All-Purpose Seasoning
On September 10, 2025
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Salty, savory, smoky, and slightly sweet, this blend hits all the right notes, making it truly deserving of the title: All-Purpose Seasoning. With just 6 common ingredients and 5 minutes, you can create a seasoning that really works for EVERY purpose.
Homemade All-Purpose Seasoning
When it comes to backyard cooking, a solid all-purpose seasoning is worth its weight in gold. This simple-yet-serious blend packs in layers of flavor to bring out the best in meat, veggies, and more. It takes about five minutes to mix up, stores easily, and can be used on everything from weeknight chicken dinners to weekend pulled pork. This seasoning is a breeze to make, endlessly useful, and the kind of go-to blend that’ll earn a permanent spot by your grill.
Ingredients for All-Purpose Seasoning
Since this recipe uses just 6 staple ingredients, you’ve probably got everything you need in your pantry right now. Here’s what you need so you can create this tasty workhorse blend:
- 1 Tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon coarse Kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional)
The optional sugar helps balance the salt and spice while also giving you a little extra browning when cooking. If you’re using table salt instead of Kosher, cut the amount in half so it doesn’t overpower your blend.
How to Make All-Purpose Seasoning
Making this seasoning couldn’t be easier. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll go from a handful of everyday spices to a seasoning that makes everything you cook taste better. No fancy equipment or extra steps required. Just mix it up, store it, or start shaking it right away.
- Mix the seasoning. Combine the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and (optional) sugar in a small bowl, then mix until you have an even mixture. Grab a whisk or fork to bust up any stubborn clumps, then you’re good to go.
- Use immediately or store for later. Put that seasoning to work right away on tonight’s dinner, or pour it into a spice jar for your pantry. Keep it in a cool, dry spot and you’ll have a ready-to-go flavor boost for up to 6 months.
Ways to Use Your Blend
This seasoning earns its all-purpose name by working on pretty much everything you throw on the grill or smoker.
- Steaks: Dust it on your favorite cuts before they hit the hot grates.
- Chicken: Sprinkle it over chicken thighs for a little crisp before saucing.
- Veggies: Toss with olive oil and this blend before grilling for a show-stealing side.
- Burgers: Mix it right into meat or season your patties after forming.
No matter what you’re making, this seasoning provides a balanced depth of flavor your family will love.
Storage and Shelf Life
This stuff stores great for months, which means you can mix up a jar and have instant flavor whenever you need it. I love using these glass spice jars for my rubs, but any airtight container will work. When stored properly, this seasoning will hold its flavor for up to 6 months. After that, it’s still safe to use, but the flavors won’t be as bold.
Don’t worry. Once you get a bite of something seasoned with it, you’ll use it up quick. In fact, you might want to double (or triple) the batch.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts of making your own seasoning is customizing it into something you love. Here are a few ways to tweak this blend:
- Not a sweet tooth? Skip the sugar entirely if you prefer a straight savory profile. The seasoning still adds tons of flavor, just without that subtle sweetness that helps with browning.
- Spice things up! I made this seasoning with everyone in mind, but you can easily add some heat. You can mix in red pepper flakes if you like a little fiery touch. Start with ⅛ teaspoon, then adjust to taste from there.
- Get creative. After you understand the basics, you can start to craft something totally your own. Toss in some dried oregano or thyme for some herby vibes, or add a pinch of cumin for earthy depth. The possibilities are endless.
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
Once you see how easy it is to make your own blends, you’ll want to stock your whole spice rack with homemade mixes. Here are some of my most popular blends for you to try next:
Rubs & Seasonings
Homemade Seasoning Salt
Rubs & Seasonings
Classic Burger Seasoning
Rubs & Seasonings
Popcorn Seasoning Five ways
These recipes and hundreds more are waiting for you here on the site, as well as on the Hey Grill Hey App. The app puts meal planning and grocery lists right at your fingertips, making it even easier to step up your grilling game.
Easy All-Purpose Seasoning Recipe
Make this All-Purpose Seasoning recipe, then get ready to season everything you cook with serious purpose. Make sure to come back after you try it and let me know how it worked out by dropping a comment below.
Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe on YouTube for more backyard cooking inspiration. With Hey Grill Hey guiding the way, you’re on your way to becoming a Backyard BBQ Hero!
All-Purpose Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon cracked black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon coarse Kosher salt
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon sugar optional, but adds balance and enhanced browning
Instructions
- Mix the seasoning. Combine the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and (optional) sugar in a small bowl, then mix until you have an even mixture. I recommend using a whisk or fork so you can break up any clumps.1 Tablespoon cracked black pepper, 1 Tablespoon coarse Kosher salt, 1 Tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon sugar
- Use immediately or save for later. Use your All-Purpose Seasoning right away, or store in a seasoning jar and store in a dry place for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
