Sauces & Condiments
Creating a Little Potato Company seasoning blend transforms simple roasted potatoes into crispy, flavor-packed bites that taste like they came straight from a gourmet kitchen. This herby, savory mix combines earthy spices and dried herbs to elevate every potato dish—whether roasted, mashed, or even in soups.
I developed this blend after years of testing what makes restaurant-quality potato dishes shine, and the secret lies in these precise measurements and bold flavors.
The blend features a perfect balance of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried rosemary, all measured in easy-to-store tablespoons for a jarred seasoning mix. What sets this apart is the addition of celery seed and thyme, which add depth and complexity that store-bought blends often miss.
The spices are designed to caramelize beautifully during roasting, creating that signature crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Once mixed, this seasoning delivers restaurant-quality flavor with just a sprinkle—no need for complicated techniques. The blend stays fresh for months in an airtight container, making it perfect for meal prep or keeping on hand for last-minute dinners.
Whether you're roasting baby potatoes or seasoning a casserole, this mix ensures every bite is packed with bold, herby goodness.
Use it on roasted potatoes, in mashed potatoes, or even as a dry rub for crispy potato wedges. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always impressive. Let’s get started with this foolproof blend that will change how you season potatoes forever.
Ingredients for little potato company seasoning
Nine simple spices transform ordinary potatoes into extraordinary crispy bites every time.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | 2 tbsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | 2 tbsp | Finely ground for even distribution |
| Smoked Paprika 🌶️ | 1 ½ tbsp | High-quality smoked flavor |
| Dried Rosemary 🌿 | 1 ½ tbsp | Finely chopped for even seasoning |
| Celery Seed 🥬 | 1 tbsp | Lightly toasted for depth |
| Dried Thyme 🍃 | 1 tbsp | French thyme preferred |
| Kosher Salt 🧂 | 1 tbsp | Diamond Crystal preferred |
| Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tbsp | Freshly cracked preferred |
| Ground Coriander 🌿 | ½ tbsp | Adds subtle citrusy note |
| Ground Mustard 🌶️ | ½ tsp | For subtle tang |
The smoked paprika is the flavor anchor here—look for Penzeys or McCormick Gourmet for the richest smoke. Freshly ground garlic and onion powders make all the difference (the pre-ground stuff tastes dull), so grab those from the bulk bins at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's if you can. The celery seed might be the trickiest to find—check the spice aisle near the Italian herbs or order online if needed. For rosemary, dried leaves over sprigs (they distribute flavor more evenly). Pro tip: Toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing—this wakes up their flavors instantly.
No smoked paprika? Regular paprika plus a pinch of liquid smoke gets you 90% there. Swapping thyme for oregano? Use half the amount—it's stronger. Running low on coriander? Substitute ground cumin at the same ratio, though it'll have a different earthy profile. For the mustard, Dijon powder works in a pinch (just use half the amount). Want extra heat? Add a quarter teaspoon of cayenne. The blend is designed to be versatile—use it on roasted potatoes, in mashed potatoes, or even as a dry rub for chicken. If you're short on time, pre-mixed spice blends from Simply Organic can be a decent shortcut, but nothing beats making your own for that restaurant-quality crunch.
This blend stays potent for 6-12 months in an airtight glass jar—keep it in a cool, dark place away from the stove. For extra freshness, divide it into smaller jars after opening. The celery seed and thyme will lose punch first, so if you notice the blend tasting flat, it's time for a refresh. Double the recipe and store extras in the freezer for up to a year—just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using. A little goes a long way: start with 1 tablespoon per pound of potatoes and adjust to taste. Trust me, once you've had these crispy, herby bites, you'll never go back to plain salt again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pantry Magic: I swear by this blend—no fresh herbs, no chopping, just five spices that turn bland into ridiculously good. The smoked paprika alone gives everything a cozy, almost smoky depth without needing a grill.
- No-Burn Flavor Bomb: Between us, rosemary and celery seed sound fancy, but they’re the secret weapons here. That earthy garlic-onion base? It’s the perfect canvas for the smoky warmth—like a hug in spice form.
- Game for Any Meal: This isn’t just for potatoes. Toss it on roasted veggies, sprinkle it into scrambled eggs, or even mix it into mayo for sandwiches. Honestly, I’ve used it on everything and never regretted it.
- Lasts Forever, Costs Nothing: A little goes a long way—this batch has been sitting in my spice rack for months, and I still haven’t emptied it. Plus, dried spices are cheaper than fresh, so you’re saving cash without sacrificing taste.
Step-by-step instructions for little potato company seasoning recipe
Here's how to craft this bold, herby blend that transforms simple potatoes into irresistible crispy bites.
Measure and Prepare Individual Components
Begin by gathering all your ingredients - this blend relies on each component working in harmony. Start with the 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of onion powder - these form the aromatic foundation. I recommend using freshly ground versions if possible, as they deliver more vibrant flavor. The 1.5 tablespoons of smoked paprika should be high-quality for that authentic smoky depth you're aiming for.
Next, measure out the 1.5 tablespoons of dried rosemary and 1 tablespoon of dried thyme. For best results, use French thyme which has a more delicate, floral character. The 1 tablespoon of celery seed adds a subtle earthy note that rounds out the blend beautifully. Don't forget the 1 tablespoon of kosher salt - Diamond Crystal works perfectly for this recipe as it dissolves more cleanly.
Combine and Mix Thoroughly
In a medium mixing bowl, begin by adding the 2 tablespoons of garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of onion powder. Use a whisk to break up any clumps and create a smooth base. This initial mixing ensures even distribution of these potent flavors throughout the blend. Next, add the 1.5 tablespoons of smoked paprika and 1.5 tablespoons of dried rosemary, whisking continuously to incorporate these aromatic elements.
Now add the remaining dry ingredients: the 1 tablespoon of celery seed, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 0.5 tablespoons of ground black pepper, 0.5 tablespoons of ground coriander, and finally the 0.5 teaspoons of ground mustard. The ground mustard adds just a hint of tang that prevents the blend from becoming too flat. Mix everything together until you achieve a completely uniform color and texture.
Toast the Celery Seed for Enhanced Flavor
Transfer the mixed seasoning to a small dry skillet set over medium-low heat. The goal here is to gently toast the 1 tablespoon of celery seed without burning the other components. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until you can detect a warm, nutty aroma rising from the pan. This toasting step unlocks deeper flavors in the celery seed that will elevate your potatoes to restaurant-quality crispiness.
Watch carefully - the moment you see the seasoning begin to darken slightly, remove it from heat immediately. The color change should be subtle, just enough to indicate the seeds have been activated. Let the seasoning cool completely before transferring it back to your mixing bowl. This cooling period allows the flavors to settle and prevents any moisture from forming during storage.
Store Properly for Maximum Freshness
Once completely cooled, transfer the seasoning blend to an airtight container. I recommend using a small glass jar with a tight-sealing lid for best results. The blend will keep fresh for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dark place. Before each use, give the jar a good shake to redistribute any settled ingredients - this ensures every application delivers consistent flavor.
For optimal results when using this blend, I suggest applying it generously to potatoes that have been parboiled and then properly dried. The combination of these seasonings creates a perfect crust that becomes beautifully crispy during baking or frying. The key to achieving that coveted crispy texture lies in this seasoning blend's ability to caramelize while maintaining moisture within the potato itself.
Pro Tips For Making Little Potato Company Seasoning
- Toast the Spices First: I learned this the hard way—just tossing dried rosemary and celery seed into the mix raw makes the flavor hit like a blunt instrument. Lightly toast them in a dry pan for 30 seconds until fragrant (watch closely, they burn fast). This unlocks their oils and deepens the earthy, smoky notes—especially the rosemary, which should smell piney, not hay-like.
- Measure Celery Seed Carefully: That tiny jar of celery seed is potent. One tablespoon is way more than you need for this blend—start with 1 teaspoon and taste before adding more. I used to eyeball it and ended up with a dish that tasted like a spice cabinet explosion. Trust the scale or use the "pinch test": a heaping pinch is about ¼ teaspoon.
- Skip the Pre-Grinding: If your recipe calls for grinding the spices fresh, resist the urge to buy pre-ground smoked paprika or garlic powder. The oils in these spices evaporate fast, leaving you with dust instead of flavor. Buy whole seeds or flakes (like smoked paprika chips) and grind them yourself—it takes 2 minutes in a spice grinder and makes a real difference.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: This isn’t just about shelf life—it’s about flavor. Heat and light turn smoked paprika bitter and rosemary stale faster than you’d think. Keep your finished blend in an airtight container away from the stove or windowsill. I used to store mine in a kitchen drawer next to the oven, and after 3 weeks, the rosemary tasted like cardboard. Now I keep it in the pantry.
Serving suggestions for little potato company seasoning
Roasted Potato Perfection
Use this seasoning on baby potatoes cut into halves or quarters for maximum crispiness. Toss them in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of seasoning blend before roasting at 425°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
I like to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving for that pop of color and freshness. 🥔
Mashed Potato Magic
For creamy mashed potatoes, stir 1 teaspoon of seasoning into your cooked potatoes before mashing. Add a splash of heavy cream or butter and a pinch of salt to taste.
The celery seed and thyme add a subtle depth that makes these mashed potatoes taste like they came from a high-end restaurant. Serve with a pat of herb butter on top for extra indulgence.
Crispy Potato Wedges
Cut russet potatoes into wedges and toss them in 1 tablespoon of seasoning blend mixed with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Bake at 400°F for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and golden.
The smoked paprika gives these wedges a smoky kick that pairs perfectly with aioli or sour cream for dipping.
Potato Soup Elevation
Stir 1 tablespoon of seasoning into your finished potato soup just before serving. This adds a layer of complexity that makes the soup taste homemade and hearty. For extra richness, top with a swirl of crème fraîche and a sprinkle of chives.
The blend’s garlic and onion powders make the soup taste like it’s been simmering for hours, even if it’s ready in minutes.
Grilled Potato Salad
Toss halved new potatoes with 1 tablespoon of seasoning and grill them over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred in spots. Mix with a simple vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta for a warm, herby potato salad that’s perfect for summer picnics.
The grill marks add a smoky contrast to the fresh ingredients.
Breakfast Potato Hash
Start your day with a hearty potato hash by dicing potatoes and cooking them in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of seasoning until crispy. Add diced bell peppers, onions, and crumbled sausage, then top with a fried egg.
The blend’s smoky and herby notes make this hash taste like a restaurant-quality brunch dish. Serve with hot sauce for an extra kick. 🍳
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this seasoning on other vegetables besides potatoes?
This blend works beautifully on roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower—just toss them with olive oil and 1 tablespoon per pound of veggies. The rosemary and thyme add a wonderful herbal note to roasted root vegetables, while the smoked paprika gives grilled eggplant or zucchini a smoky depth. Try it on corn on the cob too—just brush with melted butter and sprinkle with the seasoning before grilling!
How much seasoning should I use for different potato dishes?
For roasted or mashed potatoes, use 1 tablespoon per pound of raw potatoes. When making crispy wedges or hash, increase to 1.5 tablespoons per pound since the extra surface area needs more flavor. For soups or stews, start with 1 teaspoon per quart of liquid—you can always add more to taste. The blend is potent, so it's better to start conservative and adjust!
What's the best way to store this seasoning blend?
Transfer the seasoning to an airtight glass jar and store it in a cool, dark place (like a pantry) where it'll stay fresh for 6-12 months. For even longer storage, divide it into smaller jars and freeze for up to 1 year. Before using frozen seasoning, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to redistribute the flavors. Always shake well before each use to ensure even distribution.
Can I make this seasoning blend without smoked paprika?
Yes! If you don't have smoked paprika, substitute with regular paprika plus ¼ teaspoon of liquid smoke per tablespoon of smoked paprika called for. For a smokier flavor without liquid smoke, add ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder instead. The blend will still taste delicious—just with a slightly different smoky profile. The key is balancing the other herbs (like rosemary and thyme) to maintain that herby depth.
Why does my seasoning taste dull after a few months?
Dried herbs and spices lose potency over time, especially celery seed and thyme, which are the first to fade. If your blend tastes flat, it's time to refresh it! Simply toast the spices in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes to revive their flavors. For a complete refresh, mix in ½ teaspoon of fresh lemon zest or a pinch of ground ginger to add brightness. Store your seasoning in smaller portions to extend its freshness.