12 Classic Spice Blends and Herb Combinations

Spice blend

Cameron Whitman / Stocksy

It's fun to experiment with combining different herbs and spices, and with so many recipes out there, it's hard to pick your favorite. Here are a few favorites that have withstood the test of time.

Blackening Seasoning

This flavorful cajun favorite is a mixture of paprika, garlic, thyme, oregano, and black, white, and cayenne peppers. Meat and fish are usually coated in the seasoning and then seared until "blackened" in a hot cast iron skillet. Rather than being burned until black, the paprika, which turns a deep reddish-black color when seared, is responsible for the blackening action. This spice blend can be made either hot or mild depending on the amount of cayenne pepper used.

Bouquet Garni

This bundle of French herbs may contain a variety of ingredients including basil, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, sage, or peppercorns. Rather than being a specific blend of herbs, bouquet garni is a generic term for fresh herbs tied into a bundle and used to infuse soups, stews, and stocks. The string-tied bundle of herbs is then removed prior to serving.

Chinese Five Spice

This classic Chinese spice blend is used to season fatty meat for roasting, such as char siu or roasted duck, and various stir-fries. The blend includes star anise, cinnamon, cloves, Sichuan peppers, and fennel seeds. These spices together produce a flavor that is deep and spicy with a hint of sweetness.

Curry Powder

Curry powder blends vary drastically depending on the region and cook preparing the mix. Most commercial blends include turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red pepper, but may also have a variety of other herbs and spices added. Curries are used to season meat, vegetables, stews, or even as an all-purpose table seasoning.

Everything Bagel Seasoning

One of the most iconic flavor profiles ever, this seasoning blend has everything you love about an everything bagel—without the bagel. Sprinkle it on scrambled eggs, roast chicken, braised leeks, even a good slice of sourdough with butter. With just six ingredients, this is one recipe that does heavy lifting.

Fines Herbes

This herb blend is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. This delicately flavored blend of herbs is best used with lighter dishes such as fish, eggs, or vegetables and are usually added at the end of cooking to preserve the light, fresh flavor. Fines herbes is a blend of parsley, chives, tarragon, and chervil.

Herbs de Provence

This French herb mix consists of lavender, fennel, basil, and thyme. These herbs are all native to Provence, France, after which the mix is named. This light yet flavorful blend is perfect for grilled fish or meat, and even vegetables.

Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning blends may be an American creation rather than truly Italian, but that doesn't make them any less popular. These seasoning blends may vary by content, but usually include a blend of basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and red pepper. Italian seasoning is great on meat, vegetables, pasta, pizza, and bread.

Jerk Seasoning

This famous spicy Caribbean seasoning blend combines allspice, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, garlic, and the super hot scotch bonnet peppers. These spices are usually dry rubbed into meat or combined with citrus juice and other liquids to create a marinade. Jerk seasoning is well known for its use with chicken but is also commonly used for seafood and other meats.

Old Bay Seasoning

This popular seafood seasoning was created in the Chesapeake Bay area in the early 20th century and is still popular today. The seasoning includes celery seed, bay leaf, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, mace, ginger, mustard, and paprika. Although this seasoning is best known for its use with seafood, many people use it as an all-purpose seasoning blend to top eggs, french fries, popcorn, and more.

Poultry Seasoning

This light, earthy blend is great for poultry, but can also be used for other light meats like pork or even fish. The blend typically includes parsley, sage, rosemary, and marjoram.

Quatre Epices

Another spice blend hailing from France, this combination can also be found throughout the Mediterranean. The name, meaning "four spices," contains pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. This spice blend is perfect for soups, stews, and vegetables, but is also used for meat preparations such as sausage and pate.