If you’ve ever wished for a quick, easy way to add flavor to your meals without reaching for processed packets, dry mixer recipes are the perfect solution. Whether you’re looking to make your own seasoning blends, baking mixes, or even instant drink mixes, creating dry mixers at home can save time, money, and the frustration of artificial ingredients. The best part? You can customize them exactly to your taste!
In this blog post, we’ll share some easy DIY dry mixer recipes that are perfect for cooking, baking, and even enjoying a cozy drink. These blends can be pre-made and stored in your pantry for when you need them most.
1. All-Purpose Seasoning Mix
This versatile seasoning blend works for meats, veggies, and even soups. It’s perfect for adding a balanced mix of flavors to any dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Mix thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
- Use about 1 tablespoon per pound of meat or for seasoning vegetables before roasting or grilling.
2. Homemade Taco Seasoning
Skip the store-bought packets loaded with sodium and preservatives by making your own flavorful taco seasoning.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together and store in a jar or sealed container.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of the mix per pound of ground meat or beans when making tacos, burritos, or fajitas.
3. Pancake Mix
With this homemade pancake mix, you can have fluffy, golden pancakes ready in no time—no need to grab a pre-made box from the store.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- When ready to make pancakes, mix 1 cup of the dry mix with 1 egg, ¾ cup milk, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Cook on a hot griddle or skillet until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
4. Hot Cocoa Mix
Create your own rich, indulgent hot cocoa mix to enjoy on chilly days. This recipe also makes a great homemade gift!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered milk
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until thoroughly combined and store in a sealed jar.
- When ready to serve, mix 3 tablespoons of the dry mix with 1 cup of hot water or milk for a creamy, delicious hot chocolate.
5. Ranch Dressing Seasoning
This dry mix is perfect for making ranch dressing or adding flavor to roasted potatoes, popcorn, or chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Combine all the herbs and spices in a small bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- To make ranch dressing, mix 2 tablespoons of the seasoning with ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, and ¼ cup milk. Stir until smooth and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Chili Seasoning Mix
Perfect for a cozy chili night, this mix will add depth and flavor to any chili recipe.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight jar.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of the mix per batch of chili, depending on your desired spice level.
7. DIY Cornbread Mix
Have fresh cornbread on hand whenever you want with this simple dry mix.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
- When ready to bake, mix 1 cup of the dry mix with 1 egg, 1 cup milk, and ¼ cup melted butter. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Why Make Your Own Dry Mixes?
Making your own dry mixers has several benefits:
- Healthier Ingredients: You control what goes into your food, avoiding preservatives and unnecessary additives.
- Customizable Flavors: Adjust seasoning levels to your taste and dietary preferences.
- Cost-Effective: Buying ingredients in bulk and mixing at home can save money compared to purchasing pre-made packets.
- Convenience: Once prepped, these mixes save you time during meal preparation.
Final Thoughts
DIY dry mixers are a fantastic way to make your kitchen more efficient while keeping your meals flavorful and wholesome. From spice blends to baking mixes, creating your own allows you to enjoy delicious, homemade meals without the hassle. Start with these simple recipes, experiment with your favorite flavors, and enjoy the convenience of having ready-made mixes at your fingertips!