I used to use a bottle of small spice blends a week (at least!) to cook for a large family at home. I decided to try my hand at making my own creation and I haven’t looked back. This recipe for chili spices combines tasty ingredients without preservatives and additives. Add it to your next batch of chili, or season some scrambled eggs for breakfast!
The best chili spices
Once I started making my own homemade spice blends from bulk ingredients, I was shocked at how much a small packet of spices cost at the store. For the price of just a few tablespoons of chili powder, I could buy half a pound of spices and make my own. Now I make (almost) all of our spice mixes, and my kids love to help. A few years ago my friend Layla Ali (yes, daughter of Mohammed Ali!) made some delicious spice blends that we also use.
Homemade spice blends save money and help you avoid harmful ingredients found in many pre-mixed spices and packets. They’re also a great project to make with little kids because you don’t have to chop, cook, or heat them. My kids loved helping me measure and mix!
You can completely revamp your spice cabinet in one day by making your homemade spice blends and storing them in small glass jars.
What is in Chili Spice Mix?
In the stores it is an overpriced package of pre-mixed herbs, often with some anti-caking agents and artificial flavors. Typically, chili seasoning is a mix of 5-8 spices, including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and others.
Chili seasoning is similar to homemade taco seasoning and fajita seasoning. Although it contains many of the same ingredients, there is more emphasis on chili powder. I like to start with good quality chili powder for the best flavor. If you like more of a kick, you can add some black pepper, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to your chili seasoning.
Chili seasoning versus chili powder
What is the difference between chili spice mix and chili powder?
Essentially, all chili spice mixes contain chili powder, along with many other ingredients. However, not all chili powders are part of the chili spice mix. Chili powders can be made from a single pepper or a mixture and can be used alone or in spice mixes.
Feeling DIY?
Here’s a great tutorial on how to make your own chili powder by drying peppers. You can use hot peppers for a spicier powder or even paprika for a sweeter mild flavor.
What are the spices in chili seasoning?
Chili powder is usually the main ingredient with a mixture of cumin, garlic, onion powder, oregano and other spices. You can make it with or without salt. I prefer to make it without salt and add salt based on the recipe I am using it in.
How many tablespoons are in a pack of chili spices?
If you’ve only been buying packets of chilli spice mix, you’re in for a treat when you make your own. Without fillers and additives you don’t need nearly as much and the taste is much more vibrant.
While chili packets contain about 1/3 cup of mix, this often contains flour and other fillers. I find that 2-3 tablespoons of homemade chili mix is the same as one packet of chili seasoning. In most recipes I start with 1½ to 2 tablespoons per pound of meat or vegetables or other food I use. You can always add more to taste.
Chili spice mix recipe
This simple chili spice mix contains chili powder, garlic, cumin, onion powder and other ingredients for a delicious addition to any chili recipe. Also tastes delicious with other dishes!
Nutrition facts
Chili spice mix recipe
Amount per serving (1 teaspoon)
Calories 8
Calories from fat 3
% Daily Value*
Fat 0.3g0%
Sodium 19mg1%
Potassium 44mg1%
Carbohydrates 1.5g1%
Fiber 0.6 g3%
Egg white 0.4g1%
Vitamin A 398IE8%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 12mg1%
Iron 0.7mg4%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of this mixture to replace a packet of store-bought chili seasoning.
- Use 1½-2 tablespoons per pound of ground beef or other meat in a recipe.
Storage and shelf life
I store this chili powder in an airtight glass jar and it will keep for about a year, although it has the best flavor for the first six months. Make sure to store it in a cool, dark place, away from direct light and heat.
Where the spices are available
Where I used to have dozens of herbs from the supermarket, I now have ten small glass jars with pre-mixed herbs. I save a lot of time and money by using them! I buy most of my herbs in bulk from the organic brand Frontier on Amazon.
Chili recipes
This is great to have on hand to make quick chili on a busy night, and it’s also great on omelettes and roasted vegetables. Of course, this works great in almost any pot of chili, but here are some of the recipes we like to use it in!
Do you make your own spice mixes? What’s your favorite way to use chili spices? Leave a comment and let us know!
