Give your meals a bold, smoky kick with this easy homemade Southwest Seasoning. Ready in five minutes, this blend layers smoky, earthy and spicy flavors that pair beautifully with chicken, beef, seafood, vegetables and soups. Make a batch, store it in an airtight jar, and use it for up to six months to boost the flavor of countless dishes.
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Recipe tips
- Ways to use it
- More homemade seasonings
What is southwest seasoning? It’s a compact, versatile spice blend built on smoky chipotle notes, warm cumin, bright oregano and a touch of heat from cayenne. When added to recipes, it brings flavors inspired by the American Southwest—think New Mexico and Arizona—without any artificial additives or added sugar.
This blend is made from common dried spices you likely already have in your pantry. You’ll get 10 tablespoons of seasoning from the recipe below, and the mix keeps well for up to six months when stored in a cool, dark place. Making your own blend means no preservatives, no fillers, and the freedom to tweak heat and smokiness to your taste.
Ingredients
- Chipotle powder – the defining smoky and slightly spicy ingredient. If you prefer milder heat, substitute ancho chili powder or use a smaller amount of chipotle.
- Smoked paprika – enhances smokiness and adds a rounded pepper flavor.
- Garlic powder (or granulated garlic) – granulated garlic resists clumping better; use whichever you have.
- Onion powder (or granulated onion) – adds savory depth and concentrated onion flavor.
- Sea salt (or kosher salt) – choose a coarser salt for better texture and flavor control than table salt.
- Ground cumin – brings an earthy, warm note that complements the chili powders.
- Cayenne pepper – provides heat; adjust the amount to match your spice tolerance.
- Dried oregano – adds an herby, slightly peppery lift.
- Dried parsley – contributes a hint of fresh brightness even in dried form.
- Mustard powder (dry mustard) – balances and rounds the blend with a subtle tang.
Instructions
- Measure and combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute each spice.
- Transfer the blend to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark pantry. Use within six months for best flavor.
That’s it—simple, fast, and customizable. In about five minutes you’ll have a versatile Southwest seasoning ready to lift tacos, soups, salads and grilled dishes.
Recipe tips
- Yield: The recipe makes about 10 tablespoons of seasoning. Multiply the quantities to make larger batches.
- Portion for meat: Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat as a general guideline when grilling or roasting.
- Storage: Keep the mix in an airtight jar away from heat and light. Spices don’t spoil but will fade in aroma and potency after several months.
- Jar size: An 8-ounce jar comfortably holds this amount; a 16-ounce jar works for doubled batches. Label the jar with the date you made it.
- Dietary notes: This mix is naturally gluten-free and sugar-free.
- Adjusting heat: Reduce or omit cayenne to make the blend milder. Swapping chipotle for ancho chili powder preserves smokiness with less heat.
- Freshness tip: Use freshly ground spices when possible—freshly ground cumin or chipotle will make the biggest difference in aroma.
Ways to use it
This Southwest seasoning is highly versatile. Use it to season proteins, flavor soups and dips, boost salad dressings, or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables. Below are practical ideas to inspire how you’ll use this blend:
- Black Bean Soup: Stir a tablespoon or two into black bean soup for smoky depth and gentle heat.
- Southwest-style Dressing: Mix the seasoning with sour cream or yogurt, lime juice and cilantro for an easy creamy dressing.
- Grilled Chicken or Wings: Toss chicken with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the seasoning per pound before grilling.
- Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: Season chicken breasts before pressure cooking to make flavorful shredded meat for tacos, salads or wraps.
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Toss zucchini, bell peppers, cauliflower or broccoli with olive oil and 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound, then roast or grill.
- Fajitas: Use this blend instead of store-bought fajita seasoning for a smokier profile.
- Refried Beans: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons to a can of refried beans for an instant side dish.
- Chili and Stews: Replace chili seasoning with this mix for a smoky, layered flavor.
- Burgers: Mix 1 tablespoon into a pound of ground beef before forming patties.
- Dips and Appetizers: Blend into cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or sour cream for a quick southwest dip for chips and veggies.
- Southwest Chicken Soup and Egg Rolls: Swap this mix into recipes calling for taco or enchilada seasoning to give them a smoky twist.
Try the seasoning in any recipe that could benefit from a smoky, slightly spicy southwestern profile.
More homemade seasonings
Building a small collection of homemade seasoning blends makes weeknight cooking faster and more flavorful. Consider making these complementary blends for your pantry:
Chicken Wing Seasoning
Fajita Seasoning
Fry Seasoning
Pork Chop Seasoning
Enchilada Seasoning
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Southwest Seasoning
Spice up your meals with this smoky, slightly spicy Southwest seasoning. Quick to mix and easy to store, this homemade blend is perfect for adding bold flavor to proteins, vegetables, soups and dips.
Yield: 10 tablespoons
Prep time: 5 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond (recipe adapted)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground chipotle pepper (or chili powder)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt (or kosher salt)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard (mustard powder)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until evenly blended.
- Store the mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Use within six months for best flavor.
Notes
- Use roughly 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat when grilling or roasting.
- To reduce heat, lower the cayenne or substitute chipotle with ancho chili powder.
- This blend contains no sugar and is naturally gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts (approx. per tablespoon)
Calories: 18 kcal; Carbohydrates: 3 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Sodium: 727 mg. Values are estimates and will vary by brands and exact measurements used.