This homemade rosemary garlic salt is made with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and coarse sea salt. Sprinkle it over roasted potatoes, vegetables, meat, or fish, or package it in small jars to give as gifts.

Homemade rosemary garlic salt with fresh herbs in a small bowl and glass jar.

If you have fresh herbs that need using up, making your own flavored salt is a good way to preserve them. I like keeping a jar in the kitchen so I can add a little extra flavor to whatever I’m cooking.

Recipe Highlights

  • Quick and easy: Four ingredients and just a few minutes of hands-on preparation.
  • Budget-friendly: A homemade alternative to expensive specialty seasoning salts.
  • Customizable: Adjust the garlic and herbs to suit your taste.
  • Great for gifting: Spoon it into small jars for an easy homemade edible gift.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Coarse sea salt: I like using coarse sea salt for its slightly crunchy texture, but you can use whichever salt you prefer.
  • Fresh rosemary and thyme: Use only the leaves, as the woody stems don’t process well. You can also try other herbs, such as sage or basil. If using dried herbs, start with about one-third of the amount.
  • Garlic: I use fresh garlic, but you can substitute garlic powder if you prefer.

See the recipe card below for a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.

How to Make Rosemary Garlic Salt

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Preheat the oven to 230°F (110°C). Peel and chop the garlic, then finely chop the rosemary and thyme leaves.
  2. Mix: Add the salt, garlic, and herbs to a food processor. Pulse until everything is well combined.
  3. Dry: Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, then check for moisture. Continue drying as needed, stirring occasionally, until the garlic and herbs are completely dry.
  4. Cool and store: If there are any lumps, pulse the mixture again. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight jar.

Recipe Variations

  • Extra rosemary: Replace all of the thyme with more rosemary for a stronger flavor.
  • Italian herb salt: Try a combination of rosemary, thyme, and oregano.
  • Chili garlic salt: Add a pinch of dried chili flakes for a little heat.
  • For a citrus version, try my Rosemary Lemon Sea Salt recipe.

How to Use Rosemary Garlic Salt

I like sprinkling this salt over sweet potato fries, mini Hasselback potatoes, and grilled vegetables. It’s also good on chicken, steak, or fish.

Try a pinch over homemade focaccia, warm bread with olive oil, or eggs. You can even add a little to savory quinoa breakfast bowls, avocado toast, or popcorn.

Sprinkle it over food just before serving to enjoy the texture and aroma of the herbs. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Homemade Gift Idea

Spoon the cooled, completely dried salt into small airtight jars and add a label with the ingredients and a few suggestions for using it.

It’s a lovely little gift for Christmas, a host, or as part of a homemade food hamper.

Elena’s Tips

  • Dry washed herbs well: Excess water means the mixture will take longer to dry.
  • Don’t let the mixture brown: You want to dry the garlic and herbs, not toast them.
  • Check for moisture: Don’t rely on the cooking time alone. The mixture needs to be completely dry before storage to prevent mold.
  • Adjust the texture: If you prefer a finer salt, pulse it again in the food processor after drying and cooling.

Storage

Once the salt is completely dry and cool, transfer it to an airtight jar and store it away from heat, light, and moisture. For the best flavor, use it within 2-3 months, as the herbs gradually lose their aroma over time.

Glass jar filled with homemade garlic and herb salt, with a spoon inside.

More Homemade Gift Recipes

If you’ve made this homemade garlic and herb salt, leave a comment and rating below. I’d love to know how it turned out for you.

A small bowl of homemade garlic and herbs salt, and a big jar in the background.
Print Recipe

How To Make It: Rosemary Garlic Salt

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
(5 stars) 1 rating
This homemade rosemary garlic salt is made with fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and coarse sea salt. Use it to add a little extra flavor to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (220 g) coarse sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves

Equipment

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 230°F (110°C).
  2. Peel and coarsely chop the garlic cloves. Finely chop the rosemary and thyme leaves.
  3. Add the salt, garlic, and herbs to a food processor. Pulse until everything is well combined.
  4. Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes, then check for moisture. Continue drying as needed, stirring occasionally, until the garlic and herbs are thoroughly dry.
  5. Remove from the oven. If any lumps have formed, pulse the mixture again briefly.
  6. Let cool completely, then transfer to an airtight jar.

Notes

  • Avoid browning: Don’t let the garlic or herbs brown or burn.
  • Check for moisture: Make sure the mixture is thoroughly dry before storing.
  • Storage: Once completely cool, transfer the salt to an airtight jar and keep it away from heat, light, and moisture. For the best flavor, use within 2–3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25 teaspoon, Calories: 1 kcal, Sodium: 590 mg
Did you make this recipe?Leave a comment or share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #aseasyasapplepie. We’d love to see what you come up with!
Author: Elena Tomasi
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Mediterranean