- How one well-balanced seasoning blend can instantly upgrade everyday cooking
- Why store-bought spice blends deserve a spot in your pantry (yes, even for pros)
- Five easy, practical ways to use it beyond pizza
In the professional food world, spice blends can get a bad rap—they’re often seen as a shortcut in the wrong way. But as a recipe developer, I think of them differently. The right blend isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about building flavor efficiently. And when you find a great one, it earns its place.
That’s exactly how I feel about King Arthur Baking Company’s pizza seasoning. I’ve purchased it over and over again—not because I’m making pizza every week, but because it adds that herby, garlicky, slightly spicy flavor to everyday foods in a way that feels effortless. Made with a simple blend of onion, garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes and salt, it hits all the right savory notes without needing to reach for multiple jars. Even better, it makes your kitchen smell like something incredible is coming out of the oven.
It’s the kind of pantry staple that quietly makes vegetables more craveable, sauces taste longer-simmered and simple meals feel just a little more special.
5 ways I use this spice blend all the time
1. Slow-roasted tomatoes
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Slice plum tomatoes about 1/3 inch thick, arrange on the prepared sheet, and gently rub them in the oil. Sprinkle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of the seasoning, then roast at 300°F until jammy and concentrated, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. They’re great for meal prep and one of the easiest ways to build big flavor from simple ingredients.
Serving suggestions:
- Tossed with pasta
- Spooned on toast with ricotta or cottage cheese
- Alongside eggs like an elevated ketchup
2. Pan-roasted zucchini that actually tastes exciting
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and score the cut sides in a crosshatch pattern—a technique popularized by chef Thomas Keller that helps it cook evenly and absorb more flavor. Heat an ovenproof skillet with a bit of oil on medium heat, then place the zucchini cut-side down and cook until deeply golden. Transfer to a 400°F oven and roast until tender and almost custardy in the center and finish with a sprinkle of the seasoning. It transforms a basic vegetable into something deeply savory—almost like it’s been topped with all your favorite pizza flavors.
3. A quick upgrade for popcorn
Toss warm popcorn with melted butter (or olive oil) and a sprinkle of the seasoning. It hits that perfect balance of salty, herby, and slightly spicy. It’s an easy, unexpected snack that feels a little more grown-up.
4. Chicken cutlets with extra flavor built in
Add 1 tablespoon of the seasoning to 2 cups of your breadcrumb mixture before coating chicken (or pork cutlets or eggplant slices). It layers in garlic, herbs and seasoning without needing multiple spices, making weeknight cooking faster and more flavorful.
5. Two 30-second boosts for olive oil + marinara
For an instant, flavor-packed bread dip: Stir the seasoning into olive oil for an easy dip or drizzle that tastes far more complex than it is.
To make jarred sauce taste homemade: Add a pinch (or more) to marinara to give it the depth of something that’s been simmering for hours.
Why this pantry staple earns its spot
Not all spice blends are created equal. Some lean too salty, others too flat or one-note. This one strikes the right balance—savory, aromatic and just a little punchy—so it enhances rather than overwhelms.
It also fits seamlessly into how people actually cook at home. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or extra steps. It simply makes what you’re already making taste better.
At the end of the day, this is exactly what I want from a pantry shortcut: something that makes simple food taste better, with almost no extra effort. And if it makes my vegetables taste like pizza in the process, even better.
