BBQ Seasoning Recipe

Yumna Jawad

Updated Jun 19, 2025

5 from 10 reviews

This homemade BBQ seasoning can be used on poultry, beef, seafood, or veggies. Use as a dry rub or just sprinkle on top for extra flavor.

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Servings 8 tablespoons
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Simple recipe for how to make bbq seasoning.
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Making Homemade BBQ Seasoning is Easy!

I go through a lot of BBQ seasoning during grill season, so it just made sense to start making my own. This mix is smoky, a little sweet, and has just enough heat for me. It works well as a dry rub for grilled chicken thighs, grilled BBQ shrimp, and even a quick sprinkle on oven baked fries when I want to switch things up.

I usually make a big batch of the BBQ seasoning and keep it in a jar near the grill. It’s one of those blends that somehow ends up on everything once summer hits.

Happy Cooking!
– Yumna

BBQ Seasoning Ingredients

Spices for seasoning blend in individual bowls: smoked paprika, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  • Smoked paprika: If you don’t like the smoky flavor, double up on the sweet paprika.
  • Brown sugar: This is what gives BBQ that caramelized crust. I use light brown, but you could swap for coconut sugar if you prefer.
  • Paprika: May also be known as sweet paprika.
  • Chili powder: Look for one that contains just ground chilis, some include a blend of different spices and salt. If you like thing spicy, use a chipotle chili powder.
  • Ground cumin: Adds a warm flavor to the BBQ seasoning.
  • Garlic powder: Make sure it’s fresh, if it’s been sitting for a while it can taste bitter.
  • Cayenne pepper: Skip if you do not like things spicy. Adjust as needed to suit your taste.
  • Salt and pepper: Classic and keeps me from adding additional in most cases.

How to Make BBQ Seasoning

Seasoning blend for recipe in a dish.
Step 1: In a large bowl, add the smoked paprika, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper.
After mixing seasonings.
Step 2: Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Bbq seasoning recipe.

BBQ Seasoning Recipe

Author: Yumna Jawad
5 from 10 reviews
This homemade BBQ seasoning can be used on poultry, beef, seafood, or veggies. Use as a dry rub or just sprinkle on top for extra flavor.
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Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Servings8 tablespoons
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Ingredients
  

Instructions

  • In a small bowl mix all ingredients together until well combined. Store in an airtight container for up to one year. Keep in a cool, dark place to preserve the flavor.

Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 26kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 311mg, Potassium: 105mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1652IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

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Recipes to Make with BBQ Seasoning

Top down view into a jar with bbq spice blend.

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5 from 10 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Salma says:

    Canโ€™t wait to make this, it looks like such an easy recipe with ingredients already in my pantry!

    Reply
    1. Yumna J. says:

      You’ll have to let me know what you think when you make it, Salma!

      Reply