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Homemade BBQ Seasoning Mix

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Ditch the store-bought bottles and whip up a homemade BBQ seasoning mix that's packed with bold, delicious flavor using simple pantry staples!
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BBQ Seasoning Mix in a glass jar

Ditch the store-bought bottles and whip up a homemade BBQ seasoning mix that's packed with bold, delicious flavor using simple pantry staples!

This easy homemade blend combines the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory spices to level up everything from grilled chicken to roasted veggies.

Check out all the other How to make your own Spice Blends ideas for even more delicious recipes.

BBQ Seasoning Mix in a glass jar

Whether you're firing up the grill or cooking indoors, this BBQ rub will bring bold, mouthwatering flavor to every bite.

Making your own also means you control the ingredients, and it even makes a thoughtful gift for friends, neighbors, or the grill master in your life!

Looking for more BBQ Recipes to serve for Family Dinner? Try my BBQ Ribs Recipe, BBQ Chicken Sliders, and even my Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken in the Crock Pot. Yum!

Table of Contents

Recipe Tips That Work for Me When Making Homemade Seasoning Mixes

  • Use Fresh Spices: I always try to use the freshest spices possible—older spices can lose their flavor over time, so it's worth checking expiration dates before mixing.
  • Double the Batch: When I’m already measuring, I often double the recipe and store the extra in a labeled jar. It saves time later!
  • Use a Funnel for Less Mess: Transferring the mix into spice jars is so much easier with a small funnel—it keeps my kitchen counters clean!
  • Label and Date Your Jars: I always label my seasoning jars with the name and date so I know what’s inside and when I made it.
  • Customize the Flavor: Don’t be afraid to tweak the mix! I sometimes add extra smoked paprika or brown sugar if I want it sweeter or smokier.
  • Test Small Batches First: Before making a big batch, I like to test a small amount on chicken or potatoes to make sure the flavor is just right.
BBQ Seasoning Mix in a small white bowl. A small wooden spoon is dipped into the seasoning

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Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. For exact amounts and to easily shop for everything, click the Instacart button in the recipe card below to add the ingredients straight to your cart!

Ingredients for BBQ Seasoning Mix

Substitutions and Variations

  • Garlic Powder: Try granulated garlic or dried minced garlic—both work well, just adjust the quantity slightly.
  • Onion Powder: Granulated onion or dried minced onion are good swaps, though they may add a bit more texture.
  • Paprika: Swap with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor, or use chili powder for a bit of extra heat.

This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Step-by-Step Instructions

This section provides step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.

each ingredient measured out into a shallow black bowl

Step 1: Measure out the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

seasonings combined with a whisk

Step 2: Whisk the mixture until fully combined and no lumps remain.

seasoning added to an air tight jar

Step 3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

overhead view of the seasoning mix in the jar

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seasoning that has been spilled out of the jar

Get Your Free Homemade Spice Blends Printable—Click to Download Instantly!

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Recipe FAQ's

To view the answers, simply click on the down arrow (⬇) next to each question. If you have any other questions not answered here, please leave a comment!

Is it cheaper to make your own BBQ rub?

Yes, making your own BBQ rub is usually cheaper—especially if you already have basic spices on hand. You’ll save money by avoiding fillers, using bulk ingredients, and customizing only what you need without waste.

What's the difference between BBQ seasoning and BBQ rub?

BBQ seasoning is a finer spice blend used to sprinkle on food before or after cooking. BBQ rub is coarser and meant to be massaged into meat for deeper flavor, especially before grilling or smoking.

How to Store, Freeze and Reheat

Pantry: Store the BBQ seasoning mix in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place. No need to refrigerate—just keep it away from heat and moisture.

Freezer: If making a large batch, you can freeze extra seasoning in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Be sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent clumping.

Thawing Tips: Let the seasoning come to room temperature before using. Give it a quick shake or stir to redistribute the spices evenly.

More Recipes You'll Love!

Check out my other recipe for Homemade Ranch Seasoning. Or you might like this recipe for Blackening Seasoning Recipe.

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📖 Recipe Card

BBQ Seasoning Mix in a glass jar
Lois

Homemade BBQ Seasoning Mix

Be the first to rate it!
Ditch the store-bought bottles and whip up a homemade BBQ seasoning mix that's packed with bold, delicious flavor using simple pantry staples!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Cooking Tips
Cuisine: American
Calories: 14
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup paprika
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon coarse ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
Cooking for More (or Less?)Scale this recipe up or down. Adjust the number of servings above to automatically update ingredient amounts.

Equipment

Video

Method
 

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Whisk until no lumps remain and the ingredients are fully combined.
  3. Store in an airtight container, at room temp, in a dry area, for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 14kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 1166mgPotassium: 107mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 2216IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg

Notes

  • This is a great all around rub that can be used on just about anything going on the grill or in the smoker.
  • For a smokier flavor, you can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
  • Regular salt and pepper are fine to use as well, but it definitely cuts down on the flavor profile.
  • The amount in this recipe is great for a rack of ribs or even a whole chicken, just to give an idea of how much you will end up using.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Food Safety Tips:

  • Use separate utensils and surfaces to prevent cross-contamination when handling raw ingredients.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after working with raw ingredients like eggs or dough.
  • Avoid leaving no-bake treats or raw components at room temperature for extended periods.
  • Ensure all utensils, bowls, and surfaces are clean before starting.
  • Store no-bake recipes, such as pudding pies and candy, in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and safe.
  • Provide good ventilation when using a gas stove for melting or heating chocolate, butter or other ingredients.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

About Lois

Originally from Queens, NY, Lois is the voice behind Walking on Sunshine Recipes, where she shares easy, family-friendly meals made with simple ingredients. She believes dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious and offers practical recipes, monthly meal plans, and free printables to help busy families cook with less stress and more joy. When she’s not in the kitchen, Lois enjoys time with her family, gardening and sharing inspiration from her home in rural Pennsylvania.

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