Soul Food Seasoning (5-Minute): Best Homemade Southern Spice Blend

Soul food seasoning is my go-to, all-purpose Southern spice blend for collard greens, green beans, fried cabbage, chicken, fish, and beans. It takes 5 minutes, uses pantry spices, and saves you from pulling out 8 different bottles every time you cook.

Pro Tip (Fix the #1 Fail)

The #1 reason homemade seasoning tastes “flat” is old spices (and using too much salt). Use fresh garlic/onion powder and paprika, then start with 1 teaspoon per pound. You can always add more—but you can’t take it out.

What Is Soul Food Seasoning?

Soul food seasoning is a balanced Southern blend built on the classic foundation: garlic + onion + pepper + paprika + herbs + a touch of heat. It’s bold enough for greens and beans, but balanced enough to use every day.

Ingredients (Soul Food Seasoning Blend)

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (see salt-free option below)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika (swap smoked paprika for a smoky version)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Make Soul Food Seasoning

1. Add all spices to a small bowl or jar.
2. Whisk (or shake) until evenly combined.
3. Taste a pinch and adjust salt/heat to your preference.
4. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Soul Food Seasoning (5-Minute Homemade Southern Spice Blend)

A bold, balanced soul food seasoning blend you can mix in 5 minutes for greens, beans, chicken, fish, and vegetables.

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Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 Tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp celery salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Equipment

• Small bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Airtight spice jar

Method

 

1. Add all spices to a bowl or jar.
2. Whisk (or shake) until fully combined.
3. Taste a pinch and adjust salt/heat.
4. Store airtight in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Start with 1 tsp per pound (up to 2 tsp for bold flavor).

Salt-free: omit kosher salt + celery salt; salt dishes while cooking.

Best flavor within 6–12 months.

How Much to Use (Quick Guide)

• Meat (chicken, pork chops, fish): 1–2 teaspoons per pound
• Vegetables (green beans, cabbage): 1 teaspoon per pound + oil/butter
• Greens (collards/turnip/mustard): 1–2 teaspoons per pot, adjust at the end
• Beans/soups/stews: 1/2 teaspoon per quart, then adjust after simmering

Salt-Free + Low-Sodium Options

Salt-free: Omit kosher salt and celery salt. Salt your dish while cooking instead (prevents over-salting).
Lower sodium: Cut kosher salt in half and add 1 extra teaspoon thyme or oregano to keep it flavorful.

Flavor Variations

• Smoky: use smoked paprika
• Spicier: add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon more cayenne
• More herby: add 1 teaspoon dried parsley

How Long Does Homemade Seasoning Last?

For best flavor, use within 6–12 months. Keep it airtight and away from heat/light/moisture. If it loses aroma and color, refresh the jar. For more guidance, see the USDA FoodKeeper storage tips.

What to Use Soul Food Seasoning On

This blend is made for Southern cooking. Try it on:

• Collard greens (especially smoked turkey collards)
• Soul food green beans
• Southern fried cabbage (with bacon)
• Fried chicken, baked chicken, wings
• Black-eyed peas, pinto beans, red beans

FAQS