Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning Recipe

If you’ve fallen in love with the Hello Fresh fry seasoning recipe, but bummed that you can’t purchase it separately, don’t fret! I’ve got you covered. I’ll walk you through how to duplicate this tasty seasoning and even a few ways to spice it up (or down) for all preferences.

The Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning Hype (and what’s in it)

This seasoning blend, commonly included in Hello Fresh meals (a meal kit delivery service that’s taken off in the past few years), has garnered a bit of a cult following. So much so that Reddit even has a dedicated thread about it! Some people liken it to Lawry’s Seasoning, while others say it’s close to Johnny’s seasoning. 

Regardless of what it’s closest to, this seasoning is as versatile as a Swiss Army knife! Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika are the three musketeers that make up this blend. These ingredients are like the holy trinity of flavor town, and they can jazz up anything from fries to chicken to veggies. 

Why Make Your Own Fry Seasoning

Versatility. Making your own fry seasoning allows you to customize your fries’ flavor. You can choose from a variety of herbs and spices so you’re not stuck with one or two flavors. Whether you prefer Creole or Cajun seasoning or more of a Mediterranean spin, there are spices out there to suit your flavor preference.

Ease. Creating your own fry seasoning at home is incredibly easy and requires just a few minutes of your time. With simple ingredients often already found in your pantry, you can whip up a batch without the need for a special shopping trip.

Freshness. When it comes to freshness, there’s nothing like making your seasoning blend from scratch. Using fresh spices elevates the aroma and potency, ensuring that your fries or other dishes pack a flavorful punch every time. And yes, before you ask, spices do get old and lose their punch.

Allergen Safety. Making your own Hello Fresh fry seasoning allows for incredible versatility; you can easily adjust the spices to your liking or even incorporate exotic flavors for a unique twist. This customization is especially beneficial for those with dietary restrictions, as you can omit or replace certain ingredients to meet your needs.

How to Make Hello Fresh’s Fry Seasoning Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Number of Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons paprika
• 4 tablespoons garlic powder
• 4 tablespoons onion powder

Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure you have all your spices on hand. This includes paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Measure Accurately: Use measuring spoons to measure each spice. For this recipe, you’ll need 2 parts paprika, 2 parts garlic powder, and 2 parts onion powder.
3. Combine Spices: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients.
4. Add Your Personal Twist: Now’s the time to add that 1/2 part of an additional ingredient of your choice. This could be cayenne pepper for heat, dried herbs for extra flavor, or even a pinch of sugar for a sweet contrast. You can also add part salt if you’re looking for this seasoning mix to bring the salt to your dish.
5. Test and Adjust: Taste your seasoning blend and make any adjustments as needed. If it’s too spicy, dilute it by adding more of the base spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Store Properly: Transfer your finished seasoning blend to an airtight container or jar to keep out moisture away from direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry place.

Variations & Substitutions on Fry Seasoning

When it comes to creating the perfect fry seasoning, the variety of spices available offers endless possibilities to cater to different flavor profiles and taste preferences. Here are some variations you can consider:

Adjust the Heat. If you like your fries with a kick, consider adding part cayenne pepper or chili powder to the original blend. Start with a 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your heat tolerance.

Make it Smokey. For a smoky twist, swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika. This will give your fries a rich, smoky aroma and depth of flavor. 

Make it Herby. To incorporate more herbal notes, consider adding oregano, coriander, thyme, or a combination. A teaspoon of any of these dried herbs can work wonders in enhancing the overall flavor palette.

Make it Zesty. If you’re a fan of citrus, adding some lemon or lime zest can bring a tangy twist to your seasoning. Use about 1 teaspoon of finely grated zest for a noticeable yet balanced flavor.

Sweet and Savory. For a unique flavor profile, consider adding a touch of brown sugar or part cinnamon. This creates a sweet contrast to the savory spices, ideal for sweet potato fries or other root vegetables. 

Play around With New Spices. If you like to play around with new spices, try using turmeric or cumin. I’ve also recently come across purple stripe garlic powder. I just couldn’t help myself and threw it in my Amazon cart. It tastes like elevated onion powder and I can’t get enough! 

How I Use My Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning

Making your own seasoning spice blend is one thing, but knowing how to use it in numerous ways is what will level up your cooking repertoire to new heights! Below are my personal preferences for using the numerous blends I’ve created in my kitchen.

For Proteins That Serve Up Punch

There are so many ways to use fry seasoning when it comes to proteins! Chicken, beef, pork and fish are all great candidates for a little extra flavor. Try sprinkling some on before cooking or mixing it into your marinades for a deeper flavor profile. My favorite way is tossing the protein in some panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying for an added crunch. Here are a few additional ways to make the most of this dry rub.

Chicken Breast. For a quick and flavorful meal, rub the fry seasoning generously onto chicken breasts before grilling or baking. The paprika and garlic powder give the meat a rich color and bold flavor, while the onion powder adds an aromatic touch. You can use about 1-2 teaspoons per chicken breast, depending on the size and your flavor preference.

Chicken Tenderloins. If you’re working with chicken tenderloins, consider creating a seasoning paste. Mix the fry seasoning with a little olive oil and coat the tenderloins before frying or baking. The smaller cut of meat allows for a quicker infusion of flavors, making each bite succulent and well-seasoned.

Lamb. Lamb’s strong, gamey flavor pairs excellently with this versatile fry seasoning. Rub the seasoning into lamb chops or a leg of lamb before roasting or grilling. The spices, particularly the garlic and onion powders, help to mellow the gamey notes, while the paprika adds a beautiful color and warmth to the meat. For lamb, a good starting point is to use about 2-3 teaspoons of seasoning per pound of meat.

For Vegetables Worth Eating

Transforming vegetables from a mere side dish to the star of the meal is entirely possible with this versatile fry seasoning. Here’s how to make vegetables worth eating:

Sprinkle Veggies Before Roasting. For an easy and flavorful option, simply sprinkle the fry seasoning over vegetables before roasting them in the oven. Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots are all excellent candidates for this treatment. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of seasoning per pound of vegetables, ensuring to toss them well for an even coat.

Flavor Boost for Steamed Vegetables. Even steamed vegetables can benefit from a dash of this seasoning. After steaming, sprinkle a light layer of the seasoning blend and give them a quick toss. The warmth of the freshly steamed veggies will help activate the spices, adding an extra layer of flavor.

Stir-Fry Magic. Take your stir-fry vegetables to the next level by adding a teaspoon of the seasoning during the final stages of cooking. Whether you’re working with bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, this seasoning blend can turn your stir-fry into a flavor-packed feast.

Spiced Grilled Vegetables. If you’re firing up the grill, don’t forget the veggies. Coat your vegetable skewers or grill basket with the fry seasoning for a smoky, spiced finish that complements the natural flavors of the produce.

French Fries (Frozen or homemade!) French fries, especially homemade fries scream for this seasoning blend. My personal favorite hack is to spring some fry seasoning over frozen waffles and throw them in the air fryer. This seasoning blend also works wonders in a recipe such as ranch potatoes or on top of air-fried broccoli or green beans.

For Next-Level Casseroles

Casseroles are the epitome of comfort food dishes, but even classics can be elevated. Incorporating fry seasoning into your casserole recipes can add an unexpected depth of flavor that takes the dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some ways to do it:

Add it to the sauce. Whether it’s a cheesy potato casserole or a classic mac and cheese, adding a teaspoon or two of the fry seasoning to the cheese sauce will infuse the dish with complexity and warmth. The spices complement the creamy, rich nature of the cheese, adding layers of flavor.

Meaty Layers. If your casserole includes layers of meat, like in a lasagna or shepherd’s pie, consider seasoning the meat with the fry seasoning. Ground beef, turkey, or even tofu crumbles can benefit from a good sprinkle of this flavorful blend. Use about 1 teaspoon per pound of meat for optimal flavor.

Up the veggie game. Incorporate vegetables such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or carrots into your casserole and season them separately with the fry seasoning before layering. This ensures that every component of your casserole is packed with flavor, rather than just the main elements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fry Seasoning

What is fry seasoning?

Fry seasoning is for french fires, sweet potato fries, carrot fries, or any kind of fry! It’s not for frying food. But with that said, if you want to incorporate it into say fried chicken, that would be incredible. At the end of the day, fry seasoning is just seasoning and seasoning goes with all food.

Can you buy Hello Fresh’s fry seasoning?

Well, yes and no. It’s typically included in their meal prep recipes. But no, you can’t buy it separately. The good news, however, is it’s easily made at home. And to be honest, what isn’t better when it’s made with love? 

What is a substitute for fry seasoning?

Fry seasoning is pretty much whatever you want it to be. Hello Fresh has a very specific trifecta of spices: onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. But if you only have two out of the three of them, see what else you have in your pantry. As long as it tastes good to you, that’s what matters.

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Have questions or suggestions about this Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning recipe? Leave them in the comments below.