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!
You can find these spice jars and premade tags at The Container Store.
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!
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
Homemade Everything Bagel SeasoningGet the recipe for Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning here and really wow your friends and family with deliciousness!
recipes for theses homemade spice mixes adapted from Wellness Mama.
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!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup onion powder
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons allspice
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper per spice preference
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and store.
- 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!
Ingredients
- zest of 4 lemons or 1/4 cup pre-dried lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons peppercorns
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sea salt
Instructions
- 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.
- In a food processor, place peppercorns and grind down to coarse texture.
- Add sea salt and grind mixture again.
- Add lemon zest and pulse to combine and get to finer consistency.
- Good on poultry and fish (especially tuna).
Recipe Notes
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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!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons sea salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in jar or food processor.
- Good on poultry, fish, and vegetables.
Recipe Notes
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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!
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
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds rye seeds
Instructions
- Meanwhile combine everything spice blend in small bowl.
Store in airtight container.
Recipe Notes
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Make this recipe? I'd love to see how it turned out…
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Love this!!! Awesome spice pictures and these are super thoughtful gifts. I'm sure the receivers will enjoy these.
lol Nice! I was just trying to figure out gifts to make my aunt and cousins. Im thinkin' this will do nicely 🙂
such a good idea!
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I hope so. And I'm excited to test out the extra seasonings in our cooking soon!
Nailed it!! I knew you'd like this post. It was partly inspired by your question after all!
Thank you!!
I think I will be doing these for my co-workers this Holdiay Season! Thank you for posting it!
That makes me so happy! Let me know they like them!!