Craft your own signature blend with this Easy Pickling Spice recipe that captures the essence of homemade flavor in just five minutes. Combining aromatic whole spices like mustard seeds, coriander, and dill with warming ginger and a hint of heat, this versatile mix elevates everything from classic cucumber pickles to pickled onions. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to enhance your canning recipes and fermented creations with a personal touch.

I first fell in love with making my own spice blends while traveling through markets in Turkey, where the air is thick with the scent of toasted seeds and dried herbs. That experience taught me the profound difference a freshly mixed blend can make. This particular homemade pickling spice has become my pantry staple, especially when I’m preparing a batch of quick pickles for summer gatherings or preserving the season’s bounty. It pairs beautifully with the vibrant flavors in our hibachi steak marinade, creating a wonderful balance on a charcuterie board.

Ingredients for Perfect Easy Pickling Spice

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Easy Pickling Spice

Create your own Easy Pickling Spice blend at home with this simple 5-minute recipe. Mix mustard seeds, peppercorns, coriander, dill, and more for authentic pickling flavor.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 1 batch

Calories 45 kcal

Equipment

• small mixing bowl
• measuring spoons
• spoon
• small whisk
• airtight jar or container

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
• 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
• 2 teaspoons dill seeds
• 2 teaspoons whole allspice berries
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 whole bay leaves crumbled

Instructions

 

• Gather all your whole spices and a small mixing bowl.
• Measure the yellow mustard seeds, whole black peppercorns, whole coriander seeds, and dill seeds directly into the bowl.
• Add the whole allspice berries and red pepper flakes to the bowl.
• Sprinkle the ground ginger over the whole spices, then crumble the bay leaves between your fingers into the mixture.
• Using a spoon or a small whisk, gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. The mixture should look uniform in color with the ground ginger coating the whole seeds and berries.
• Store the spice blend in a small, airtight jar or container in a cool, dark cupboard until ready to use.

Notes

Store the spice blend in a small, airtight jar or container in a cool, dark cupboard until ready to use.

Keyword homemade, pickling spice, spice blend

Creative Recipe Variations

• Smoky Chipotle Version: Replace the red pepper flakes with a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of ground chipotle.
• Sweet and Spicy Twist: Add a tablespoon of dried orange peel and a cinnamon stick, broken into small pieces.
• Extra Herbal Blend: Incorporate two tablespoons of dried tarragon or oregano for a more garden-fresh flavor.

My Pro Tips for Spice Blend Success

• Use Fresh, Quality Spices: The flavor of your DIY pickling spice depends entirely on the quality and freshness of your individual spices.
• Toast for Depth: For a richer flavor, gently toast the whole seeds in a dry pan over low heat before mixing.
• Store Properly: Keep your homemade spice blend in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve its potency.
• Label and Date: Always mark your jar with the contents and date, as recommended for all your homemade spice blends.

Storing Your Homemade Spice Blend

• Store: Keep the spice blend in a small, airtight jar or container in a cool, dark cupboard. It will maintain optimal flavor for up to six months.
• Freeze: While not typically necessary, you can freeze the blend in an airtight bag for up to one year to extend its shelf life.
• Use: Simply measure out the amount needed for your pickling recipes; no reheating is required.
• Make-Ahead Tip: This is the ultimate make-ahead condiment. Double or triple the batch to always have some on hand for spontaneous preserving.

Frequently Asked Questions