9 Homemade Grill Seasonings + Printable Gift Tags

There’s nothing quite like a backyard barbecue to satisfy your taste buds! Firing up the grill, spending time with friends and enjoying time spent cooking is a relaxing way to spend an evening.

We’ve created nine delicious seasoning mixes to use in your next grill session. Whether it’s your neighbor, best friend or dad, these seasoning recipes make the perfect gift for every food lover in your life!

Hacks to Improve Any Seasoning Mix

Before diving into our homemade grill seasonings, check out these hacks for making any seasoning taste so much better!

1. Build the foundation: Black pepper and kosher salt are foundational ingredients that create a solid base for any seasoning mix.
2. Taste test often: Between additions to the recipe, be sure to check the overall flavor to be sure you like where it’s going.
3. Grind black pepper yourself: Pre-ground black pepper loses potency the longer it sits, but a simple peppercorn grinder helps keep pepper fresh.
4. Time your herbs appropriately: Add dried herbs at the beginning and fresh herbs at the end to maximize their aroma and taste.
5. Add citrus: Fresh lemon or lime juice brightens up milder seasonings –– add ⅛ teaspoon along with your seasoning mix.
6. Season chilled foods more generously: Cold temperatures dull the taste and smell of seasoning. Compensate by adding slightly more of each ingredient to the mix.
7. Include a sweeter seasoning: Just ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg or brown sugar can make the perfect addition to a savory grill seasoning mix.

Savory Grill Seasoning Recipes 

From multi-purpose grill mixes to the perfect poultry rub, these seasoning recipes are full of flavor. Grab your measuring spoons, a bowl and start mixing! Each of these recipes makes about enough to fill up a 4-ounce spice jar, perfect for gifting.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the measurements to suit your preferences! Whether you add extra heat or take it out completely, there are countless ways to customize these seasonings to make the perfect mix for your grill.

Read through the recipes below or click the “view full infographic” button to see all the recipes together!

Pair this seasoning mix with any grilled meats or vegetables for a burst of flavor!

Bit of Everything Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons black pepper
• 3 teaspoons paprika
• 3 teaspoons garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Jazz up your basic salt shaker with this flavorful combination. For those who like the heat, try adding red pepper flakes

Spiced-Up Salt Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

From beef ribs to pulled pork sandwiches, this sweet-and-spicy seasoning mix will make your mouth water.

Barbecue Rub Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½  teaspoon red pepper flakes

Flame-grilled fajitas have never been soooo good! Try doubling the red pepper flakes for more heat.

Fajita Seasoning Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Grill up some juicy chicken wings and season them to perfection with help from this savory mix!

Wings Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• ¾  tablespoon ground cumin
• ¾  tablespoon dark brown sugar
• ¾ tablespoon garlic powder
• ¾ tablespoon onion powder
• ¾ tablespoon kosher salt
• ¾ tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

There’s nothing quite like a well-seasoned steak to satisfy your taste buds. This rub brings the flavors to life!

Steak Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 4 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Prep your patties with this seasoning mix to add a bit of spice, a bit of sweetness and a whole lot of taste to a home-grilled burger.

Burger Seasoning Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1½ tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Perfect for grilled chicken breasts, this poultry rub is too good to pass up!

Poultry Rub Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• ½  tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons dried sage
• 1½ teaspoons black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons crushed rosemary
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Try this tangy mix on grilled white fish, salmon or shrimp! For an extra kick, double the serving of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes.

Seafood Seasoning Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼  teaspoon cayenne

Printable Jar Label and Gift Tag

Now that you have your homemade seasoning mixed and ready to go, it’s time to package and gift it! Any small spice jar will do (our recipes make enough for 4 ounces) ––  fill it with the seasoning mix, tighten the lid and decorate it with these printable gift tags and jar labels!

Materials Needed:

• Printer paper
• Sticker paper
• Scissors
• Tape or glue
• Markers
• Ribbon or twine

Instructions for Gift Tags:

1. Download and print the gift tags on standard paper.
2. Cut out the gift tags along the dotted line.
3. Write recipient’s name on the tag with marker.
4. Attach them to the spice jar with ribbon or twine.

Instructions for Jar Labels:

1. Download and print the jar labels on sticker paper.
2. Cut out the jar labels along the dotted lines.
3. Write the name of the mix on the label with marker.
4. Peel off the sticker backing and attach them to the jar.

Whether you plan to give one of these homemade seasoning mixes to your favorite grill master or keep them in your pantry for your own culinary creations, there’s no limit to the possibilities these seasoning recipes offer!

What are you waiting for? The grill is calling!