Side Dishes
Recreating McCormick Potato Seasoning at home delivers that signature savory kick without the store-bought jar. This simple dry blend combines classic spices for a flavor profile that elevates everything from mashed potatoes to roasted spuds.
I developed this mix after realizing how versatile a homemade version could be—no more running out mid-recipe, and you control the salt level. The blend is designed to last months in an airtight container, making it a pantry essential for potato lovers.
What makes this seasoning special is its balanced combination of herbs and spices—just enough garlic powder for depth, onion powder for warmth, and a touch of celery salt for that classic potato-house taste.
The secret lies in using high-quality paprika for color and a hint of cayenne for subtle heat, which gives it that restaurant-quality edge. Unlike store-bought versions, this mix avoids fillers and lets the spices shine.
This seasoning isn’t just for potatoes—sprinkle it on roasted Brussels sprouts, soups, or even scrambled eggs for an instant flavor upgrade. The blend works equally well in savory dishes where you want that classic "potato seasoning" taste without the commitment of a full recipe.
One tablespoon transforms ordinary sides into something special, and you’ll never go back to the store-bought version.
Store the mix in a small jar with a tight seal, and it’ll stay potent for up to six months. Double the recipe if you’re a frequent cooker—you’ll use it more than you think.
The beauty of this blend is its versatility—it’s the perfect shortcut for adding depth to any dish where you’d normally reach for the seasoning shaker. Let’s make your pantry work harder for you.
Ingredients for mccormick potato seasoning
Nine simple spices. One jar. Better than the store-bought version every time.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paprika 🌶️ | 2 tbsp | Smoked variety for depth |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | 1 ½ tbsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | 1 ½ tbsp | Finely ground for smooth blend |
| Celery Salt 🌿 | 1 tbsp | Diamond Crystal preferred |
| Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | 1 tbsp | Freshly cracked for sharpness |
| Ground Cumin 🌿 | ½ tbsp | Toasted for warmth |
| Cayenne Pepper 🔥 | ½ tsp | Adjust for heat preference |
| Dried Parsley Flakes 🌿 | 1 tsp | Finely ground for even distribution |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
The paprika is non-negotiable—smoked gives that signature depth you find in McCormick's blend. Penzeys or the bulk bins at Whole Foods carry the best quality, but the regular grocery store stuff works fine if it's fresh. Look for vibrant color and a strong aroma when you open the jar. The celery salt is the secret weapon here—Diamond Crystal has a cleaner taste than Morton's, and it makes a noticeable difference. I always buy extra since it keeps forever. For the garlic and onion powders, McCormick's own brand is surprisingly good if you're on a budget, but Badia spices take it to the next level.
No smoked paprika? Regular paprika plus a pinch of liquid smoke gets you close. Short on celery salt? Substitute with equal parts salt and dried celery flakes—it's not perfect, but it works in a pinch. Want to dial up the heat? Double the cayenne, but trust me, a little goes a long way. The parsley flakes can be skipped if you're out, but they add that bright, fresh note that makes the blend taste homemade. For the cumin, toast it briefly in a dry pan before grinding if you have whole seeds—it deepens the flavor dramatically. If you're making this for someone sensitive to heat, reduce the cayenne to a quarter teaspoon.
This blend stays potent for up to 6 months in an airtight container, but I usually make a double batch because I use it so often. Store it in a small glass jar with a tight seal—glass preserves the flavors better than plastic. The mix works best when added to hot dishes, so keep it handy near your stove. A little goes a long way—one tablespoon per pound of potatoes is my go-to ratio. If you're using it on roasted vegetables, sprinkle it on after roasting so it doesn't burn off in the oven.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pantry Magic: I’ll be real—this blend is my shortcut to restaurant-worthy potatoes without the fuss. Just toss those spices together, store them, and boom: instant depth in every bite.
- Umami Bomb: That celery salt and garlic powder combo? It’s what turns plain potatoes into a flavor explosion. The paprika adds warmth, while the black pepper keeps it sharp—like a hug for your taste buds.
- Meal Prep MVP: I use this on roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, even scrambled eggs. Honestly, it’s my go-to for weeknight dinners when I need something fast but still packed with flavor.
- Budget Game: A single batch costs pennies but stretches for weeks. No more buying overpriced seasoning packets—just a few shakes of this, and your dishes taste like you slaved over them.
Step-by-step instructions for homemade potato seasoning
Transform ordinary potatoes into restaurant-quality dishes with this simple, customizable blend.
Combine All Dry Ingredients in a Mixing Bowl
Place a large mixing bowl on your countertop and gather all the ingredients we've measured: the 2 tablespoons paprika, 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder, 1.5 tablespoons onion powder, 1 tablespoon celery salt, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper, 0.5 tablespoon ground cumin, 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. I like to use a medium-sized bowl that's wide enough to allow easy mixing without spills.
The reason we combine everything at once is to ensure even distribution of each spice. The paprika provides that classic smoky depth, while the celery salt and onion powder create that unmistakable savory potato flavor. The cayenne adds just a hint of heat that brightens up every bite, and the parsley flakes contribute a fresh, herby note that rounds out the blend.
Whisk Thoroughly for Even Distribution
Using a whisk or sturdy spoon, combine the ingredients until they're completely uniform in color and texture. This should take about 1-2 minutes of consistent stirring. You'll notice the blend starts as a patchwork of different colors but gradually becomes a cohesive, earthy brown mixture.
Pay special attention to the cayenne pepper - it's easy to miss when it's just half a teaspoon. I like to sprinkle it in first and give it a quick mix before adding the other ingredients to ensure it's fully incorporated. The goal is to eliminate any visible pockets of individual spices so every pinch delivers the same perfect balance of flavors.
Transfer to an Airtight Container for Storage
Once thoroughly mixed, transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container with a tight-sealing lid. I prefer glass jars with silicone seals as they allow me to see the contents while keeping them fresh. Fill the container completely to minimize air exposure, which can degrade the spices over time.
This homemade blend will keep its maximum flavor for about 3 months when stored in a cool, dark place like your pantry. The spices will maintain their potency much longer than store-bought versions because we're using freshly ground and high-quality ingredients. Just give the jar a good shake before each use to redistribute any settled spices.
Use Generously on Freshly Cooked Potatoes
For best results, use about 1-2 teaspoons of this seasoning per pound of potatoes. Sprinkle it directly on freshly cooked potatoes while they're still hot - the steam helps the spices adhere to the surface. I find this works particularly well on roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, and even potato skins.
The heat from the potatoes will activate the spices, releasing their aromatic oils and creating that irresistible savory-sweet aroma. For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the seasoning in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before applying it to your potatoes - this enhances the nutty notes of the spices and makes them even more potent.
Pro Tips For Making Mccormick Potato Seasoning
- TOAST THE PAPRIKA: DESCRIPTION: I learned this the hard way—skipping this step makes your seasoning taste flat. Heat the paprika in a dry pan for 30 seconds until it smells nutty and fragrant. It deepens the flavor and cuts through any bitterness in cheaper brands.
- SIFT THE DRY MIX: DESCRIPTION: Don’t just eyeball it. Sift the garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt together before measuring—this prevents clumping and ensures every pinch has the same strength. I used to scoop directly, and my batches ended up uneven.
- PEPPER LAST, LIGHTLY: DESCRIPTION: Add the black pepper after mixing everything else, and use your fingers to gently fold it in. Too much or uneven distribution turns your seasoning into a one-note pepper bomb. A pinch is enough—trust me, you’ll taste it more than you think.
- STORE IN AIRLESS CONTAINER: DESCRIPTION: Mason jars are cute, but they let moisture creep in. Transfer the finished mix to a sealed plastic bag or airtight container, then press out excess air before closing. My first batch lost flavor in two weeks—now it lasts months.
Flavor customization for this dish
Spicy Kick Boost
For those who love heat, add ½ teaspoon extra cayenne pepper to the blend—this doubles the heat without overpowering the other flavors. I've tested this variation and found it works beautifully on roasted baby potatoes or loaded baked potatoes.
If you prefer a milder heat, reduce the cayenne to ¼ teaspoon instead of the original ½ teaspoon. 🔥
Herb-Forward Variation
Swap out the dried parsley flakes for 1 teaspoon dried thyme and ½ teaspoon dried rosemary to create a more herbaceous profile. This variation pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes or even mashed potatoes for a savory, aromatic twist.
I like to use Badia brand herbs for their superior quality and freshness. The thyme adds earthiness while the rosemary brings a piney depth.
Smoky BBQ Twist
Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon onion powder to the original blend for a smoky BBQ-inspired flavor. This works amazingly well on roasted potato wedges or even as a seasoning for grilled meats.
The extra smoked paprika deepens the flavor profile, giving it a campfire-like aroma that's perfect for outdoor cooking. 🌶️
Low-Sodium Option
Reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon and add ½ teaspoon garlic powder to compensate for the missing saltiness. This variation is ideal for those watching their sodium intake but still want that classic potato seasoning flavor.
The extra garlic powder enhances the savory notes, making it a great alternative for heart-healthy cooking.
Sweet & Spicy
Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for a sweet and spicy twist that works wonderfully on roasted sweet potatoes or even in soups. The cinnamon and ginger add warmth and complexity, balancing the heat from the cayenne.
This variation is perfect for fall dishes or when you want to add a unique flavor profile to your meals. 💫
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Combine this potato seasoning with ½ teaspoon sesame seeds and ½ teaspoon poppy seeds for an everything-bagel-inspired twist. Sprinkle this blend on roasted potatoes or even use it as a topping for soups and salads.
The sesame and poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the savory spices perfectly. This variation is a fun way to elevate your dishes with a familiar, comforting taste.
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to store homemade potato seasoning?
Keep your blend fresh by storing it in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place like your pantry. The spices will stay potent for up to 6 months—double the shelf life of store-bought versions. Always shake well before using to redistribute settled spices.
Can I use this seasoning on foods other than potatoes?
This blend works beautifully on roasted Brussels sprouts, cornbread, scrambled eggs, or even as a meat rub. The savory garlic-onion-celery combo elevates any dish where you'd normally use the store-bought version.
How much seasoning should I use per pound of potatoes?
Start with 1-2 teaspoons per pound of potatoes. For extra flavor, toast the seasoning in a dry skillet for 30 seconds first to deepen the spices' aroma. The heat activates their oils, making every bite more flavorful.
What if I don't have celery salt?
Make a quick substitute by mixing ½ teaspoon salt with ½ teaspoon dried celery flakes. This won't be identical but works in a pinch. For best results, though, use Diamond Crystal celery salt—it has a cleaner taste than Morton's.
Can I make this seasoning without cayenne?
Yes! Simply omit the cayenne for a completely mild blend. The remaining spices still provide plenty of flavor. If you want heat later, you can always add a pinch of cayenne to individual dishes after cooking.