DIY Holiday Gift: Homemade Spice Mixes

When I was growing up, I made gifts for people. I did the traditional painted rocks and coupon books, nothing too fancy, but the thought and energy was there. I can’t quite get away with those same gifts now that I’m older, but it doesn’t mean that homemade isn’t still a go-to in my book. These homemade spice mixes are easy DIY gifts to make and have that special touch without being over-the-top or expensive.

These would be great gifts for coworkers and new friends, as well as thank yous to hosts. Make the same seasoning mix for everyone or pick an assortment of creations!

Find these perfectly sized spice jars and premade tags.

Homemade Spice Mixes for DIY Gifts

Caribbean Jerk Seasoning Recipe

This Caribbean Jerk seasoning recipe is a favorite of my husband and myself. We usually use it on grilled chicken and fish. It’s a winner every single time. The ingredients are simple and straightforward, making it a great gift and a delicious spice mix to have in your cupboard year round!

HOMEMADE FAJITA SEASONING + VEGETABLES

Lemon Pepper Seasoning Recipe

With only three ingredients, this lemon pepper seasoning recipe is certainly simple. Delicious on tuna sandwiches and sprinkled on fish or chicken for taco night, this is a great seasoning. Drying the lemon peel yourself is quite a bit of work, so I’d recommend buying the dried lemon peel – available on Amazon!

Cajun Seasoning Recipe

If you like kick in your food, then this Cajun seasoning recipe is perfect for you! That bit of cayenne pepper goes a long way in this mix. Delicious on all meats and even roasted or grilled vegetables.

Serve your spicy main dish with the perfect rice and you’ll have happy campers around your dinner table!

Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning

Get the recipe for Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning here and really wow your friends and family with deliciousness! I’m slightly addicted to this seasoning mix.

I love it on cream cheese or butter on a bagel, on toast, on avocado toast, on cucumber slices, on hummus, basically on EVERYTHING!

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CARIBBEAN JERK SEASONING

I didn't really know what to expect when we made Caribbean Jerk seasoning at home for the first time. It's a flavorful seasoning with warm flavors. It isn't really spicy likely I expected, but it's a favorite on grilled and roasted chicken!

Course Seasonings

Cuisine American

Keyword basics, seasonings

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 cup

Author Luci Petlack

Ingredients

• ¼ cup onion powder
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 tablespoons thyme
• 2 teaspoons allspice
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper per spice preference

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients together and store.
2. Use on poultry, fish, and vegetables. Good if mixed with honey and brushed onto ingredients. Makes four ounces.

Recipe Notes

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LEMON PEPPER SEASONING

Lemon pepper seasoning is a classic and for good reason. We love it on chicken and fish, but it's also delicous sprinkled over hummus and tzatziki!

Course Seasoning

Cuisine American

Keyword basics, plant based, seasonings

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Author Luci Petlack

Ingredients

• zest of 4 lemons or ¼ cup pre-dried lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons peppercorns
• 2 ½ tablespoons sea salt

Instructions

1. If using fresh lemon zest, thoroughly zest lemons and spread out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put oven on the lowest setting and leave until completely dried. Mine took 35 minutes at 170 degrees. When completely dried, remove from oven.
2. In a food processor, place peppercorns and grind down to coarse texture.
3. Add sea salt and grind mixture again.
4. Add lemon zest and pulse to combine and get to finer consistency.
5. Good on poultry and fish (especially tuna).

Recipe Notes

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Make this recipe? I'd love to see how it turned out…

PINTEREST: Upload a photo and your review to this Pin!

INSTAGRAM:  Tag me @lucismorsels and use #LMrecipes

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RAJIN' CAJUN SEASONING

If you're looking for some heat on your grilled meat and veggies, this rajin' cajun seasoning is the answer to all your woes! It's also great sprinkled over hummus and sour cream dips!

Course Seasonings

Cuisine American

Keyword sauces, seasonings

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 cup

Author Luci Petlack

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
• 3 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 3 teaspoons oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons thyme

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in jar or food processor.
2. Good on poultry, fish, and vegetables.

Recipe Notes

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Make this recipe? I'd love to see how it turned out…

PINTEREST: Upload a photo and your review to this Pin!

INSTAGRAM:  Tag me @lucismorsels and use #LMrecipes

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EVERYTHING BUT THE BAGEL SEASONING

If you love everything bagels but don't have a good place to get them nearby or, if you're like me, love them but pretty much never eat bagels, this is the recipe for you. The bread in these rolls is lighter than bagels, but that all too familiar everything seasoning on the top makes these impossibly hard to resist!

Course American

Cuisine American, New American

Keyword diy, seasonings, spices

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons dried garlic flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt or sea salt
• ½ teaspoon caraway seeds rye seeds

Instructions

1. Meanwhile combine everything spice blend in small bowl.

2. Store in airtight container.

Recipe Notes

Save this recipe on Pinterest!

Make this recipe? I'd love to see how it turned out…

PINTEREST: Upload a photo and your review to this Pin!

INSTAGRAM:  Tag me @lucismorsels and use #LMrecipes