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This is how to make garlic salt at home. Garlic salt is a classic kitchen mix that works well on roasted vegetables, potatoes, chicken, and snacks like popcorn. The flavor comes from balancing garlic powder with salt so every sprinkle adds steady taste to a dish. Making garlic salt at home lets you adjust the mix so it fits the way you like to season food. When you make your own seasonings, like this DIY garlic salt it is really hard to go back to store bought.

Whenever I get the chance to make my own homemade seasonings, garlic salt is one I like to keep on hand because it fits into so many recipes. I also like how it stores easily in a small jar, ready for everyday cooking. It is one of those blends that stays useful from quick lunches to bigger dinner recipes.

Garlic salt from the store often includes extra ingredients like anti caking agents and added fillers that are used to keep it free flowing on the shelf. Some versions may also include flavor enhancers that change the taste slightly compared to a simple mix. When you make your own garlic salt, it stays focused on just garlic powder and salt.

Easy Garlic Salt Recipe

Why you will love this recipe

This homemade garlic salt brings a clean, simple flavor that tastes fresh. It lets you decide how strong the garlic comes through, so it fits a wide range of recipes and cooking styles.

Ingredients For This Recipe

This version uses homemade garlic powder, so the garlic flavor comes out really fresh and rich. If you want to see the full step by step process for making the garlic powder, here is how to make garlic powder from scratch.

A good ratio for DIY garlic salt is approx. 1 part garlic powder and 3 parts sea salt. The wonderful thing about making your own spices is that you can adjust to your own taste. So if you like more garlic, just add more. I’m going slightly above the normal ratios in this recipe to give it extra garlic flavor.

For about 1/2 cup garlic salt, use:

1/2 cup sea salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder

How To Make This Recipe

Step 1

Peel the garlic bulbs and then cut them in very thin slices about 1/8 inch thick. Line your trays with parchment paper and lay the garlic slices in a single layer. Dehydrate at 130F for about 10-12 hours or until they are completely crispy. The slices should easily snap apart once fully dried. Let the dried garlic completely cool before grinding.

Step 2

Add the dried garlic pieces to a spice grinder and blend them until you get a fine powder. I’m using a Cuisinart Spice Grinder for this and it really works fantastic for garlic powder. You can decide if you want an extra fine powder or leave it more chunky for texture.

Make sure the garlic powder is fully dry since any leftover moisture can lead to mold forming in the jar. The powder should feel light, free flowing, and never damp or sticky when you press it between your fingers. If it feels damp then spread it out on a sheet of parchment and put in the dehydrator at 130F until it is completely dried out.

Step 3

Add the salt and garlic powder to a bowl and mix them together until everything looks evenly blended. Use a spoon or small whisk and break up any little clumps as you go so the texture stays smooth. Once it looks uniform, pour it into a clean jar for storage.

Condition Your Garlic Salt Before Storing

Once the garlic salt is made, it needs to be conditioned so any hidden moisture can settle out. Give it a gentle stir, or shake the jar a couple times every day for a few days so air moves through the whole batch. If it feels clumpy after grinding, it may need to go into the dehydrator. Spread out your garlic salt out on parchment in a thin layer and let it dry for a couple of hours, checking on it along the way.

Tips For Making Garlic Salt

Stir the mixture really well so the garlic powder and salt are fully blended in every scoop. Since homemade spices do not include anti caking ingredients, a few small clumps can form over time. A quick shake or stir brings it right back to a smooth texture. Store it in a dry container so it stays easy to sprinkle and ready for everyday cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade garlic salt last

Homemade garlic salt keeps well for up to a year when stored in a dry, sealed container. The flavor stays steady since both salt and garlic powder are shelf stable ingredients. For the best taste, it is good to use it within about six months while the garlic flavor is still strong.

Can I use table salt instead of sea salt

Yes, table salt can be used in place of sea salt for this recipe. It has a finer texture, so it blends quickly and evenly with the garlic powder. The taste will be slightly sharper, so you may want to start with a little less and adjust as needed.

Why is my garlic salt clumping

Clumping can happen because homemade blends do not include anti caking agents. Moisture in the air can cause the salt and garlic powder to stick together over time. A quick shake or stir breaks it up and brings it back to a smooth, easy sprinkle.

Recipe Variations

Roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or zucchini for simple savory flavor.
Grilled chicken or baked chicken for a balanced garlic seasoning in every bite.
Homemade fries or roasted potatoes for a crispy, well seasoned finish.
Popcorn or snack mixes for a light garlic salty flavor boost.

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