Homemade Red Robin Seasoning - The Best Copycat Recipe

Name: Homemade Red Robin Seasoning - The Best Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp salt; ¼ cup paprika; 1 tbsp onion powder; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp celery salt; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp dried basil; 3 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (or to taste); 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional); 2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Meet the beloved Red Robin seasoning - a savory blend of spices that's so versatile you can use it on almost all savory dishes—made using simple ingredients in under 5 minutes. Try it out; your taste buds will thank you!

Red Robin seasoning in a small glass jar.

Jump to:

💌 Why I love this recipe
🛒 Ingredients
🔪 Equipment
👣 Step-by-step
👨‍🍳 Chef’s tips
❓ Frequently asked questions
🍽 Serving Ideas
📦 Storage Tips
👋 Conclusion
🍴Recipe

What you need to know about this recipe is that it tastes almost exactly like the real deal from Red Robin restaurant. However, you can enjoy it in the comfort of your home wherever in the world you are.

Sprinkle some of this Red Robin seasoning magic onto your favorite comfort food and enjoy a flavor-packed meal with little effort.

💌 Why I love this recipe

Perfect Savory Flavor: Captures that authentic Red Robin taste.
Versatile: Elevates a variety of dishes, not just burgers & fries.
Easy to Make: All you need are pantry staples & a couple of minutes of time.
Customizable Heat: By adjusting the amount of spices, you can customize it to your taste.
Perfect Gift: Ideal for packing into cute containers and gifting to fellow foodies.
Long Shelf Life: Stays fresh for up to six months.

🛒 Ingredients

The best part of this Red Robin seasoning recipe is that you almost certainly have most (if not ALL) of these ingredients in your pantry.

If not, you can grab anything you're missing in the spices section of your local grocery store.

Various herbs and spices needed to make Red Robin seasoning.

Paprika: Provides that signature reddish color and a slightly smoky flavor.
Sea salt: Enhances the flavor of this spice mix and removes that extra step of needing to add salt to your dishes.
Dried Basil: Remember to go for dried, not fresh basil. It adds a must-have touch of herby goodness.
Garlic Powder: A little bit of garlic makes everything better, including this spice mix.
Onion powder: A sharp, sweet & aromatic addition that you can't skip.
Sugar: Optional, but a great way to enhance and complement the flavors. I used white granulated sugar.
Celery salt: Adds a savory, peppery & slightly earthy touch.
Ground cumin: Helps bring this mix a warm and nutty dimension.
Chili Powder or cayenne pepper: Optional, but it's a must if you like a bit of heat!! Can be replaced with black pepper.

You can also add optional smoked paprika.

🔪 Equipment

No need for fancy gadgets here. All you'll need is:

A medium bowl: For combining all those delightful ingredients.
A spoon or fork: To make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Airtight container: To store your Red Robin Seasoning.

👣 Step-by-step

Now, let's dive into the fun part – making your own Red Robin Seasoning! There really are only two steps to this simple recipe.

A bowl full of various spices with a spoon in the middle.

Step 1: Measure and Combine. In your mixing bowl, measure out all the ingredients.

A bowl with red spices and a spoon in the middle.

Step 2: Mix It Up. Mix all the ingredients with your spoon or fork until they're well combined. You should see a beautiful reddish seasoning mix.

That's it! All you need to do now is transfer your homemade Red Robin Seasoning into an airtight container.

I like to use glass jars as opposed to plastic containers. You can use a mason jar or reuse an old pickle jar.

👨‍🍳 Chef’s tips

Here are some pro tips to take your Red Robin Seasoning to the next level:

Customize the Heat: Adjust the chili powder (or cayenne pepper) to control the spiciness to your liking.
Thorough Mix: Give it a thorough mix to ensure the spices are evenly combined for consistent flavor.
Adjust to Taste: After mixing, taste a small amount and adjust the seasonings if needed.
Storage is Key: To preserve your seasoning's freshness, keep it in an airtight container.
DIY Gift: Share the joy by gifting this homemade seasoning to friends & family.
Start Slow: When adding the seasoning to dishes, start with a little and add more as desired to avoid over-seasoning.
Explore the Joy: Explore the versatility of this seasoning; it's not just for burgers and fries!

Extra tip - Mix it with barbecue sauce, ketchup, or mayo for a perfect dipping sauce. You can add some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

An overhead view of Red Robin seasoning in a glass jar.

❓ Frequently asked questions

How long does this seasoning last?

This seasoning mix stays fresh for about 5-6 months when stored correctly. You can keep it for longer. However, the flavors might become mellower over time.

Is adding chili powder or cayenne pepper necessary?

If you are looking for that signature Red Robin seasoning flavor, I recommend using them. However, if you skip these, you'll still have a wonderful spice blend.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

No, I do not recommend using fresh herbs for this. There are several reasons for that:
- Dry herbs have a stronger, more concentrated flavor
- Fresh herbs have a significantly higher water content
- Your seasoning won't stay good for long if you use fresh herbs.

A plate featuring steak cut fries and ketchup.

🍽 Serving Ideas

Now that you've learned all the tips and tricks of this Red Robin copycat mix, it's time to explore the exciting ways to use it.

Burgers: Next time you make gourmet burgers, add a pinch of this mix. I like to use it as a secret ingredient in my veggie burgers for a unique flavor.
Fries: This is the ideal fry seasoning - from French fries to steak fries to potato wedges and everything in between.
Soups & Stews: Yes, you've read that right. This seasoning is neutral and versatile enough to be used in everything from leek, pumpkin, tomato, and broccoli soups to minestrone or stews.
Roasted Veggies: My pan-roasted tenderstem broccoli is the PERFECT companion to this mix. Roasted carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes & other veg are good options for a delicious side dish too!

📦 Storage Tips

To enjoy your mix for a longer period of time, you must store it properly.

The best way to preserve the freshness and flavors is to follow these 3 steps:

Airtight Container: Always store your seasoning in an airtight container (preferably a glass one). This will prevent moisture and air from degrading the quality.
Cool and Dry Place: Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources.
Check for Clumping: The mix may still develop small clumps even when stored correctly. Simply break them up with a small fork before using the mix.

👋 Conclusion

That brings us to the end! I hope you found a new seasoning your whole family can enjoy!

Got questions about making this Red Robin seasoning mix? I'm always happy to help you out in the comments section below.

Have you tried out this recipe? Please consider leaving feedback (star rating) or comment below. Creating, testing, photographing recipes & writing blog posts are time-consuming tasks, so your comments are very much appreciated!