Make this bold, spicy homemade Italian seasoning in minutes. Our Tuscan-inspired blend adds heat and flavor to pasta, veggies, and olive oil dips.
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We discovered this spicy blend in Tuscany at Antica Macelleria Falorni and brought the flavor home with us. When we couldn't find anything like it in the U.S., we recreated it in our own kitchen, and now we use it on everything. Bold, simple, and pantry-friendly, it's the kind of blend you'll reach for again and again.
This pantry-friendly recipe adds bold, versatile flavor to everything from pasta and homemade pizza to garlic oil dips and charcuterie boards. Try it on roasted veggies, scrambled eggs, or stirred into marinades for an easy flavor boost.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe is modeled after Le Erbe Piccanti, the bold and spicy seasoning blend we fell in love with in Tuscany. It's got more flavor than most store-bought versions, and you can make it in minutes from pantry staples. Even if you only have two or three herbs on hand, you can still make a flavorful blend that elevates any dish.
- Make it once, use it all week: This homemade Italian seasoning is our go-to for quick dinners and easy entertaining.
- Spicy Tuscan Twist: Modeled after Le Erbe Piccanti from Antica Macelleria Falorni in Tuscany. We couldn't find it in the U.S., so we made our own.
- Pantry-Ready Simplicity: Only four ingredients. No fillers. Just pure flavor.
- Quick & Customizable: Make it mild or extra hot. You're in charge.
- Versatile: Use it in olive oil, on pizza, in pasta, on roasted vegetables, or to season meats.
- Perfect for Gifting: Package in small jars with a ribbon and tag for the perfect homemade hostess gift.
🎁 **Grab our free **Spice Jar Gift Labels below-complete with printable labels and dipping oil instructions you can use with every jar!
Ingredients for Spicy Italian Seasoning
- Red Pepper Flakes: Most American flakes are cayenne-based. If you can find Il Peperoncino, the Italian chili used in Tuscany, use that for even more authentic heat.
- Parsley: Use flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, not curly, for stronger flavor and better texture.
- Garlic Salt & Salt: Garlic salt adds depth, while Diamond Crystal kosher salt blends evenly and is less salty by volume. Substitute with garlic powder + fine salt if needed.
Each ingredient in this homemade Italian seasoning recipe plays a key role in creating bold, well-balanced flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- 3 tablespoons Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 tablespoons Dried Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ½ teaspoon Salt (preferably Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt)
🧂 Pro Tip: This recipe uses a simple 3:2:½:1/2 ratio (red pepper:parsley:garlic salt:salt), so it's easy to scale for larger batches.
✅ Bulk Batch Example
- ¾ cup Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ cup Italian Parsley
- 2 tablespoons Garlic Salt
- 2 tablespoons Salt
Use it to refill your jar, prep for gifting, or batch season your next Friday night spread.
Ways to Customize Your Blend
This version lets you skip store-bought blends and control the heat, quality, and ingredients yourself.
- Milder Version: Use one tablespoon red pepper flakes instead of three.
- Garlic Lovers: Use one teaspoon garlic powder instead of garlic salt for more punch.
- Herby Twist: Add one teaspoon dried oregano or thyme for more classic Italian flavor.
- Traditional Version: A classic store-bought blend usually includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Ours is simplified to let the spice shine and make it easier to whip up from pantry staples.
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How to Make Homemade Italian Seasoning
STEP 1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl or spice jar.
STEP 2. Stir or shake well until fully combined.
STEP 3. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Optional: Pulse in a spice grinder for a finer texture, perfect for olive oil dipping or seasoning bread.
Recipe Tips
- Use bulk herbs for fresher, more cost-effective seasoning, and to always have this homemade Italian seasoning ready to go.
- Want to dry your own? Here's how: How to Dry Herbs - 4 Easy Ways by Simply Recipes.
- Label your jar with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Shake the blend before every use to redistribute flavors.
- Keep a small jar on the counter for everyday use and a bulk stash in the pantry
How to Use This Homemade Italian Seasoning
This homemade Italian seasoning works hard in our kitchen. It's the secret flavor booster behind so many of our go-to meals, and once you make it, you'll find yourself reaching for it constantly. Try it:
- Stirred into Homemade Garlic Oil with fresh crushed garlic for dipping bread on charcuterie boards
- Sprinkled on our homemade pizza dough or focaccia for extra flavor
- Tossed with broccoli or Brussels sprouts before roasting, or stirred into sautéed carrots
- Mixed into marinades for chicken, pork, or steak for easy flavor
- Added to pastas like our Easy Ground Bison Pasta for a little heat and depth
- Sprinkled over scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or warm homemade focaccia bread
Honestly, we use this on just about everything. Once you try it, you'll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
Recipe FAQs
Our version uses red pepper flakes, parsley, garlic salt, and kosher salt, inspired by a spicy Tuscan blend.
Yes! Just cut back the red pepper flakes to one tablespoon.
Up to six months in a sealed jar, stored in a cool, dark spot.
You can, but use three times the amount and plan to use it right away. It won't keep as long as dried herbs.
Absolutely. It's a great homemade gift! Pair with olive oil and a printable label or tag.
Spice Jar Gift Labels (Free Printable!)
Get everything you need to gift your favorite homemade Italian seasoning. Want to share the love? This blend makes a thoughtful, easy gift. Grab our free printable kit:
✅ Printable spice jar label
✅ Olive oil dipping instructions
📩 Just enter your email below, and I'll send it right to your inbox:
Related Recipes
These recipes pair perfectly with this homemade Italian seasoning:
- Garlic Oil Your Gonna Want To Use On Everything
- Pizza Dough Recipe
- Spicy Ground Bison Pasta
- Easy Homemade Focaccia Bread
- Dipping Oil for Charcuterie Board
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons dried Italian parsley
- ½ Teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl or mason jar.
- Stir or shake well until fully combined.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Video
Notes
Ways to Customize Your Blend
This version lets you skip store-bought blends and control the heat, quality, and ingredients yourself.- Milder Version: Use one tablespoon red pepper flakes instead of three.
- Garlic Lovers: Use one teaspoon garlic powder instead of garlic salt for more punch.
- Herby Twist: Add one teaspoon dried oregano or thyme for more classic Italian flavor.
- Traditional Version: A classic store-bought blend usually includes basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram. Ours is simplified to let the spice shine and make it easier to whip up from pantry staples.
Russ B says
Great flavor
Seanna says
Thanks Russ!