Homemade Poultry Seasoning Substitute (Gluten Free & Vegan)

Name: Homemade Poultry Seasoning Substitute
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons ground sage; 2 tablespoons dried thyme; 1 tablespoon dried marjoram; 2 teaspoons dried rosemary; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)

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This homemade poultry seasoning substitute recipe has the same incredible savory flavor of classic poultry seasoning. Crafted using an aromatic blend of common herbs it's just as good as any store-bought version you'll find at the grocery store.

Best Poultry Seasoning Recipe

I first discovered the power of poultry seasoning one Thanksgiving when I wanted to give my vegan gravy a more savory, homey flavor. To do that, I knew all I had to do was mix together an essential blend of herbs and spices.

As a chef, one of the first things you realize in recipe development is that you don't have to rely on store-bought seasoning. It doesn't cost any real money to make your own spice blends, and they typically have so much more flavor.

Plus, with homemade blends you can then easily customize herb mixes to suit your dietary restrictions and taste.

👩‍🍳 Bonus! If you're like me and love making your own seasonings, make sure to check out my curry powder recipe and copycat Old Bay recipe too!

What Is Poultry Seasoning?

Classic poultry seasoning is the perfect blend of dried aromatic herbs like dried sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. Some blends include other spices like nutmeg and celery seed.

It's traditionally used to season poultry, stuffing, and gravies, and gives dishes a distinctive "chicken" vibe.

Most people think of McCormick, the founder of a premium spice company, when they think of poultry seasoning. They are known for their original recipe.

❤️ Why You'll Love My Recipe

My homemade blend is just as good as the McCormick poultry seasoning recipe and other store-bought blends with that distinctive sage-forward aroma and robust flavor.
You don't need any special ingredients. The good news is that you only need a few core herbs most likely already in your spice cabinet.
Once you learn how to make your own substitute, you'll never have to stress about running out again. You can always have a little jar of poultry seasoning ready to go.
It makes a great addition to countless dishes, which makes it an easy way to elevate cheap meal ideas with just a pinch.

Key Ingredients

Ground Sage: This fragrant herb is the backbone of most traditional blends. Sage adds both an earthy flavor and a slightly pungent flavor profile that instantly reminds you of the holiday season.
Dried Thyme: Adds another layer of herby depth of flavor and a subtle woodsy note. The ground thyme pairs perfectly with sage and is a must.
Dried Marjoram: A little more mild and sweeter than oregano, marjoram helps to balance the mix without overpowering the other herbs.
Dried Rosemary: Rosemary adds a pine-like flavor and aroma that lifts the blend and gives it more depth. A little goes a long way.
Black pepper: Provides just a hint of gentle peppery taste. You can use white pepper or even cayenne pepper if you prefer.
Ground Nutmeg (optional): Just a tiny pinch adds warmth and enhances the aromatic qualities of the herbs without making the poultry seasoning mix taste sweet.

How To Make

Hands down, this is my favorite go-to recipe to substitute poultry seasoning using just common ingredients most home cooks already have on hand and is so much better than any of the top poultry seasoning substitutes.

But the best part is that it only takes one step! Just put all of the different herbs and spices into a spice grinder or small food processor. Then blend the dry herb blend until everything is finely ground and well combined. Grinding creates a smoother texture that will mix perfectly into soups and sauces.

Then once it's made, I like to store my homemade poultry seasoning in a small airtight container or spice jar, and store it in a cool, dark place in my pantry. It will stay fresh for about 6 months.

✏️ Recipe Card! Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe, where you'll find a full list of the poultry seasoning ingredients and detailed instructions.

How to Use It

You can use my substitute for poultry seasoning anywhere you'd use the store-bought stuff, and many other creative uses, such as:

Stuffings or bread dressing
Vegan gravies and pan sauces
Soups and stews
Vegan chicken bouillon
Roasted vegetable dishes
Tofu, soy curls, or tempeh
Casseroles and pot pies

I suggest starting with a small pinch like a teaspoon. Don't just add a tablespoon of poultry seasoning. You can always add more as needed. Freshly ground herbs have a stronger flavor.

Some people like to use it with a little lemon zest for a citrusy flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this homemade spice mix last?

If you store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, it will last for up to six months. Just make sure to keep it away from heat and direct sunlight to keep the aromatic compounds as fresh as possible.

Is poultry seasoning vegan?

Yes! Even though it's typically used for meat-based dishes like Sunday roast chicken, the spice mix itself is simply a mix of herbs and spices. So whether you make your own poultry seasoning blend or use store-bought, it contains no animal products.

Can I use fresh dried herbs instead of store bought dried herbs?

You can, but when making your own blend, you need to make sure the fresh herbs are fully dried before grinding them. If they aren't fully dried, you won't get the right texture.

Is poultry seasoning the same as chicken seasoning?

No. The main difference is that chicken seasoning often includes salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and sometimes bouillon flavor. Poultry seasoning is strictly an herb blend and vegan.

Can I use Italian seasoning instead?

Yes, but as a general rule, you need to add sage to make the best poultry seasoning recipe. Italian seasoning has similar individual spices and herbs, but it's missing that signature sage taste.

⭐️ One Last Thing! If you make my poultry seasoning substitute, please leave a review and star rating to let me know how you liked it! Doing so helps other readers and me too! Your feedback makes a difference.