Ingredient Notes for Southwest Seasoning
There are a couple things that are the key to getting this blend just right to use for your southwest dishes.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Chili Powders: Both regular and chipotle chili powders will help to bring the heat.
- Paprikas: Smoked paprika and regular will bring the smoky flavor to the homemade seasoning.
- Cumin: This ingredient makes a difference because this is what will give the flavorful southwest seasoning the taco flavor.
Recipe Variation & Substitutions for Homemade Southwest Seasoning
This southwest spice blend is incredibly versatile. I like to try different flavors of the best homemade easy southwest mix by using different ingredients.
- Milder: Reduce the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can even omit cayenne if you prefer no heat. You can also try ancho chili powder, as it’s one of the more mild and sweet peppers.
- Spicier: To make this easy recipe spicier, increase the cayenne pepper, add a pinch of ghost pepper powder (use sparingly!), or a touch of chipotle powder for smoky heat.
- Herbaceous Notes: Add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano (Mexican oregano is ideal for authentic flavor). Include 1/4 teaspoon of dried marjoram for a slightly sweeter, piney note.
- Citrus Brightness: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of ground coriander for a bright, citrusy undertone to this delicious seasoning. Consider adding a pinch of dried orange peel powder for an interesting twist.
- Sweetness: A pinch of brown sugar or coconut sugar can enhance the savory notes and aid in caramelization when cooking. Plus it can be a great addition to southwest salad dressing.
How to Make Southwest Seasoning Mix
This recipe comes together in 1 quick and easy step. This blend is so good, it quickly became one of my favorite recipes.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Seasoning Blend: Add chili powder, smoked paprika, regular paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, chipotle chili power, salt and pepper to a small bowl. Mix well.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Homemade Southwest Spice Blend
Preparing this chili recipe ahead of time can be the best way to go. Make it in advance to be able to use this blend whenever you’re doing southwest cooking.
- Batch and Store: The best way to prep ahead is to make a large batch (double or triple the recipe) and store it in an airtight container. This way, it’s ready whenever inspiration strikes.
- Label Clearly: Always label your containers with the name of the blend and the date it was made. While spices don’t spoil quickly, they do lose potency over time.
- Individual Portions: If you frequently use the blend for specific recipes (e.g., taco night), measure out individual portions into small resealable bags or tiny jars. This makes meal prep even faster.
- Toasting Whole Spices (Optional but Recommended): If your recipe calls for whole spices (like cumin seeds or coriander seeds), toast them lightly in a dry skillet before grinding. This deepens their flavor and aroma significantly. Let them cool completely before grinding and blending.
How to Store and Use Leftover Homemade Spice Blend
- Storing: Store the southwest spice blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Using Leftovers: I love using this southwest seasoning blend in place of taco seasoning or fajita seasoning. Really you can use southwest spice blend whenever you like.
Common Questions About This Southwest Flavor Spice Recipe
If you’re more sensitive to spice, you may think this blend is spicy. However, there are ways to make it more mild if you wish.
I would not recommend using whole spices in place of ground because they will not incorporate as well.
If stored properly, this fresh spice blend should last for about a month.
Expert Tips to Make a Southwest Blend
- Source Quality Spices: The flavor of your blend is only as good as the spices you use. Buy from reputable sources that have good turnover to ensure freshness.
- Store Properly: Light, heat, and air are the enemies of spices. Store your blend in an opaque, airtight container in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard, away from the stove.
- Toast for Depth (if using whole spices): As mentioned, a quick roast of whole spices in a dry pan before grinding intensifies their flavor dramatically.
- Start Small, Adjust Later: When using a new blend, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Bloom Your Spices: When cooking with the blend, consider “blooming” it by briefly sautéing it in a bit of oil or fat at the beginning of your cooking process. This helps release the fat-soluble flavor compounds, making your dish more aromatic and flavorful.
- Gift Idea: Homemade spice blends make fantastic, thoughtful gifts for the foodies in your life! Package them in pretty jars with a custom label.
- Keep a Spice Log: If you’re experimenting with variations, keep a small notebook to jot down your ratios and tasting notes. This will help you recreate your favorites and refine new ones.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve homemade spice mixes in shredded chicken or Steak Street Tacos, Spicy Southwest Salad or Southwest Mac & Cheese.
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Southwest Spice Blend
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder
- 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Regular paprika
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Chipotle chili powder
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and stir well.
- Store in an airtight container.
Christina’s Notes
-
- Spices: The flavor of your blend is only as good as the spices you use. Buy from reputable sources that have good turnover to ensure freshness.
-
- Storage Tip: Light, heat, and air are the enemies of spices. Store your blend in an opaque, airtight container in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard, away from the stove.
-
- Start Small, Adjust Later: When using a new blend, start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
-
- Bloom Your Spices: When cooking with the blend, consider “blooming” it by briefly sautéing it in a bit of oil or fat at the beginning of your cooking process. This helps release the fat-soluble flavor compounds, making your dish more aromatic and flavorful.
-
- Gift Idea: Homemade spice blends make fantastic, thoughtful gifts for the foodies in your life! Package them in pretty jars with a custom label.
-
- Keep a Spice Log: If you’re experimenting with variations, keep a small notebook to jot down your ratios and tasting notes. This will help you recreate your favorites and refine new ones.
-
- Serve this Recipe: Serve homemade spice mixes in shredded chicken or Steak Street Tacos, Spicy Southwest Salad or Southwest Mac & Cheese.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.