We’ve all been there—mid-recipe, digging through the spice rack, and Spike Seasoning is nowhere to be found. No stress, you’re still in control! We’ve whipped up a list of six easy swaps to keep your meal on point.
Through some quick-thinking and plenty of experimenting, we’ve found alternatives that truly work. These substitutes bring bold flavor, and most of them are probably sitting in your pantry already.
Whether you’re tossing together a weekday dinner or tackling something fancy, these seasoning hacks can step in like pros. Trust us, we’ve nailed some great dishes just with these on-hand subs.
6 Easy Substitutes for Spike Seasoning
Here’s how to keep the flavor going without skipping a beat. These six Spike Seasoning replacements are ready to make your recipes shine.
1 – Mrs. Dash Seasoning Blend
It all started when I ran out of Spike Seasoning and grabbed Mrs. Dash instead. Turns out, it’s a pretty solid swap. It’s salt-free but loaded with herbs like onion, garlic, basil, and thyme—so the flavor’s all there.
We usually go 1-to-1 for the mix. One teaspoon of Mrs. Dash takes the place of one teaspoon of Spike. You’ll notice the blend has a fresher, lighter taste. It’s not a perfect replica, but it does the job well in soups, veggies, and even eggs.
The sodium-free twist means you can control the salt level on your own. Mrs. Dash is also super common, so most of us already have it around. Overall, this blend keeps the meal flavorful and clean.
2 – Herbes de Provenc
For the fancy foodies, Herbes de Provence is a game changer. It’s an aromatic blend of dried herbs and flowers commonly used in French cooking. Adding it to your recipe instead of Spike Seasoning will give it subtle notes of lavender, thyme, fennel, and savory.
The unique flavor profile makes this swap perfect for vegetables and meats. In fact, many gourmet cooks consider Herbes de Provence to be superior to Spike!
It’s versatile, but the floral notes can stand out if overused. Keep it balanced and adjust to your taste. For more substitution ideas, check out this handy guide to Herbes de Provence substitutes.
3 – Italian Seasoning
While we’re on the topic of herb blends, let’s talk about Italian seasoning. This mix brings thyme, basil, oregano, and rosemary together for a zesty punch. It’s perfect for pizza, pasta sauces, and marinades.
Like Mrs. Dash, it skips the salt—but Spike has a much more complex flavor profile than plain old Italian seasoning. To beef things up, we often add extra garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to recipes when subbing in this blend.
It doesn’t taste exactly like Spike Seasoning but does bring out a similar savory tang that works wonders in meats and stews.
4 – Old Bay Seasoning
In terms of flavor, this might be the closest you get. Old Bay Seasoning is pretty complex, with a blend of herbs and spices that includes celery salt, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
It’s not exactly the same as Spike (after all, it was originally made for seafood), but there are plenty of recipes where it works well instead. The bitterness from celery salt mimics Spike’s robust flavor profile, so it makes a great swap in soups and stews.
If you’re looking to avoid preservatives or MSG found in some versions of Old Bay Seasoning, make your own homemade Old Bay seasoning substitute.
5 – Garlic Powder and Onion Powder Mix
If you’ve ever been stuck without Spike Seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder can totally save the day. Mix them in a 1:1 ratio for a simple swap that works for so many dishes.
This combo is basic but effective. It brings a savory kick and adds depth without overwhelming other flavors. It’s great in soups, stews, and roasted veggies. Use one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of onion powder to replace a teaspoon of Spike.
No weird extras or fancy ingredients either—just reliable pantry staples. If you’re also hunting for garlic powder alternatives, check out this list of garlic powder substitutes for more ideas.
6 – Homemade Spike Seasoning Blend
Last but not least, craft your own blend from scratch. If you’re really in love with the flavors of Spike Seasoning and want to make a big batch for later—this is how! It’ll take some experimenting, but it’s worth it.
Start by pulling out all of the herbs and spices you typically use when cooking or baking (with caution).
Work in small batches until you get the flavor profile just right. You may have to try multiple combos before nailing down the perfect recipe mix.
But once you do, it’s a game-changer, especially if Spike is no longer available at your local market or if you’re trying to avoid certain ingredients found in store-bought blends.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.