Garlic Powder Salt Blend

My spice cabinet used to be a graveyard of half-empty jars until the afternoon I realized I'd been buying expensive seasoning blends for years when I could make something just as good in five minutes. That's when garlic powder with salt became my kitchen shortcut, and honestly, it's one of those discoveries that made me feel slightly smarter about cooking. Now it lives in a small glass jar on my counter, and I reach for it constantly.

I made this blend for a backyard dinner party last summer, and someone asked what I'd used on the roasted cauliflower that made it so flavorful. When I told them it was just garlic and salt mixed together, they looked genuinely disappointed, as if expecting some exotic secret. That's when I understood—simple doesn't mean boring, it just means you notice the actual flavors.

Ingredients

• Garlic powder: Look for a brand that's pure garlic with no additives or flow agents—it should smell aggressively garlicky when you open the jar.
• Fine sea salt: The finer texture blends more evenly than kosher salt, creating a cohesive seasoning rather than a speckled mix.

Instructions

Combine your base:

Pour the garlic powder and sea salt into a small bowl and take a moment to appreciate how simple this is going to be.

Mix until unified:

Stir everything together with a spoon or whisk for about a minute, breaking up any small clumps of garlic powder that stick together. You're aiming for an even color throughout with no visible streaks of white salt or tan powder.

Transfer to storage:

Spoon the finished blend into an airtight spice jar or container, making sure the lid seals tightly so the garlic stays potent and doesn't absorb moisture from the air.

Tuck it away:

Store in a cool, dry cabinet away from heat and light, and it'll stay vibrant and usable for up to six months.

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There was a quiet moment while everyone at that dinner was eating, and someone just said, "This is really good." No fuss, no pretense—just the garlic and salt doing exactly what they're supposed to do. That's when I realized this blend isn't about being fancy; it's about making food taste unmistakably like itself.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this blend is that it's a starting point, not a destination. Once you have the basic ratio down, you can experiment with dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or even a pinch of smoked paprika if you're feeling adventurous. I've added everything from black pepper to dried chives, and every version has its moment.

When to Reach for This Blend

Use it whenever you want a quick flavor boost without thinking. It's perfect for roasted vegetables because the salt helps them brown while the garlic deepens their natural sweetness. On popcorn, it transforms something plain into something craveable within seconds, and on grilled meats, it adds a savory crust that tastes way more intentional than it has any right to.

Storage and Shelf Life

Keep this blend away from heat, light, and moisture, and it genuinely lasts up to six months while staying flavorful. I've found that smaller containers work better than large ones because the less air space there is, the longer everything stays fresh and potent. Label your jar with the date you made it if you're someone who forgets these things, which, let's be honest, most of us are.

• If you notice the garlic starting to smell less vibrant after a few months, it's time to make a fresh batch.
• A small pinch of dried parsley adds color and a subtle herbal note without changing the fundamental flavor.
• Keep a jar in the kitchen and maybe one in a pantry or food storage area if you use it really frequently.

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This is one of those recipes that teaches you that good cooking doesn't require complexity, just intention and ingredients you actually trust. Once you start making your own seasoning, store-bought blends start to feel like you're paying for unnecessary packaging.

Questions & Answers

→ How should I store this seasoning blend?

Store the mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness for up to six months.

→ Can I adjust the texture of the blend?

Yes, pulsing the mixture briefly in a spice grinder creates a finer texture for smoother application.

→ What dishes work well with this seasoning?

This blend complements meats, roasted vegetables, and snacks like popcorn, adding savory garlic and salt notes.

→ Can herbs be added for more flavor?

Adding dried parsley or oregano offers a herbal twist, enhancing the overall aroma and taste.

→ Is this seasoning suitable for special diets?

Yes, the blend is vegan and gluten-free, containing no major allergens.