This copycat blend delivers the homemade version of that classic all-purpose seasoning you know and love. No mysterious ingredients—just simple spices you likely already have in your pantry.
What sets this apart is the careful balance of salts, herbs, and spices that creates that signature flavor profile. It’s the same blend that’s been enhancing dishes for generations, now made in your kitchen.
Use it on meats before grilling, sprinkle over roasted vegetables, or shake onto popcorn for an instant flavor boost. The possibilities are endless with this versatile mix.
Make a big batch and keep it on hand—it lasts for months in an airtight container. You’ll wonder why you didn’t make this sooner.
Ingredients for Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (copycat)
Nine pantry spices. One iconic blend. Better than the store-bought version.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Table Salt 🧂 | 2 tbsp | Fine grain for even distribution |
| Paprika 🌶️ | 2 tbsp | Sweet variety preferred |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | 1 tbsp | Not garlic salt |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | 1 tbsp | Fresh ground preferred |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | 1 tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Celery Salt 🥬 | 1 tsp | Essential for authentic flavor |
| Dried Oregano 🍃 | 1 tsp | Mediterranean oregano if available |
| Turmeric 🟡 | ½ tsp | For color, not overpowering |
| Sugar 🍚 | ½ tsp | Balances the savory notes |
[recipe_ingredient_scaler]
The paprika is doing heavy lifting here—Hungarian sweet paprika is what Lawry’s uses, and it’s worth hunting down at Penzeys or a specialty store. Celery salt is non-negotiable (it’s what makes it taste like Lawry’s), so if you don’t have it, blend ½ tsp celery seed with ½ tsp salt. I keep mine in a mason jar, but any airtight container works.
No celery salt? Celery seed plus salt at 1:1 ratio. Out of oregano? Marjoram is a close cousin. The sugar might seem odd, but it rounds out the sharpness—skip it and you’ll taste the difference. For a finer texture, pulse everything in a spice grinder (or a clean coffee grinder). Works great on eggs, fries, even avocado toast.
Stays fresh for about 6 months in a cool, dark place. I make a double batch—half for me, half for gifts. Don’t store it above the stove (heat kills the flavor fast).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Five-Minute Mix: I stir these five pantry staples together faster than I can preheat the oven.
- Spot-On Savory: The paprika and garlic powder hit that familiar Lawry’s warmth without the MSG.
- Every Meal’s Friend: I sprinkle it on eggs, roast veggies, even popcorn—no recipe feels out of bounds.
- Penny-Pincher Win: A jar costs me pennies and lasts months, so I quit buying the little red can.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Seasoned Salt Blend
Here’s how to mix this flavorful blend perfectly every time.
Step 1: Measure the Base Ingredients
Start by measuring out the 2 tbsp Table Salt and 2 tbsp Paprika. I use fine-grain table salt to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the blend. Sweet paprika is my go-to here—it adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant color without overpowering the other spices.
These two ingredients form the foundation of the blend, providing both the salty base and the signature red hue. Make sure your measuring spoons are level for accuracy, as precise ratios are key to nailing the copycat flavor.
Step 2: Add the Aromatic Powders
Next, measure the 1 tbsp Garlic Powder and 1 tbsp Onion Powder. These are the aromatic powerhouses of the blend, delivering that savory depth we all love. I always use fresh, high-quality powders for the best flavor—stale spices can make the entire mix taste flat.
Combine these with the salt and paprika in a medium bowl. Stir them together until the colors start to blend uniformly. You’ll notice the mixture taking on a warm, earthy scent as the aromatics activate.
Step 3: Incorporate the Supporting Spices
Now, add the 1 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tsp Celery Salt, and 1 tsp Dried Oregano. The celery salt is non-negotiable—it’s the secret ingredient that gives this blend its authentic, slightly herbal edge. Mediterranean oregano works beautifully here, but any dried oregano will do in a pinch.
Gently fold these spices into the mix. The black pepper should be freshly ground if possible, as it adds a brighter, more complex heat compared to pre-ground. At this point, the blend will start to smell rich and layered.
Step 4: Finish with Color and Balance
Finally, add the 0.5 tsp Turmeric and 0.5 tsp Sugar. The turmeric enhances the golden-red color and lends a touch of earthiness, while the sugar balances the savory and salty notes, rounding out the flavor profile.
Stir everything together thoroughly until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. The sugar might seem like a small addition, but it makes a noticeable difference in the final taste, especially when used on meats or roasted vegetables.
Step 5: Store for Maximum Freshness
Transfer the finished blend to an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-sealing lid works perfectly. Store it in a cool, dark place like your pantry to preserve its potency. This blend will stay fresh for up to 6 months, though I doubt it’ll last that long once you start using it!
Before each use, give the jar a quick shake to redistribute the spices, as they can settle over time. This ensures every sprinkle delivers the full, well-balanced flavor you worked so hard to create.
Pro Tips For Making Lawry’S Seasoned Salt (Copycat)
- Toast the Paprika: Lightly toasting the paprika in a dry pan for 30 seconds deepens its flavor—just don’t let it smoke or it’ll turn bitter.
- Use Fine Salt: Table salt blends better than coarse in this mix, so skip the kosher unless you’re grinding it first.
- Measure After Grinding: Grind the black pepper fresh, then measure—pre-ground pepper loses its punch fast, and this blend needs the kick.
- Rest the Mix: Let the seasoning sit for 24 hours before using so the flavors meld, like a good soup or stew.
Creative Variations of This Dish
Spicy Chipotle Kick
Add 1 tsp chipotle powder for a smoky, spicy twist that works wonders on grilled meats. I love this variation for summer BBQs—it brings a subtle heat that complements the original blend beautifully. Perfect for sprinkling on corn or avocado toast. 🌶️
Lemon Pepper Zest
Mix in 1 tbsp lemon zest and an extra ½ tsp black pepper for a bright, citrusy version. This is my go-to for fish and chicken—it adds a fresh, zesty note that cuts through richness. The lemon oils release an amazing aroma when sprinkled on hot dishes.
Herb Garden Blend
Incorporate 1 tsp dried thyme and 1 tsp dried rosemary (crushed) for a French-inspired twist. This pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and lamb. I forage wild rosemary along my coastal rides to add an extra earthy depth.
Crush the rosemary between your fingers to release its oils before mixing.
Umami Boost
Add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast and ½ tsp mustard powder for a deeper, savory profile. This works great on popcorn and roasted nuts. The mustard powder enhances the blend’s complexity without overpowering it.
Cajun Style
Stir in 1 tsp cayenne and 1 tsp dried thyme for a Louisiana-inspired kick. I use this on grilled shrimp and blackened chicken. It brings the heat while keeping that familiar base flavor. 🔥
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use coarse salt instead of table salt?
For best results, stick with fine table salt. Coarse salt won’t distribute as evenly and may create inconsistent flavor.
How fine should the spices be?
Use pre-ground spices or pulse briefly in a spice grinder. A uniform texture ensures every shake has the perfect flavor balance.
What if I don’t have celery salt?
Mix ½ tsp celery seed with ½ tsp salt as a substitute. This maintains the authentic taste the blend is known for.
Can I make this without sugar?
You can omit it, but the sugar balances the savory notes. Without it, the blend may taste sharper and less rounded.
Trained in classic French technique but raised on slow-cooked ribs and spicy rubs, she blends culinary skill with smoke and soul.
- Recipe for Boneless Cross Rib Roast: Slow-Roasted Beef with Herb Crust - October 3, 2026
- Hamburgers in Sauce Recipe Crock Pot: Slow-Cooked Savory Delight - October 3, 2026
- Sanjeev Kapoor Egg Biryani Recipe: Fragrant Spiced Rice With Boiled Eggs - October 3, 2026