Copycat McCormick Mesquite Grill Seasoning
Description
A label-accurate copycat of McCormick Grill Mates Mesquite Seasoning, built from the actual ingredient list on the bottle. Ready in 5 minutes, costs about a dollar to make, and finally captures that smoky-sweet flavor most copycats miss.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder, or mild chili powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic, or 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, or 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons red bell pepper flakes, ground and dried
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon citric acid, optional but recommended
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, mesquite liquid smoke
Instructions
- Grind the bell pepper. Pulse dried red bell pepper flakes in a coffee or spice grinder for 15–20 seconds until you have a coarse powder. Do the same with dried minced onion if you want a smoother final blend.
- Combine the dry ingredients. Add paprika, ancho chile powder, salt, granulated garlic, ground onion, ground bell pepper, brown sugar, black pepper, and citric acid to a small bowl. Whisk until uniform in color with no streaks.
- Add the liquid smoke. Drizzle in liquid smoke a few drops at a time, whisking constantly. The blend will clump briefly, then absorb the moisture. Break up any clumps with a fork.
- Dry the blend. Spread on a parchment-lined plate for 30 minutes to fully dry. This step is essential — sealing it before it's dry causes clumping in the jar.
- Store. Transfer to a small airtight glass jar. Label with the date.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Notes
- Grind the bell pepper. Pulse dried red bell pepper flakes in a coffee or spice grinder for 15–20 seconds until you have a coarse powder. Do the same with dried minced onion if you want a smoother final blend.
- Combine the dry ingredients. Add paprika, ancho chile powder, salt, granulated garlic, ground onion, ground bell pepper, brown sugar, black pepper, and citric acid to a small bowl. Whisk until uniform in color with no streaks.
- Add the liquid smoke. Drizzle in liquid smoke a few drops at a time, whisking constantly. The blend will clump briefly, then absorb the moisture. Break up any clumps with a fork.
- Dry the blend. Spread on a parchment-lined plate for 30 minutes to fully dry. This step is essential — sealing it before it's dry causes clumping in the jar.
- Store. Transfer to a small airtight glass jar. Label with the date.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.03gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.04gSodium: 304mgPotassium: 36mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 508IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.3mg