Unlock the Secret to Sensational Roasted Vegetables
As a seasoned culinary professional, I’m thrilled to share my top 8 homemade seasoning blends that will transform your roasted veggies from mundane to mouthwatering. Roasting is one of the simplest, most effortless ways to prepare a variety of produce, but the real magic happens when you harness the power of spices and herbs.
Whether you’re looking to jazz up classic roasted potatoes, elevate a sheet pan of Brussels sprouts, or breathe new life into a medley of seasonal vegetables, these homemade seasoning mixes will become your secret weapon in the kitchen. Get ready to bid farewell to bland, one-note roasts and hello to vibrant, flavor-packed veggie dishes that will have your family and guests raving.
Chorizo-Inspired Seasoning Blend
Inspired by the bold, smoky flavors of Mexican chorizo sausage, this all-purpose seasoning mix can be used far beyond just sausage. Sprinkle it on roasted cauliflower, toss it with cubed sweet potatoes, or even use it to season tofu for a protein-packed meal.
To make the Chorizo Seasoning Blend, simply combine:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
This seasoning blend will keep for months in an airtight container, so feel free to make a big batch to have on hand. Start with just 1-2 teaspoons per pound of vegetables for a subtle flavor, or go up to 1 tablespoon per pound for a bolder chorizo-inspired taste.
Caribbean-Style Complete Seasoning
In many Caribbean and South American cuisines, a “complete seasoning” or “sazon completa” is a versatile spice blend used to add layers of flavor to all sorts of dishes. This homemade version skips the processed additives found in store-bought mixes and lets the pure, bold flavors of the herbs and spices shine.
To make the Complete Seasoning Blend, combine:
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
This versatile seasoning is perfect for quickly adding a boost of savory, umami-rich flavor to roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, soups, and stews. Start with just 1-2 teaspoons per pound of vegetables and adjust to taste.
Lemon-Miso Butter Compound
While not technically a dry seasoning blend, this lemon-miso compound butter is an incredibly versatile way to add both flavor and richness to roasted veggies. The miso and lemon zest provide a savory, umami-packed punch, while the toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch.
To make the Lemon-Miso Compound Butter:
- In a food processor, whip 1 stick (4 oz) of room temperature unsalted butter until fluffy.
- Pulse in 1 tablespoon of miso paste, the zest of 1 lemon, 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon ground toasted cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Fold in 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds.
This compound butter is fantastic for tossing with roasted delicate squash, sautéed vegetables, baked potatoes, or even spooning over freshly roasted tomatoes. A little goes a long way in adding an extra layer of flavor.
Saffron-Date Compound Butter
For a more unexpected twist, this saffron-date compound butter lends an elegant, fragrant touch to roasted vegetables. The earthy saffron, sweet honey, and chewy dates create a complex, Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile.
To make the Saffron-Date Compound Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine 1 pinch of saffron threads with 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a food processor, whip 1 stick (4 oz) of room temperature unsalted butter until fluffy.
- Pulse in the saffron-almond mixture, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt.
- Fold in 5 chopped, pitted dates, leaving them a bit chunky.
This compound butter is divine drizzled over hot roasted vegetables, or even used as a topping for oatmeal or flatbreads. The saffron and dates lend a touch of sweetness and sophisticated flair.
Garlic-Olive Compound Butter
For an irresistibly savory, umami-packed punch, this garlic-olive compound butter is a must-try. The pungent garlic and briny green olives pair perfectly with the richness of the butter, creating a flavor-packed topping for all sorts of roasted veggies.
To make the Garlic-Olive Compound Butter:
- In a food processor, whip 1 stick (4 oz) of room temperature unsalted butter until fluffy.
- Pulse in 1 large garlic clove and lots of freshly ground black pepper, starting with 1/8 teaspoon.
- Pulse in 12 pitted, rinsed, and dried green olives, squeezing them between your palms to release excess liquid before adding.
This compound butter is a game-changer for roasted potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, or even tossed with freshly cooked pasta. The bold olive and garlic flavors make it endlessly versatile.
Scallion-Dill Compound Butter
Bright, fresh, and herbal, this scallion-dill compound butter is the perfect way to add a pop of vibrant flavor to your roasted veggies. The combination of grassy dill, pungent scallions, and garlic creates a flavor-packed accent that pairs beautifully with a wide range of produce.
To make the Scallion-Dill Compound Butter:
- In a food processor, whip 1 stick (4 oz) of room temperature unsalted butter until fluffy.
- Pulse in a scant 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt, 1 large garlic clove, 2 chopped scallions, and a handful of fresh dill leaves.
- Blend until the mixture is well combined and the herbs are finely chopped.
This compound butter is a versatile all-purpose seasoning, perfect for drizzling over grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or even tossing with freshly cooked corn on the cob. It also makes a lovely finishing touch for biscuits, polenta, rice bowls, and potato dishes.
Desert Lime-Infused Compound Butter
For a uniquely bright and citrusy twist, try this desert lime-infused compound butter. The tangy, aromatic flavor of dried desert lime (also known as limu omani) perfectly complements the richness of the butter, creating a seasoning that’s both sophisticated and unexpected.
To make the Desert Lime Compound Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter with the contents of 1-2 Numi Desert Lime tea bags, ground in a mortar and pestle.
- Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt until well combined.
This compound butter is a fantastic addition to roasted sweet potatoes, grilled corn, or even as a spread on sandwiches. The bright, citrusy notes of the desert lime complement a wide range of vegetables beautifully.
Freeze-Dried Strawberry Compound Butter
For a sweet and vibrant twist on compound butter, try this freeze-dried strawberry version. The tart, concentrated flavor of the berries pairs perfectly with the rich butter, creating a unique and versatile seasoning that’s perfect for both savory and sweet applications.
To make the Freeze-Dried Strawberry Compound Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter with 1 tablespoon of organic cane sugar and 1/3 cup of chopped, dehydrated organic strawberries.
- Mix until well combined.
This strawberry compound butter is delightful drizzled over pancakes, stirred into muffin batter, or even used as a topping for freshly roasted vegetables. The bright, fruity flavor provides a delightful contrast to savory roasted produce.
Exploring the Endless Possibilities of Compound Butters
As you can see, the world of compound butters is vast and endlessly creative. By infusing high-quality butter with a wide array of herbs, spices, and other flavorful ingredients, you can transform even the simplest roasted vegetables into extraordinary, flavor-packed dishes.
Experiment with these seasoning blends and compound butters to find your personal favorites, or get inspired to craft your own unique creations. With a well-stocked spice cabinet and a little culinary creativity, the possibilities for elevating your roasted veggies are truly limitless.
Be sure to check out the Kitchen Warrior website for more tips, recipes, and insights from our team of culinary experts. Happy cooking!
