5 Spice Blends Everyone Needs to Keep on Hand

Keep your pantry stocked with these 5 spice blends to make throwing dinner together a simple, flavorful task. Of course there’s dozens of great herbs, spices, and spice blends. And some of you may have the space and desire to stock lots of spices and use the individually to create the flavor profile you want. For some people that sounds overwhelming. So these 5 spice blends will ensure that no matter what protein you’re cooking, you have a complimentary and dynamic spice blend to go along with it.

5 Spice Blends to Keep Stocked in your Pantry

1. Montreal Steak (or a blend with lots of garlic and pepper)

   1. garlic, pepper, salt, onion, and smoked paprika

   2. bold and super versatile

   3. Use on

      1. Steak

      2. Chicken

      3. Salmon

      4. Roasted Potatoes

      5. Brussels Sprouts

      6. Asparagus

      7. Cruciferous Veggies

      8. Garlic Bread

2. Za’atar

   1. Sumac, Sesame Seeds, Oregano, Thyme, Marjoram, salt, and sometimes Cumin and/or Coriander

   2. rich, earthy, a little nutty and a little tangy

   3. Use on

      1. Lamb

      2. Salmon

      3. Chicken

      4. Rice

3. Lemon Pepper

   1. Black Pepper, Salt, Garlic, Onion, Celery Seed, Lemon Zest

   2. citrusy and tangy flavor and a savory base with garlic, onion, and pepper

   3. Use on

      1. Chicken

      2. White Fish

      3. Pasta

      4. Cauliflower

      5. Snap Peas

      6. Radishes

      7. Zucchini

      8. Carrots

      9. Root Vegetables

4. Fajita or Taco

   1. Salt, Garlic, Onion, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Powder, Sweet Paprika and Smoked Paprika, and Cayenne

   2. earthy, garlicky, and warming (sometimes spicy)

   3. Use with

      1. Beef

      2. Pork

      3. Chicken

      4. Fish Tacos

      5. Beans and Rice

      6. Sauteed Peppers and Onions

      7. Tortilla Chips for Nachos

5. Old Bay

   1. Celery Salt, Red and Black Pepper, Sweet and Smoked Paprika, Ground Mustard, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Mace, Ginger, Allspice, Cloves, and Bay Leaves

   2. sweet, smoky and fresh

   3. Use on

      1. Shellfish

      2. Clam Chowder

      3. Jambalaya and Gumbo

      4. Crab Cakes

      5. White Fish

      6. Chicken

      7. Roasted Potatoes

      8. Corn on the Cob

      9. Meat Marinades

3 Bonus Spice Blends

1. Italian Herb Blend

   1. Parsley, Oregano, Marjoram, Thyme, Rosemary, and Sage

   2. This herb blend doesn’t contain salt, so it’s great for those times when you only want to had herbaceous flavor

2. Tuscan Blend

   1. look for a spice blend that contains

      1. garlic

      2. sweet onion

      3. black pepper

      4. red and green pepper

      5. tomato

      6. rosemary

      7. basil

      8. fennel

3. Seasoned Salt

   1. salt, onion, garlic, paprika, turmeric, cumin, celery salt

   2. There are tons of variations of seasoned salt out there, so find you favorite!

   3. This blend can be used on almost anything, but I believe it shouldn’t be used alone because it doesn’t impart complex enough flavor

   4. If using seasoned salt consider using along with:

      1. another herb or spice blend

      2. mustard

      3. vinegar

      4. fresh herbs

      5. buffalo or bbq sauce

      6. soy sauce or tamari

      7. harissa

Bonus Baking Spice Blend

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1. Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger, Allspice, Salt, sometimes mace

2. Great for fall baking - use teaspoons of spice

3. Use in a variety of dessert dishes, but only use a tiny pinch

   1. Blueberry Muffins

   2. Banana Bread

   3. Crème brûlée and other puddings

   4. Cheesecake Crusts