Add bold barbecue flavor to any dish using this quick and easy BBQ seasoning recipe. Simply whisk together 7 ingredients and you're done!
There is nothing quite like the smoky flavors of a BBQ spice blend. The mostly savory, slightly sweet flavor profile always keeps me coming back for more, especially on these crispy roasted BBQ chickpeas!
I had always used store-bought BBQ seasoning until I made this homemade version, and since then I've never gone back. It uses the perfect blend of spices that will elevate your BBQ game to the next level for not only grilling season, but year-round!
Why this Homemade BBQ Seasoning Mix is Better than Store-Bought
- No "natural flavors" or anti-caking agents. Almost every commercial BBQ spice mix lists natural flavors on the ingredient label. Natural flavors, as defined by the FDA, are extracts from essentially anything edible (ranging from plant materials to dairy products and animals) that are then built into chemical flavor compounds in a lab to enhance flavors. The FDA does not require food labels to indicate the source of natural flavors!
- Less expensive. Spice mixes are not cheap. If you have the individual ingredients on hand, you can get a lot more bang for your buck by whisking them together on your own rather than paying a premium at the grocery store.
- Full customizable. Some store-bought versions aren't sweet enough, while others may not have as much smoky or spicy flavor. Making it on your own allows you to easily add more of any single ingredient to achieve the perfect BBQ taste.
Ingredients
This delicious spice mix consists of 7 simple ingredients. See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full recipe.
- Maple sugar - or any granulated sugar such as coconut sugar.
- Smoked paprika - the key ingredient! Make sure not to use regular paprika as smoked paprika is what gives the seasoning its intense and smoky flavor.
- Chili powder - adds a little heat!
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Fine salt
- Black pepper
How to Make the Best Homemade BBQ Seasoning
Once you've measured out each ingredient, the work is 99% done. Simply combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl and whisk well, making sure there are no clumps. That's it!
Because it is so easy, I'll typically double or triple the recipe to have extra on hand for future uses. Store the mix in an airtight container in a dry place at room temperature for up to 6 months. I love using these cute little airtight spice containers!
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ seasoning adds wonderful flavor to so many dishes. I use it on plant-based dishes but it works perfectly as a BBQ dry rub as well. Try it on any of these:
- Crispy BBQ Roasted Chickpeas
- Crispy BBQ Roasted Cauliflower
- Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges (sprinkle on at the end)
And if you enjoy making your own spice mixes, be sure to try this incredible taco seasoning or homemade curry powder as well!
I hope you enjoy this delicious BBQ seasoning recipe! If you give it a try, please comment below or share @eatingbyelaine so I can see it in action!
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The Best Homemade BBQ Seasoning
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 2 ¾ tablespoons 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Add bold barbecue flavor to any dish using this quick and easy BBQ seasoning recipe. Simply whisk together 7 ingredients and you're done!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon maple sugar (or sub coconut sugar)
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl and whisk well, making sure there are no clumps. That's it!
Notes
I'll typically double or triple the recipe to have extra on hand for future uses. Store the mix in an airtight container in a dry place at room temperature for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 2
- Category: Spice Mix
- Method: Whisk
- Cuisine: BBQ
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