Hey cooking friends, have you ever found yourself in the middle of prepping a meal only to realize you’re fresh outta Spike seasoning? I know the feeling – it’s like, uh oh, what do I do now? Spike adds such great flavor to all kinds of dishes, it’d be a bummer to have to scrap the recipe because of one missing ingredient.
Well, have I got some good news for you. After hunting around my spice cabinet one too many times looking for that tiny Spike container, I decided it was time to explore some backup options. And let me tell you, I’ve found some killer substitutes that will have your dishes tasting just as tasty as if you used the real deal.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the best Spike seasoning replacements I’ve discovered. From classic herbs and spices to mixes with international flair – there’s something here for every type of cook. By the time you’re done, you’ll be fully prepped with solutions next time your pantry comes up short. So read on for insider tips on how to save your meal when Spike takes a hiatus. Your taste buds will thank you!
The best substitute for Spike seasoning
1. Mrs. Dash
If you’re looking for a low-sodium alternative to Spike, Mrs. Dash is your new BFF in the spice cabinet. This versatile seasoning blend has been a staple in kitchens for decades, and it’s not hard to see why. Mrs. Dash skips the extra salt but keeps all the herby, garlic-y flavor we love in Spike.
The main players in Mrs. Dash are onion, garlic and lemon, which combine to add a subtle zing to whatever you sprinkle it on. It also includes hints of red pepper, basil and oregano for an extra layer of complexity. The end result is a light seasoning that amplifies natural flavors without being overpowering.
One of the best things about Mrs. Dash is how flexible it is. It works great on both savory and sweet dishes. I like to add a pinch to scrambled eggs, sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, grilled meats—you name it! It’s also delicious sprinkled onto fresh fruit or mixed into yogurt. With Mrs. Dash in your pantry, you’ll never miss reaching for the Spike again when you want a boost of herbaceous taste sans extra sodium. So next time you run out of Spike, Mrs. Dash has got your back.
2. Old Bay’s Signature Flavor
For those times you want the robustness of Spike but with a coastal twist, reach for a shaker of Old Bay seasoning. A staple in American seafood boils and crab cakes, Old Bay adds an enticing blend of spices to whatever you cook.
At the heart of Old Bay is celery salt, which gives it a unique savory-umami foundation. Layered on top are flavors like black and red pepper, dried mustard, and paprika. Together they create a complex yet balanced profile that enhances without overpowering.
The texture of Old Bay is a bit coarser than Spike too, which I love for the extra taste and visual appeal it provides. The salts and celery really stick to foods well.
When I’m out of Spike, I find Old Bay works brilliantly in place of it for seafood like shrimp or salmon. It also jazzes up veggie sides like green beans or Brussels sprouts with that hit of peppery saltiness. Looking to switch things up from your usual chicken recipe? Old Bay is your answer for infusing robust flavor without Spike. Just ask any Marylander – this spice blend has lasting power in the kitchen.
3. Herbes de Provence
For those times you’re craving Spike’s robust herbaceousness but want a more refined approach, look no further than herbes de Provence. This classic French spice blend adds an aromatic complexity that elevates simple ingredients.
Herbes de Provence features a symphony of dried herbs like savory, rosemary, thyme, and lavender that dance across your palate. Together they create a subtly floral and woodsy flavor profile unlike any other seasoning. The herbs are somewhat coarsely ground too, giving food an appealing texture.
I find herbes de Provence is the perfect Spike alternative for dishes where you want the herbs to really sing, like roasted potatoes, summer vegetables, chicken, or fish. It also brings a sophisticated flair when mixed into butter or olive oil and tossed with hot pasta.
And since it contains no salt or other preservatives, you can easily adjust the flavor intensity based on other ingredients. Need a little extra zing? Stir in some garlic powder. Want to mellow it out? Mix herbes de Provence into butter or olive oil first. The options are endless! For a taste of Provence in your kitchen, this spice blend is always in my back pocket when Spike is on vacation.
4. Italian Seasoning
When a recipe is craving Spike but you want a more robust Italian flair, reach for a jar of dried Italian seasoning. This robust herb medley adds deep flavor to dishes of all kinds.
At the base are basil and oregano, lending signature Mediterranean flavors. But it often includes other herbs too, like rosemary, thyme, marjoram and sometimes garlic. All together they create a complex blend that enhances both rich and light cooking styles.
I love using Italian seasoning as a Spike substitute on pizza, pasta bakes, chicken Parmesan – basically any dish where I want pronounced herbiness. The texture is a bit dry compared to Spike, which I find adds nice crunch when sprinkled on top of finished foods.
One thing I appreciate about Italian seasoning is how accommodating it is. Want more garlic presence? Simply mix in some garlic powder. Looking to subtly spice things up? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper. Its layers of flavor absorb other ingredients beautifully for truly customized results.
Next time you need a little oomph, don’t overlook the versatility of Italian seasoning. Its robust herb blend makes a dynamite substitute for Spike in dishes both simple and indulgent.
5. Cajun Seasoning’s Spicy Swagger
For those moments you want Spike’s depth of flavor amped up a few notches, reach for a bottle of Cajun seasoning. This iconic Louisiana blend brings the heat with fragrant peppers and warm spices.
At the core of most Cajun seasonings are paprika, garlic, and onion powder providing a savory foundation. Then diced peppers like cayenne and chili add gentle to assertive levels of spicy kick, depending on the brand. Other seasonings like thyme, oregano and black pepper lend further layers of complexity.
The result is a spice blend with serious personality. Even using it sparingly is sure to wake up your taste buds. I find Cajun seasoning stands in nicely for Spike when preparing dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp boil or cajun popcorn shrimp that benefit from that peppery zing.
Just be aware that Cajun packs more punch than mild-mannered Spike. Start with a light hand, and you can always amp up the dose later if desired. With great heat comes great responsibility! But in skilled hands, Cajun seasoning delivers robust flavor in place of Spike with fiery pizzazz.
Choosing a Substitute
When selecting a substitute for Spike Seasoning, there are a few things to consider to get the best flavor match:
- Main Flavors – Spike is herbaceous with garlic and onion serving as a base. Choose a substitute that features similar dominant flavors.
- Intensity – Spike offers a balanced blend of mildly flavored ingredients. Consider how robust or delicate the substitute’s flavors are.
- Use – Think about the type of dish and flavors you want to complement. For example, Herbes de Provence is ideal for lighter dishes while Old Bay pairs well with seafood and roasted meats.
- Texture – Some substitutes like Italian Seasoning have a coarser texture than smooth Spike. This affects how they adhere to and complement foods.
- Ingredients – If avoiding salt, MSG or other allergens, select a substitute like Mrs. Dash without the unwanted components.
When in doubt, feel free to blend substitutes. For example, use half Mrs. Dash and half Italian Seasoning to balance flavors. You can also enhance substitutes by mixing in salt, minced garlic or onion powder to replicate Spike’s blend more closely.
Experimenting with different substitutes based on the above factors will help you find the best doppelganger for Spike in any recipe. With some tweaking, you’ll be saying “Bye bye brand name, hello new kitchen BFF!”
FAQs
Can I use more than one substitute at a time?
Yes, blending different substitutes is a great way to mimic Spike’s complex flavor profile. Try half Italian seasoning and half Mrs. Dash for a balanced combination.
What if the substitute is too strong/weak?
If it’s too strong, cut back on the amount or dilute it by mixing with other spices. If weak, use more of the substitute or enhance it with garlic powder, onion powder or extra salt.
Can I use Spike and a substitute together?
Absolutely! If you only need a partial substitute, mix 3 parts Spike to 1 part substitute to gently reinforce the existing flavors.
Do I need to adjust cook times?
Generally no, swapping in a substitute shouldn’t change how long a dish cooks. However, robust blends like Cajun may require a slightly shorter time to prevent bitterness.
How long do substitutes last?
Just like Spike, most dry spice blends will maintain their potency for 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and moisture. Check for signs of dampness or stale aromas before using.
Can I find these substitutes in any grocery store?
Yes, the substitutes mentioned like Mrs. Dash, Italian seasoning, etc are commonly stocked even in smaller markets. You may have to look in the international foods aisle for some options.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried seasoning blends?
While fresh herbs can work, the flavor profile may be different than the blended spices in Spike. For closer substitutions use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs in teaspoons.
Do I need to toast the substitutes before using?
Toasting is not necessary but can intensify flavors for some recipes. Try lightly toasting herbs and spices in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before adding to dishes.
Can I use these substitutes in baking?
Yes, spice blend substitutes can be used in baking but start with lesser amounts, around 1/4-1/2 the amount called for in Spike. Herbs and spices have more pronounced flavors in baked goods.
Are there any substitutes to avoid?
Ground ginger, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice blend won’t sub well due to their strong, unique flavors overpowering other ingredients. Stick to blends with mainly savory herbs.
Can kids/picky eaters eat foods made with substitutes?
Possibly – start with milder substitutes like Mrs. Dash and use minimal amounts. Let kids assist in cooking to familiarize themselves with new flavors.
Do substitutes expire? How can I tell?
Yes, like any spice, dried herbs gradually lose potency. Check for faded colors or smells after 6-12 months. Discard any substitutions that smell musty or dusty.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of potent Spike seasoning substitutes waiting in your cabinet. The best option truly depends on your desired flavor profile for each dish. Do you want herbaceous, soy-free, robust or a little heat? There’s a substitute here to suit your taste.
Some final tips – when swapping in a substitute, start with the same amount you’d use of Spike. You can always add more later. Also consider mixing your substitute with salt, garlic powder or onion powder to enhance certain flavors as needed.
Even better, keep a few different types of seasoning blends on hand so you’re fully covered next time Spike is on hiatus. Then you can experiment mixing substitutes together too for customized results.
So don’t fret the next time you run out of Spike. With these alternates in your arsenal, you’ll be able to create delicious dishes without missing a beat. Your new seasoning friends will have your back in the kitchen – that I can guarantee. Now get out there and start substituting!
