Italian Seasoning

Italian Seasoning Ingredients: oregano, basil, rosemary, crushed red pepper, sea salt, thyme, garlic powder

Ah, Italian seasoning! That aromatic blend is a powerhouse of Mediterranean flavor. Here are a multitude of ways to bring that classic Italian taste to your dishes:

The Classics:

• Pasta Sauces: This is a no-brainer! Stir it into your marinara, pesto (for a slightly different twist), or any tomato-based sauce.
• Pizza Sauce: Add it to your homemade pizza sauce for that authentic Italian pizzeria flavor.
• Lasagna and Baked Pasta Dishes: Sprinkle layers of your lasagna or other baked pasta dishes with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
• Garlic Bread: Mix it with melted butter and garlic for incredibly flavorful garlic bread.

Flavoring Meats & Poultry:

• Chicken, Pork, or Beef Rub: Use it as a dry rub before grilling, baking, roasting, or pan-frying.
• Meatballs and Meatloaf: Mix it into your ground meat mixture for a classic Italian touch.
• Sausage Seasoning: Enhance store-bought sausage or use it as part of a blend for homemade Italian sausage.
• Chicken Parmesan: Sprinkle it on your breaded chicken before baking.

Enhancing Vegetables & Sides:

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and onions with olive oil and Italian seasoning before roasting.
• Sautéed Greens: Add it to sautéed spinach, kale, or other leafy greens.
• Bruschetta Topping: Mix it with diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a flavorful bruschetta topping.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Mix it with breadcrumbs for coating chicken, fish, or vegetables before baking or frying.
• Polenta: Stir it into cooked polenta for added flavor.
• Risotto: Add it during the cooking process for a more aromatic risotto.

Creating Delicious Dips & Dressings:

• Italian Dressing: Whisk it with olive oil, vinegar (red wine or balsamic), garlic, and a touch of Dijon mustard for a homemade Italian dressing.
• Herb Dip: Mix it with sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt for a simple and flavorful dip for vegetables or crackers.
• Marinades: Combine it with olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, and garlic for a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables.

Other Creative Uses:

• Soups and Stews: Add it to vegetable soup, minestrone, or other Italian-inspired soups and stews.
• Frittatas and Omelets: Sprinkle it into your egg mixture for a savory Italian breakfast.
• Focaccia and Pizza Dough: Incorporate it into your dough for an herby flavor.
• Pasta Salad: Toss it with cooked pasta, vegetables, cheese, and a vinaigrette.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Season the filling for stuffed bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes.

The beauty of Italian seasoning is its versatility.