Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix Recipe

Why Make Your Own Spice Mix?

Have you ever looked at a spice jar in the store? It has a long list of words. I like to know what I am eating. My own mix lets me control the flavor. It feels good to create something from scratch.

This way, you can make it just how you like it. Love a little heat? Add more cayenne. Not a fan of salt? Use less. It is your kitchen, your rules. What is one food you like to make just for yourself?

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I once ran out of my store-bought chili mix. My grandson was coming for dinner. He loves my chili. I had to think fast. I looked in my spice cupboard and started mixing.

He said it was the best chili I had ever made. I still laugh at that. The best things sometimes happen by accident. Now I never buy the pre-made stuff. This little moment taught me to trust myself in the kitchen.

Let’s Talk About the Flavors

Chili powder gives it a warm, deep taste. Cumin adds a little earthiness. It makes the flavor feel cozy. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you mix them?

The garlic and onion powder are the quiet helpers. They make everything taste richer. The cayenne and black pepper wake it all up. *Fun fact: The chili powder we use is often a mix of different dried chilies!* Do you prefer your food mild or with a kick?

How to Make Your Jar of Magic

Get a small bowl. Find all your spices. Measure them out carefully. A little scoop of this, a pinch of that.

Now, just whisk it all together. I use a tiny wire whisk. You can use a fork. See how the colors blend? Pour it into a jar. You just made your own seasoning. This matters because you made it with your own two hands. That is a special feeling.

More Than Just Chili

This mix is not just for a pot of chili. Oh no. It is very friendly. I shake a little on roasted potatoes. It is wonderful on popcorn. Try it on chicken before you bake it.

Having this jar ready saves time. It makes weeknight dinners more fun. This matters because a good mix helps you cook with confidence. What other foods would you try this seasoning on?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
chili powder	1 tablespoon
ground cumin	1 teaspoon
kosher salt	1 teaspoon
black pepper	1/4 teaspoon
cayenne pepper	1/4 teaspoon
garlic powder	1/4 teaspoon
onion powder	1/2 teaspoon

My Homemade Chili Powder Secret

I have a little jar of this mix in my cupboard always. My grandson calls it my magic dust. It just makes everything taste cozier. Store-bought mixes can be a bit salty for my taste. This way, you know exactly what’s inside. I love that.

Let’s make it together. You will need a small bowl and a spoon. I like to use a little jar for storing it later. An old jam jar works perfectly. It feels nice to reuse things, doesn’t it?

• Step 1: Get out all your spices. Line them up on the counter. It’s like a little spice parade. I still laugh at the time I used paprika instead of chili powder. We had the mildest chili ever! Double-check your labels.
• Step 2: Now, measure everything into your bowl. The chili powder goes in first. Then add the cumin. It smells so earthy and warm. I love that smell. It reminds me of my mother’s kitchen.
• Step 3: Time for the salt and peppers. The black pepper and a little cayenne go in. (A hard-learned tip: go easy on the cayenne. You can always add more heat later!). Stir it all up with a whisk or a fork.
• Step 4: Last, add the garlic and onion powder. They make the flavor deep and rich. Give it one final good stir. Doesn’t that color look wonderful? Now, carefully pour your mix into its jar.

Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Enough for one big pot of chili
Category: Seasoning, Dinner

Three Fun Twists to Try

Once you have the basic mix, you can play with it. I do this all the time. It keeps things exciting. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change it up.

• Smoky Sunset Chili: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika. It gives a campfire smell. Perfect for a chilly evening.
• Sweet & Spicy Chili: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder. It sounds funny, but it’s so good. It makes the chili taste rich.
• Herby Garden Chili: Mix in a teaspoon of dried oregano. It adds a little fresh flavor. I do this in the summer.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Bowl of Comfort

A great chili needs great friends. I always serve mine with a big dollop of cool sour cream. It balances the spice. A handful of crunchy tortilla chips on the side is a must. My family loves to crumble them on top.

For drinks, a tall glass of cold milk is my go-to. It really cools your mouth down. For the grown-ups, a dark ale pairs beautifully. It has a deep flavor that matches the chili.

Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Chili Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing your delicious chili. Cool it down first. Then pop it in the fridge for up to four days. It tastes even better the next day. The flavors get to know each other.

You can freeze chili for a quick future meal. I use old yogurt containers. They are the perfect size. I once froze a big batch for my grandson. He was so happy to find it after school.

Reheating is simple. Warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick. This matters because a good meal should be easy. A ready meal saves you on a busy night. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Chili Hiccups

Is your chili not spicy enough? Add a pinch more cayenne pepper. Stir it in and taste. I remember when I made my first chili. It was so mild my husband added hot sauce.

Does it taste a bit flat? It probably needs more salt. Salt makes all the other flavors pop. This matters because good flavor builds your cooking confidence. If it’s too thick, just add some water or broth.

Did you add too much spice? Stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar. It helps balance the heat. This matters because you can fix mistakes easily. Cooking should be fun, not scary. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Chili Seasoning Questions, Answered

Q: Is this seasoning gluten-free? A: Yes, it is. All the spices are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Mix a big batch. It keeps for months in a jar. Fun fact: My spice jar is an old jam jar. It works perfectly.

Q: What if I don’t have cayenne? A: Use a pinch of paprika instead. It will be milder but still tasty.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course! Just double all the measurements. You will have plenty for future meals.

Q: Any other tips? A: Toasting whole cumin seeds before grinding makes a wonderful smell. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Kitchen Adventures

I hope you love making this seasoning. It is a little jar of happiness. I have used this mix for years. It always makes the house smell like home.

I would love to see your creations. Did you make a big pot of chili? Or perhaps you tried it on roasted potatoes. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Let’s build a community of happy cooks.

Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.