Italian seasoning is a spice blend that typically contains some combination of basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper. It’s a versatile blend that can add big flavor to a variety of dishes, from pizza and pasta to meat, fish, vegetables, and more. Using Italian seasoning is an easy way to make your food taste like it came straight from an Italian kitchen or restaurant.
What is Italian seasoning made of?
While recipes can vary, Italian seasoning blends are typically made from some combination of these herbs and spices:
- Basil – Provides a sweet, peppery flavor
- Oregano – Adds an earthy, aromatic note
- Rosemary – Contributes a pine-like, woodsy taste
- Marjoram – Has a delicate, slightly minty flavor
- Thyme – Brings a gentle lemony, herbal flavor
- Garlic powder – Provides a savory, pungent kick
- Black pepper – Adds a touch of spicy heat
The exact blend can vary between brands, but oregano and basil tend to be primary players in most Italian seasoning mixes. Rosemary, marjoram, and thyme show up frequently too. The herbs and spices are dried and then ground into a fine powder so they can be easily incorporated into recipes.
What are the flavor profiles and tastes?
When these herbs and spices come together in Italian seasoning, they create a robust, savory flavor profile. Here’s what you can expect:
- Savory – The blend has an overall savory, umami taste from herbs like oregano and garlic.
- Slightly sweet – Basil provides a hint of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Peppery – Black pepper lends a bit of spicy heat and bite.
- Woodsy – Rosemary has an evergreen, pine-like taste.
- Earthy – Oregano brings a rich, earthy flavor.
- Fresh – Herbs like thyme and marjoram add fresh, bright flavors.
- Aromatic – The scent is fresh, fragrant, and herbaceous.
Overall, Italian seasoning delivers a lively blend of complementary flavors that evoke the tastes of Italy. It’s a versatile mix that brings significant seasoning power. A little goes a long way in transforming the flavor of a dish.
What are the health benefits?
Using Italian seasoning can provide some excellent health benefits thanks to the herbs and spices it contains. Here are some of the key nutrients and benefits:
- Antioxidants – Oregano and basil are rich in antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- Vitamin K – Many of the herbs provide vitamin K which supports bone and heart health.
- Iron – Spices like thyme and oregano contain iron to boost red blood cell production.
- Anti-bacterial – Oregano and garlic have natural anti-bacterial effects to support immunity.
- Aid digestion – The herbs help stimulate digestion and may relieve gas or bloating.
- Phytochemicals – Rosemary contains beneficial plant compounds that support brain function.
Using more herbs and spices, like those found in Italian seasoning, can help reduce your need for added salt in recipes. Overall, incorporating Italian seasoning into your diet can provide nutritional benefits from its wide array of herbs in one blend.
What dishes pair well with Italian seasoning?
Here are some savory dishes that Italian seasoning beautifully complements and enhances:
- Pizza – Sprinkle on dough, sauce, and vegetables for great Italian flavor.
- Pasta – Toss with olive oil before serving any pasta dish.
- Soups – Add to minestrone, tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, etc.
- Vegetables – Roast, sauté, or bake veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes.
- Meat – Excellent on beef, lamb, chicken, and pork.
- Fish – Rub on salmon, halibut, tuna steaks, and more.
- Eggs – Add to omelets, frittatas, and scrambled eggs.
- Salad dressings – Whisk into olive oil and vinegar for a flavor boost.
In general, Italian seasoning is very versatile and can be added to just about anything. It will lend dishes a taste of Italian flair!
What meals can you make with Italian seasoning?
Here are some delicious recipes featuring Italian seasoning:
Italian Herb Chicken
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Pepper
Coat chicken pieces with olive oil and Italian seasoning. Roast in 400F oven until cooked through, about 30 minutes. Saute garlic and onions to make flavorful pan sauce.
Italian Roasted Potatoes
- Baby potatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Rosemary
Toss potatoes with oil, Italian seasoning, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400F for 35 minutes until crispy. Sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Italian Pasta Salad
- Rotini or penne pasta
- Italian dressing
- Italian seasoning
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mozzarella
- Basil
Boil pasta until al dente. Toss with Italian dressing, Italian seasoning, tomatoes, cheese, and basil. Chill before serving.
Italian Meatballs
- Ground beef
- Italian bread crumbs
- Grated parmesan
- Italian seasoning
- Eggs
- Garlic
Mix beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, seasoning, eggs, and garlic. Form into balls and bake at 400F until cooked through, about 20 minutes. Simmer in marinara sauce.
Italian Veggie Bake
- Eggplant
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Mozzarella
Layer sliced veggies in baking dish. Season with Italian seasoning. Cover with sauce and cheese. Bake 30 minutes at 350F until bubbly.
How do you use Italian seasoning?
Here are some easy ways to use Italian seasoning:
- Add it to tomato-based sauces, soups, and stews.
- Use it to season meat before grilling, roasting, or baking.
- Mix it into ground meat for burgers or meatballs.
- Sprinkle it on pizza dough and veggies before baking.
- Add it to olive oil to make Italian bread dipping oil.
- Rub it on chicken or fish before cooking.
- Mix it into salad dressings or marinades.
- Add it to egg dishes like omelets and frittatas.
- Sprinkle it on popcorn along with Parmesan cheese.
- Use it in place of plain salt and pepper for more flavor.
Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per pound of meat or per 4 servings of vegetables or pasta. Adjust to taste. Go easy at first as the flavor can become overpowering if you add too much.
What are substitution options if you don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, here are some good herb and spice substitutes:
- Basil, oregano, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme – Use 2 tsp total
- Basil, oregano, garlic powder – Use 1 1/2 tsp total
- Dried basil – Use 1 Tbsp
- Dried oregano – Use 1 tsp
- Pizza seasoning – Use 1 to 2 tsp
- Herbes de Provence – Use 1 to 2 tsp
You can play around with the amounts of individual herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. For a true Italian flavor, make sure to include basil and oregano. While it won’t be exactly the same, these subs should provide similar flavor.
What are some tips for buying and storing Italian seasoning?
- Look for blends with lots of green herbs visible rather than lots of red pepper flakes.
- Check the expiration date and choose the jar with the latest date.
- Buy small jars if you won’t use it often to keep it fresh.
- Store in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry.
- Keep tightly sealed and away from light, heat, and moisture.
- Use within 2 years for best flavor.
- Smell before using. Discard if the aroma is weak.
- Buy dried herbs rather than blends to make your own mix.
Proper storage keeps the oils and flavors intact. With optimal storage conditions, Italian seasoning can maintain its taste and potency for years.
Can you make Italian seasoning from scratch?
Absolutely! Making homemade Italian seasoning is simple. Here are two recipes to try:
Basic Homemade Italian Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dried basil
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use within 6 months.
Homemade Italian Herb Blend
- 3 tablespoons dried basil
- 3 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons dried marjoram
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
Mix together and store in an airtight container. Use within 1 year.
Customize your homemade blend with your favorite herbs. Play around with the amounts until you achieve your perfect Italian seasoning flavor.
Conclusion
Italian seasoning is an easy way to add big Italian flavor to your cooking. It contains a medley of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that give it a savory, slightly sweet taste. Italian seasoning has potential health benefits thanks to the antioxidants, vitamins, and phytochemicals in the herbs. This versatile blend can be used in pasta, soups, vegetables, meats, and more for an instant flavor upgrade. You can easily make your own Italian seasoning blend at home too. Keep a jar of this flavorful mix on hand to bring the tastes of Italy to your kitchen whenever cravings strike.