Homemade Tuscan Seasoning Recipe

A good Homemade Tuscan seasoning can really bring a dish to life. And while store-bought seasonings are good, they often have unwanted ingredients added to them for the sake of shelf life.

Making homemade seasoning mixes is easy, affordable, and fast, and you don’t have to worry about hidden ingredients making it into your food.

What Is Tuscan Seasoning?

Tuscan seasoning is an Italian seasoning which is slightly different from traditional Italian seasoning thanks to a few additional spices. Typical additions are garlic and pepper, and beyond that, the spices vary considerably from recipe to recipe.

A good Tuscan blend has the addition of a few powders that most folks don’t have in their pantries. But don’t worry, this recipe doesn’t use those. However, if you happen the have them, I’ll give you measurements for adding them to this as well.

Those powders are:

• Tomato powder – Ground dehydrated tomatoes. If using, add 1 tsp. to this recipe.
• Lime powder – Ground dehydrated lime peels. If using, add ¼ tsp. to this recipe (you can go all the way up to 1 tsp., depending on your preferences. But start small and add more as needed.)
• Red bell pepper powder – Ground dehydrated red bell peppers. If using, add a ½ tsp. to this recipe.

Some recipes call for fennel and sage. I do not use those here. Should you wish to add them, you can add:

• Ground fennel – ¼ tsp.
• Ground sage – ¼ tsp.

How To Use Tuscan Seasoning

Try using this homemade seasoning blend in any of the following ways:

• In hamburger meat
• Add to marinara sauce
• Add to pesto for extra flavor
• Sprinkle over broccoli
• Mix with extra virgin olive oil
• Mix with Parmesan cheese to make garlic bread
• Sprinkle over spaghetti or add it to spaghetti sauce

What’s The Difference Between Tuscan Seasoning And Italian Seasoning?

Tuscan seasoning tends to use herbs and spices specific to the Tuscan region of Italy, while Italian seasoning uses herbs generally found within the country.

While recipes will vary in both store-bought and homemade versions, you could very generally say that Italian seasoning is often a simpler blend than Tuscan seasoning. Tuscan seasoning tends to have more spices added and a deeper flavor profile than Italian seasoning.

Both are wonderful, and both have their own unique uses, but they can also be used interchangeably in some recipes.

How To Make Tuscan Seasoning From Scratch

Nothing could be simpler! Simply measure all your spices into a bowl or, as I did, a mortar and pestle.

If using a bowl, simply stir the spices up to mix them. If using a mortar and pestle, grind the spices together before transferring them to a spice jar.

How To Store Homemade Tuscan Seasoning

As with any dry seasoning, this will store well in your pantry. No need to refrigerate. Do not mix this with anything else before storing. This must be stored as a dry spice. Adding anything such as oil or other liquid will then create the need for refrigeration and greatly reduce the lifespan of your Tuscan seasoning.

How Long Will A Homemade Tuscan Spice Blend Keep?

If stored properly in an air-tight container in a dark pantry or cupboard, this spice blend should last you a full year, if not more.

How To Use Tuscan Seasoning

Tuscan seasoning can be used in many different dishes and recipes. Here are some suggestions.

• Pasta, pasta salad, or pasta sauce. Think orzo salads, cream or tomato-based sauces, or as a general seasoning to a pasta salad.
• In rice (think Tuscan rice bowls with some feta and sun-dried tomatoes!)
• On chicken for grilling, baking, or air frying!

More Healthy Seasoning Blends To Make In Minutes At Home

• Homemade Taco Seasoning
• Ranch Mix
• Cajun Seasoning