Go Back
–+ servings
the spices and herbs for a southwest seasoning blend layered in a clear jar
Print Recipe
4.84 from 6 votes

Southwest Seasoning Blend

 I love making my own seasoning blends, they're so easy to make! This recipe for my homemade southwest spice blend is a favorite, made with a blend of 11 herbs and spices that you already have in your spice rack.
Prep Time3 minutes
Total Time3 minutes
Course: Spice Blends
Cuisine: Southwestern
Servings: 1 /2 cup
Calories: 11kcal
Author: Eden Westbrook

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon black peppercorns or 2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin or ½ tablespoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
  • ½ tablespoon coriander seeds or 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon hot paprika
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoons ground turmeric

Instructions

  • If using peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried oregano, etc., grind them up into powder.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk all the ground spices together until they are well combined.
  • Carefully pour or funnel your southwest spice blend into jars with airtight lids.
  • The seasoning blend will stay it's freshest for to six months!

Notes

Variations and Substitutions

  • No ancho chilies? Use red pepper flakes, chili powder or chipotle powder!
  • Want hot spice? Use jalapeno or cayenne pepper in your spice blend. Just remember these are hot peppers, so know the amount of cayenne pepper you can handle!
  • Many commercial southwest spice blends use celery seeds, so if you can feel 'something missing' give that a try! Celery seeds add a savory, warm, slightly bitter flavor to your favorite spice mix.

How to use your Homemade Seasoning

I love having this on hand, it is so useful in so many recipes!
  • Fajita Seasoning - this seasoning is literally made for beef fajitas, it's one of my favorite dishes!
  • Marinade - give your proteins that unique flavor by marinating them with oil, lime, and southwest spices.
  • Dry Rub - this smoky, vibrant spice mix is a perfect dry rub for southwest chicken or beef
  • Taco Fillings - season your fillings with a little southwestern spice before cooking them for the best tacos all summer. Grilled fish tacos definitely love this mix!
  • Grilled or Roasted Vegetables and Meats - if it's grilling season, southwest seasoning is a go-to for me because it has so much flavor! It's so delicious on grilled veggies or kebabs, but it's also great on roasted potatoes or sheet pan chicken.
  • Salad Dressings - a southwest salad with a southwestern dressing to add some extra oomph.
  • The Best Gifts - little containers filled with spices are great for friends who love being in the kitchen as much as you do.

Pro Tips

Use fresh spices and herbs. The fresher they are, the longer your southwest spice blend will last.
If you can't find the ancho chili powder, here's how you make your own: Remove the stems and seeds from dried ancho chilies and blend them up in a blender until they are powdered or are very small fragments, much like crushed red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1teaspoon | Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g