Spicy Paprika Seasoning Recipe – Cayenne & Garlic Blend

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Spicy Paprika Seasoning Recipe – Cayenne & Garlic Blend

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple, yet incredibly flavorful, spicy paprika seasoning recipe with you. Honestly, once you make your own, you’ll never go back to store-bought. I first stumbled upon making my own blends when I was trying to cut down on hidden sugars and salts in pre-made seasonings, and it’s been a game-changer ever since! It takes just 5 minutes to whip up, and it adds a fantastic kick to everything from roasted veggies to grilled chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spicy paprika seasoning is seriously addictive. It’s a vibrant blend of smoky paprika, a touch of heat from cayenne, and the savory goodness of garlic and thyme. It’s incredibly versatile – I use it on everything! Plus, making your own seasoning means you control exactly what goes into it. No weird additives, just pure, delicious flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Tbsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper (depending on your heat preference!)
• 2 tsp granulated garlic
• 2 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference:

• Kosher Salt vs. Table Salt: I always recommend kosher salt for seasoning blends. It has a larger crystal size, which means it distributes flavor more evenly. Table salt can be a bit too harsh and salty.
• Paprika Varieties: Paprika isn’t just paprika! You’ve got sweet paprika (mild and fruity), smoked paprika (adds a lovely smoky depth – highly recommend!), and hot paprika (for extra heat). Feel free to experiment!
• Cayenne Pepper Heat Levels: Cayenne pepper can vary in heat. Start with 1 tsp if you’re unsure, and add more to taste. A little goes a long way!
• Granulated Garlic vs. Fresh: Granulated garlic is dehydrated garlic that’s been ground into granules. It’s different from garlic powder (which is finer). While fresh garlic is amazing, granulated garlic works beautifully in dry rubs and seasonings.
• Black Pepper Freshness: Freshly cracked black pepper is always best! The flavor is so much more vibrant. If you have whole peppercorns, definitely give them a grind.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s make some seasoning! It’s ridiculously easy.

1. Grab a bowl and add all your ingredients: the kosher salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, granulated garlic, black pepper, and dried thyme.
2. Now, just give everything a really good mix. Make sure it’s all nicely combined, so you get a little bit of everything in each sprinkle.
3. And that’s it! Seriously. You’re done.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Taste as you go: Don’t be afraid to adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking.
• Store properly: Keep your seasoning in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• Don’t be shy with the paprika: Paprika is the star of the show, so don’t skimp!

Variations

Want to customize this seasoning? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level Adjustments: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just ½ tsp of cayenne pepper. Or, if you like things really spicy, add up to 2 tsp!
• Smoked Paprika Variation: Swap out half of the regular paprika for smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor. My husband loves this version.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs. Oregano or rosemary would be delicious additions.
• Salt-Free Variation: Omit the kosher salt entirely for a salt-free seasoning. You can always add salt later when you’re cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Where can you use this magical seasoning? Everywhere!

• Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli – you name it!).
• Use it to season meats like chicken, fish, or pork.
• Add a dash to soups and stews for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sprinkle it on eggs for a spicy breakfast.
• It’s fantastic as a dry rub for grilling.

Storage Instructions

To keep your spicy paprika seasoning fresh for up to 6 months, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works perfectly.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• How long will this seasoning stay fresh? Up to 6 months, as long as it’s stored properly in an airtight container.
• Can I adjust the heat level? Absolutely! Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste.
• What kind of paprika is best for this blend? I recommend a good quality sweet paprika, but feel free to experiment with smoked or hot paprika.
• Can this be used as a dry rub for meats? Yes! It makes a fantastic dry rub. Just rub it all over the meat before cooking.
• Is granulated garlic a good substitute for garlic powder? Yes, but they aren’t exactly the same. Granulated garlic has a slightly coarser texture and a more robust flavor.