A Flavorful Homemade Italian Seasoning

Bring the rich, sun-kissed flavors of Tuscany into your kitchen with this homemade HelloFresh Tuscan Heat Spice blend! Inspired by classic Italian seasonings, this herbaceous, slightly spicy mix features a balanced blend of basil, rosemary, oregano, garlic, fennel, and cayenne pepper.

This DIY Tuscan seasoning mix is quick and easy to make, perfect for pasta, roasted vegetables, soups, grilled dishes, and more. Whether you’re looking to replicate the Hello Fresh spice blend or simply want a versatile Italian-inspired seasoning, this homemade version will elevate your cooking in no time!

My favorite spice blend

The moment I first experienced Hello Fresh’s Tuscan Heat spice blend, it was like being transported to a sun-soaked villa in the Italian countryside. As someone who’s deeply passionate about Mediterranean cuisine, I was instantly captivated by how this simple blend could capture the essence of Tuscan cooking – that perfect harmony of aromatic herbs and gentle warmth that makes Italian food so irresistible.

My love affair with Italian seasonings started years ago during a memorable cooking class in Florence, where I learned that the secret to authentic Italian flavor lies in the careful balance of herbs and spices. That’s why Hello Fresh’s blend spoke to me so deeply – it perfectly captured that balance I remembered from my travels. I found myself reaching for it constantly, whether I was roasting summer vegetables, preparing a rustic pasta primavera, or adding depth to a simple tomato sauce.

But as any enthusiastic home cook knows, running out of your favorite seasoning in the middle of preparing dinner can throw your whole meal off course. After one too many times of finding my Tuscan Heat spice packet empty at crucial moments, I decided to embark on a journey to recreate this beloved blend in my own kitchen. It took some time to get the proportions just right – that perfect balance of fragrant basil, earthy rosemary, and the subtle kick of cayenne that makes this blend so special.

My “Use on everything” spice blend

Now, my homemade version has become a cornerstone of my cooking. There’s something deeply satisfying about opening my spice cabinet and seeing a jar of my own carefully crafted Tuscan blend, knowing exactly what went into it and having the freedom to adjust the heat level to my preference. I love watching dinner guests try to guess what makes my roasted vegetables taste so incredible, or sharing small jars of the blend with friends who’ve fallen in love with its versatility.

What started as a practical solution has become a passion project that connects me to the heart of Italian cooking every time I use it. Whether I’m sprinkling it over garden-fresh zucchini before roasting, incorporating it into a Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl, or using it to elevate a simple slice of bread dipped in olive oil, this blend brings a touch of Tuscan magic to everything it touches.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Tuscan Heat Spice Blend

All-Natural & Preservative-Free: No artificial additives, just pure herbs and spices.
Quick & Easy to Make: Ready in under 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Versatile for Many Dishes: Works beautifully on roasted vegetables, pasta, grilled tofu, and soups.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper for a milder or spicier blend.
Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for up to 6 months when stored properly.

What is HelloFresh Tuscan Heat Spice?

The Tuscan Heat Spice Blend from Hello Fresh is a bold Italian-inspired seasoning mix used in many of their recipes. This spice blend combines traditional Mediterranean herbs with a touch of spice to create a well-rounded, aromatic seasoning perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes.

By making your own copycat version at home, you can control the flavor intensity, spice level, and ingredient quality, ensuring a healthier, more customizable alternative.

Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice Key ingredients

1. Dried Basil Flakes (12 teaspoons / 12 g):

Adds a sweet, slightly peppery, and herbaceous flavor. Basil is a quintessential Italian herb that brings a fresh, aromatic quality to the blend. Its mild sweetness balances the earthiness of the other herbs and adds a touch of brightness.

2. Dried Rosemary Flakes (6 teaspoons / 6 g):

Provides a pine-like, woody aroma and a slightly bitter, earthy taste. Rosemary adds depth and complexity to the blend. Its robust flavor pairs beautifully with the other herbs and gives the seasoning a rustic, Mediterranean character.

3. Dried Oregano Flakes (6 teaspoons / 6 g):

Contributes a warm, slightly bitter, and peppery flavor. Oregano is a staple in Italian cooking and adds a bold, savory note to the blend. It enhances the overall herbaceous profile and complements the other spices perfectly.

4. Garlic Powder (6 teaspoons / 18 g):

Brings a savory, slightly pungent umami flavor. Garlic powder adds a rich, aromatic depth to the seasoning. Its savory notes tie the herbs together and give the blend a robust, well-rounded base.

5. Cayenne Pepper (3 teaspoons / 6 g):

Delivers a fiery, spicy kick. Cayenne pepper adds a touch of heat that elevates the blend and gives it a “Tuscan heat” signature. It balances the sweetness of the basil and the earthiness of the other herbs, creating a dynamic flavor profile.

6. Ground Fennel (3 teaspoons / 6 g):

Adds a subtle sweetness and a mild licorice-like flavor. Why It’s Important: Fennel seeds bring a unique, slightly sweet and aromatic note to the blend. They complement the savory herbs and add a layer of complexity that makes the seasoning stand out.

How They Work Together:

This blend is a harmonious mix of herbaceous freshness (basil, rosemary, oregano), savory depth (garlic powder), subtle sweetness (fennel), and fiery heat (cayenne pepper). The combination creates a versatile seasoning that’s both aromatic and flavorful, perfect for adding a Mediterranean-inspired kick to your dishes. Whether you’re sprinkling it on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or pasta, this blend brings the warmth and richness of Tuscany to your table!

Homemade Tuscan Heat Spice Recipe

Bring the warmth of Tuscany to your kitchen with this vibrant and aromatic Tuscan Heat Spice Blend! Inspired by the sun-drenched flavors of Italy, this mix combines fragrant basil, earthy rosemary, and a hint of heat from cayenne pepper. Perfect for seasoning roasted vegetables, grilled plant based “meats”, or even pasta dishes, this blend is a quick and easy way to add a Mediterranean twist to your meals. Triple the batch to keep this flavorful staple on hand for all your culinary adventures!

Tuscan Spice Blend Ingredients

To create this DIY Tuscan seasoning mix, you’ll need:

12 tsp dried basil flakes: Adds a sweet, peppery, and slightly minty flavor.
6 tsp dried rosemary flakes: Provides an earthy, pine-like aroma.
6 tsp dried oregano flakes: Contributes a robust, slightly bitter herbal note.
6 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a rich, savory depth.
3 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste): Brings a gentle heat to the blend.
3 tsp ground fennel: Enhances the mix with a mild licorice-like sweetness.

How to Make Copycat HelloFresh Tuscan Heat Spice

Step 1: Grind Whole Spices (Optional)

If using whole fennel seeds or rosemary, grind them in a spice grinder or crush them with a mortar and pestle for a finer texture.

Second Step : Mix the Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the dried herbs and spices.

Step 3: Blend Evenly

Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Fourth Step: Store Properly

Transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container or spice jar.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Sprinkle on your favorite dishes for an instant Tuscan-inspired flavor boost!

Pro Tip: Shake the jar before each use to keep the flavors evenly mixed!

How to Use Tuscan Heat Spice (Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Ideas)

This homemade Italian seasoning mix is incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious vegetarian and vegan ways to use it:

Tuscan-Roasted Vegetables: Toss zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes with olive oil and this seasoning before roasting.
Pasta & Marinara Sauce: Stir into tomato-based pasta sauces or creamy vegan alfredo for added depth.
Tuscan-Spiced Tofu or Tempeh: Coat tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas before baking or pan-frying.
Soups & Stews: Sprinkle into lentil soup, minestrone, or vegetable stew for extra flavor.
Homemade Garlic Bread: Mix with olive oil and garlic to brush over bread before toasting.
Tuscan Popcorn: Toss warm popcorn with olive oil and this spice blend for a savory snack.

Expert Tips for the Best Tuscan Heat Spice Blend

Adjust the Spice Level: Reduce or increase the cayenne pepper depending on your preference.
Use Freshly Ground Spices: Grinding whole fennel seeds and rosemary enhances the flavor.
Balance the Herbs: If you prefer a stronger basil or oregano taste, adjust the proportions slightly.
Make a Larger Batch: Triple the recipe so you always have this flavorful seasoning on hand.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in an airtight spice jar in a cool, dry place.
Best used within 6 months for optimal freshness.
Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve flavor and aroma.

What I’ve been making lately

Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice Blend Tips and extra info

Is Tuscan Heat Spice the same as Italian seasoning?

No. While both blends include basil, oregano, and rosemary, Tuscan Heat Spice has cayenne pepper and fennel, adding a bit of heat and complexity.

Tuscan Heat Spice level

It has a mild to moderate spice level, depending on how much cayenne pepper you use. You can adjust it for a milder or spicier version.

Make it without salt

If you are on a low-sodium diet or just want to eat less salt, this spice blend is for you. This homemade Tuscan spice blend is naturally salt-free, making it great for low-sodium diets. Simply add salt separately to taste.

Gluten free note

All the ingredients in this DIY Tuscan Heat Spice are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your spices are certified gluten-free if needed.

Use it with:

This blend pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, pasta, grilled plant-based proteins, soups, and homemade pizza sauce!

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Final Thoughts

This Homemade Tuscan Heat Spice Recipe is the perfect HelloFresh copycat seasoning to elevate your Italian dishes. With its herbaceous, garlicky, and slightly spicy profile, it’s a versatile pantry staple that brings the warmth of Tuscany to your meals.

Make a batch today and enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of Italy in every dish!

Hello fresh tuscan heat spice recipe

Munchyesta.com

Prep Time 5

Serving Size 1 small jar

Ingredients

DIY Tuscan seasoning Ingredients:

6 teaspoons (18g) garlic powder
12 teaspoons (12g) dried basil flakes
6 teaspoons (6g) dried rosemary flakes
6 teaspoons (6g) dried oregano flakes
3 teaspoons (6g) cayenne pepper – (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
3 teaspoons (6g) ground fennel

Instructions

How to make Copycat Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice Instructions:

If using whole spices, grind them in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle until they reach your preferred consistency.
Measure out all the spices and combine them in a medium-sized bowl.
Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Sprinkle generously on your favorite dishes, or store the blend in an airtight container or jar for future use.

Notes

Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Shake well before each use to ensure the flavors are