Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (Copycat Recipe)

Seasoned salt has a place in nearly every kitchen. Lawry’s is one of the most recognized names, but if you ever run out or just want to know exactly what goes into your blend, creating a homemade copycat version is simple, cost-effective, and deeply rewarding. This guide covers the essentials of mixing your own Lawry’s seasoned salt, offers tips on customizations, and shows you how to make this staple seasoning work for countless dishes.

Why Make Lawry’s Seasoned Salt at Home?

Lawry’s seasoned salt offers more than just a blend of salt and spices—it’s a quick path to layers of savory flavor. Making your own means control over taste, sodium level, and everything in between. Homemade blends contain no artificial additives or preservatives, and you can tailor the flavor profile to match what you and your family love most.

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt (Copycat Recipe) Vertical Photo

Many home cooks reach for seasoned salt on autopilot. It’s in spice rubs, sprinkled on fries, dusted over eggs, and used as a finishing touch for roasted meats. But a pinch of homemade seasoned salt has its own appeal: you’ll know exactly what’s in every bite, and you might find it tastes fresher and more vivid than the store-bought variety.

Ingredients: The Core of Seasoned Salt

A convincing Lawry’s seasoned salt starts with the right ingredients:

Table salt
Sugar
Paprika (regular or smoked)
Turmeric
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Cornstarch

Each component brings something valuable to the mix:

Salt forms the base, providing balance and enhancing flavor.
Sugar offsets the sharpness of the spices and deepens flavor.
Paprika gives the blend a distinctive red hue and soft warmth.
Turmeric adds earthy, subtle notes and a golden tint.
Onion and garlic powders amp up the savory, umami-rich undertones.
Cornstarch acts as a textural agent. It helps the seasoning cling to food, making every bite taste more consistent.

Optional additions: For a closer match to Lawry’s, consider adding a small pinch of celery salt or ground mustard. Some cooks use a dash of finely ground black pepper or even dried parsley flakes.

Ingredient Table: Lawry’s Seasoned Salt Copycat

Ingredient	Amount
Table salt	4 tbsp
Sugar	1 tbsp
Paprika	1 ½ tsp
Turmeric	½ tsp
Onion powder	1 tsp
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Cornstarch	½ tsp

Adjust the amounts to taste—this blend is flexible.

Instructions: How to Make Seasoned Salt

Time required: Less than five minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Directions

Measure each ingredient into a medium bowl. Use a level teaspoon for accuracy with smaller measurements.
Whisk the mix until the color is even and all powders are thoroughly combined.
Transfer the seasoned salt to a clean, dry spice jar or airtight container with a tight seal.
Label the jar with the blend name and date for future reference.

Tips for Best Results

If you prefer a finer texture, use a small spice grinder or mortar and pestle to grind the mix before bottling.
For easy transfer, use a funnel when pouring your blend into the jar.
Always store spices away from direct sunlight and moisture to preserve flavor.

Flavor Variations and Swaps

Seasoned salt’s charm lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas to tweak your blend:

Smoky depth: Substitute standard paprika with smoked paprika.
Herbaceous twist: Include a pinch of dried parsley or thyme.
Celery highlight: A dash of celery seed or celery salt nudges your seasoning closer to the original flavor of Lawry’s.
Cumin for earthiness: Replace turmeric with cumin for a different warm note.
Less sugar: If you’re cutting back, reduce the sugar or try coconut sugar for a subtle twist.

Try mixing small batches to discover what matches your taste—after all, you’re the chef here.

How to Use Your Copycat Seasoned Salt

Homemade seasoned salt transforms the everyday into something memorable. Use it just as you would store-bought Lawry’s:

Sprinkle over roasted vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, broccoli, and squash all take on extra flavor with a shake of the blend.
Enhance breakfast favorites: Dust it over scrambled eggs, hash browns, or breakfast sandwiches.
Fries and chips: Toss fresh French fries, sweet potato fries, or homemade chips with seasoned salt while they’re still hot.
Spotlight meat and seafood: Use as a rub for chicken, pork, or fish before roasting, grilling, or broiling.
Snack upgrade: Popcorn, roasted nuts, or seasoned crackers benefit from the boost.
Classic comfort foods: Stir into mac and cheese, sprinkle onto casseroles, or add to mashed potatoes.
Marinades and dressings: Incorporate into marinades for an umami punch, or stir a bit into vinaigrettes and creamy dressings.

Even Bloody Mary cocktails welcome a rim of seasoned salt for a savory, spicy finishing touch.

Application Table: Common Uses

Dish or Food	How to Use
Roasted meats	As a dry rub or finishing seasoning
Eggs	Sprinkle before or after cooking
Fries and chips	Toss with hot, freshly cooked fries
Popcorn	Mix into hot popcorn with butter
Casseroles	Stir in before baking
Vegetables	Add before or after roasting

Storing and Keeping Your Seasoned Salt

Proper storage preserves both flavor and potency. Seasoned salt should live in a cool, dry cupboard. Always use a clean, dry spoon to avoid clumping and contamination. Moisture and heat are the enemies.

Storage Tips

Choose a glass spice jar or a container with a tight-sealing lid.
Store away from stovetops, dishwashers, or windows to minimize exposure to humidity and light.
For easy access, keep the jar near your most-used seasonings; it’s likely to become a kitchen staple.

When stored well, your seasoned salt keeps its punch for up to 2 years. The flavor may fade slowly over time, but it remains safe to use as long as it hasn’t absorbed moisture or developed off odors.

Why Homemade Seasoned Salt Stands Out

Creating your own seasoned salt lets you master the flavors in your kitchen. You control saltiness, sweetness, and depth of spices, so every meal reflects your preferences. Homemade versions skip preservatives and colorants, making them friendlier for those sensitive to additives.

You’ll also find yourself reaching for this seasoning again and again—not just for nostalgia’s sake, but for pure taste. Many cooks who’ve switched to homemade blends never want to go back.

Final Thoughts and Serving Suggestions

Lawry’s seasoned salt isn’t one-note—it adds dimension to simple dishes and brings depth to complex ones. With only a few minutes and basic pantry staples, you’ll have a blend that works year-round and on nearly anything.

Mix up a double batch and share with friends, or customize the recipe for gifts. If you’re feeling experimental, try mixing with other spices for new takes on classic flavor.

Next time you want to bring out the best in your cooking, reach for your homemade seasoned salt—you might be surprised at how much it elevates even the simplest meal.