DIY Spicy Salt Recipe for Next-Level Flavor
If you’re someone who loves bold flavor and a little heat in your food, homemade Spicy Salt is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. This zesty blend is a game-changer for anyone looking to elevate everyday meals with minimal effort. Whether you’re sprinkling it on fries, rimming a cocktail glass, or seasoning meat before cooking, this DIY spicy seasoning adds the perfect kick.
Unlike store-bought blends that are often full of preservatives or vague “spices,” making your own spicy salt gives you full control over the heat level, flavor balance, and ingredient quality. This mix combines pantry staples to create a go-to spice you’ll reach for over and over again—and it stores beautifully in a small jar for easy access.
Spicy salt is one of the easiest ways to add instant flavor to food. With just a pinch, you can transform bland into bold. The ingredients in this recipe come together for a perfectly balanced mix—spicy, savory, aromatic, and just the right amount of saltiness.
This blend works on everything: roasted vegetables, eggs, avocado toast, popcorn, meat, fish, potatoes, and even corn on the cob. It also makes a fantastic rim for Bloody Marys or spicy margaritas. With this seasoning in your pantry, you’ll always have a fast flavor enhancer at your fingertips.
Best of all, you can customize the heat level. If you prefer a milder mix, use less cayenne. Like it hot? Add a little more. It’s your spice mix, your rules.
Ingredients in This Spicy Salt
Salt
The foundation of this mix, it brings all the spices together while enhancing flavor in every bite.
Black Pepper
Adds a sharp bite and boosts the depth of the heat in the mix.
Paprika
Gives the salt a smoky, earthy flavor and a vibrant red hue.
Garlic Powder
Adds savory umami depth and makes the blend more versatile.
Onion Powder
Sweet and aromatic, it smooths out the heat and balances the salt.
Cayenne Pepper
The star of the show—this is where the real heat comes from. You can adjust the amount to suit your personal taste.
This spice blend is all about boldness with balance. It hits your tastebuds with a burst of flavor and leaves just the right level of heat lingering behind.
Ways to Use Spicy Salt
This spicy seasoning is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for daily use or special dishes. Here are just a few ways to enjoy it:
- Sprinkle on eggs or avocado toast for a punch of flavor in the morning
- Season fries, popcorn, or roasted nuts for a spicy snack
- Use as a rub for grilled meats or fish before cooking
- Mix with oil to brush onto corn on the cob or veggies before roasting
- Rim cocktail glasses for an extra layer of boldness in drinks
- Toss with homemade chips or air-fried potatoes
Once you start using it, you’ll probably find yourself sprinkling it on just about everything!
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your spicy salt in a dry, airtight container, such as a small spice jar or mason jar. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. Properly stored, this blend will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months.
Label Your Jars!
This recipe is printed on a dishwasher-safe label made for the lids of mason jars! Each label has the recipe to refill the jar and make the item (if applicable).
You can buy each label individually, or a pack of all of the pantry labels in my website shop.
Spice Level Adjustments
Everyone’s spice tolerance is different. Start with a smaller amount of cayenne if you’re unsure, and increase to taste. You can also substitute smoked paprika for extra depth or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for texture and extra fire.
With just a few pantry staples and two minutes of your time, you can have your own custom spicy salt ready to go. It’s a powerful little jar of magic you’ll keep reaching for—perfect for food lovers, home cooks, and anyone who likes their meals with a little heat.
Check Out My Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
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Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Spicy Salt
Ingredients
- ¼ cup salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper adjust to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Use a spoon or small whisk to thoroughly combine the spices until evenly mixed. Make sure there are no clumps of any one ingredient.
- If desired, taste a pinch and add more cayenne pepper for additional spice. Mix again to incorporate.
- Transfer the spicy salt to a small, airtight spice jar or container. Label with the name and date.
- Sprinkle over food, use in rubs, or stir into marinades and dressings for an extra kick of flavor.
