Mix up a batch of Italian Sausage Seasoning and then put it in soups and sauces to make everything taste like delicious sausages, or use it to make homemade Italian sausages or Italian sausage patties!
Years ago I made a batch of a vegetarian Italian tomato soup that called for crushed fennel seeds as one of the ingredients. I was amazed that the soup ended up tasting like it had sausage in it. I think it was because the fennel reminded my taste buds of Italian Sausages.
Note: Below you’ll find a recipe for a full batch of Italian sausage seasoning. In addition, in case you only need a little bit, we’ve also given a recipe below that makes a small batch of just 2 tablespoons. We hope you find this helpful!
From then on, I started putting fennel seeds in all kinds of things to add that meaty sausage flavor.
So, whether you’re making some Italian sausages, or you want to season some ground pork or turkey with Italian sausage flavor, mix up a batch of this blend. You’ll use it for sausages, but also add it to other Italian dishes for that extra amazing flavor.
Note that if you want this to be hot, like hot Italian sausages, then include the full amount of red pepper flakes. If you want it to be mild, then leave out the red pepper flakes, or put less.
Also, the recipe calls for Italian seasoning. You can use a store-bought Italian seasoning. If doing so, choose one that does not contain salt since there is salt in the sausage seasoning blend and the result will have too much salt. If you want to use dried herbs that you have in your pantry instead of buying Italian seasoning, then use this Italian seasoning recipe. It contains dried basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and granulated garlic (like garlic powder).
Making a Small Batch of Italian Sausage Seasoning
If you want a full batch of Italian sausage seasoning in your pantry that you can grab and use whenever, then scroll down to make a full recipe. However, if you just want a small batch to use right now in a recipe that calls for it, or, if you just want to know approximately how much of each ingredient to add directly to something that you’re cooking, I have the info for you here.
Here’s how to make just about 2 tablespoons of Italian sausage seasoning, which is a good amount to season 2 and 1/2 pounds of ground meat. Note that this blend contains salt, so you’ll want to be careful if anything else in the recipe calls for salt.
| To Make 2 Tablespoons of Italian Sausage Seasoning, Combine: |
|---|
• 1 tsp. garlic powder • 1 tsp. onion powder • 3/4 tsp. dried parsley • 3/4 tsp. Italian seasoning • 3/4 tsp. salt • 1/2 tsp. black pepper • 1/2 tsp. crushed fennel seeds • 1/2 tsp. paprika |
To Add Directly to the Food You’re Cooking: Add equal amounts of garlic powder and onion powder. Then use a bit less than that of dried parsley, of Italian seasoning, and of salt, and then a bit less of black pepper, of crushed fennel seeds, and of paprika.
More Sausage Seasonings:
If you like the idea of making your own Italian Sausage Seasoning, you will also love making other seasoning blends that are used to flavor sausage. These can be used to make sausage, or also to make other dishes you cook have that flavor profile. They’re wonderful mixes to have on hand!
Enjoy! -Christine xo
Podcast Episode About Making Italian Sausage Seasoning Blend
Listen to our editor, Christine Pittman, explain briefly about how to make this recipe, with some great tips along the way, by clicking the play button below:
Listen to more Recipe of the Day episodes here.
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Italian Sausage Seasoning Blend
Mix up a batch of Italian Sausage Seasoning and then put it in soups and sauces to make everything taste like delicious sausages! If you want this to be mild, don’t include the red pepper flakes. Note also that you can use store-bought Italian seasoning but make sure that it doesn’t contain salt.
Use 2 tablespoons of this seasoning blend to season 2 and 1/2 pounds of ground meat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 37 teaspoons 1x
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 and 1/2 Tbsp. granulated garlic
- 2 and 1/2 Tbsp. onion powder
- 5 tsp. dried parsley
- 5 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 5 tsp. salt
- 3 and 3/4 tsp. black pepper
- 2 and 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 and 1/4 tsp. crushed fennel seed
- 1 and 1/4 tsp. paprika
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together and stir in an airtight container.
This seasoning blend is good on many things! I put some with Impossible Beef and made Italian Sausage sandwiches with caramelized onions and peppers.
It’s the fennel!!
That sounds great, Rebecca! Yes, the fennel gives it that distinct flavor that’s so good.
I’m wondering how much ground pork to use with the recipe.
Daletia, The recipe headnote says to use 2 tablespoons of the seasoning to season 2 and 1/2 pounds of ground meat. So go with 2 tablespoons per 2.5 pounds of pork, or just under a tablespoon of seasoning for 1 pound of meat.
Where this recipe calls for salt, is that table salt or kosher salt?
Regular table salt, Mark. I will specify in recipes if it’s ever necessary for a different kind. Hope you enjoy!
I made the small amount listed to use in spaghetti sauce. I wish I’d made the full batch though because it’s so good. Next time I need it, I’ll make more for sure!
Cheryl, I’m delighted that you liked it so much! I love this recipe too. I sprinkle some into soups all the time and it makes it taste like there’s sausage in there, even when there isn’t!