I used to go through a bottle of small spice blends weekly while cooking for a large family at home. I decided to try creating my own, and I’ve never looked back. This chili seasoning recipe combines flavorful ingredients without preservatives and additives. Use it for your next batch of chili or to season scrambled eggs for breakfast!
The Ultimate Chili Seasoning
Once I began making my own homemade spice blends using bulk ingredients, I was surprised at the cost of a tiny packet of store-bought spices. For the price of just a few tablespoons of chili powder, I could purchase half a pound of spice and make my own. Now, I prepare (almost) all of our seasoning blends, and my kids love to join in. Several years ago, my friend Layla Ali (yes, the daughter of Muhammad Ali) created some delicious spice blends that we also use.
Homemade spice blends save money and help avoid harmful ingredients often found in pre-mixed seasonings and packets. They also make for a great project to do with young children since they don’t involve chopping, cooking, or heating. My kids enjoyed measuring and mixing with me!
You can completely transform your spice cabinet in a day by making your own homemade spice blends and storing them in small glass jars.
What’s in Chili Seasoning Mix?
In stores, it’s an expensive packet of pre-mixed seasoning, often with anti-caking agents and artificial flavors. Typically, chili seasoning is a mix of 5–8 spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and others.
Chili seasoning is similar to homemade taco seasoning and fajita seasoning. While it shares many ingredients, there’s a greater emphasis on chili powder. I prefer starting with high-quality chili pepper powder for the best flavor. If you enjoy more heat, you could add black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to your chili seasoning.
Chili Seasoning vs. Chili Powder
What distinguishes chili seasoning mix from chili powder?
Essentially, all chili seasoning mixes include chili powder, along with various other ingredients. However, not all chili powders are part of a chili seasoning mix. Chili powders can be single-pepper or blended, and they can be used on their own or in spice mixes.
Feeling DIY-inspired?
Here’s a fantastic tutorial on making your own chili powder by dehydrating peppers. You can use hot peppers for a spicier powder or bell peppers for a sweeter, milder flavor.
What Spices Are in Chili Seasoning?
Chili powder is typically the main ingredient, mixed with cumin, garlic, onion powder, oregano, and other spices. You can make it with or without salt. I prefer preparing it without salt and adding salt based on the recipe in which I’m using it.
How Many Tablespoons Are in a Packet of Chili Seasoning?
If you’ve only bought packets of chili seasoning mix, you’re in for a treat when you make your own. Without fillers and additives, you’ll use far less, and the flavor is much more vibrant.
Though chili packets contain about 1/3 cup of mix, this often includes flour and other fillers. I find that 2–3 tablespoons of homemade chili mix equals one package of store-bought chili seasoning. In most recipes, I start with 1½ to 2 tablespoons per pound of meat or vegetables. You can always add more to taste.
Storage and Shelf Life
I store this chili powder in an airtight glass jar where it lasts up to a year, though it tastes best in the first six months. Be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct light and heat.
Where to Obtain the Spices
I used to have dozens of spices from grocery stores; now, I have a dozen or so small glass jars with pre-mixed seasonings. I save a lot of time and money using them! Most of my spices are bought in bulk from the Frontier organic brand on Amazon.
Chili Recipes
This mixture is excellent to have on hand for quick chili on a busy night. It’s also great on omelets and roasted vegetables. While it works well in nearly any pot of chili, here are some recipes that we love to use it in!
Do you make your own spice blends? What’s your favorite way to use chili seasoning? Leave a comment and let us know!
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