I’ll be honest—when I first got a HelloFresh box and saw “Tuscan Heat Spice” on the recipe card, I thought, “Here we go with another mystery blend I’ll never be able to recreate.” But one taste and I was hooked. That warm, herby, slightly spicy kick made everything—from roasted chicken to creamy pasta—taste like it came from a cozy Italian trattoria. Naturally, I had to crack the code.
This Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice copycat recipe is now a staple in my pantry, and it only takes 5 minutes to mix. You don’t need a spice subscription or a meal kit—just a few basic herbs, a bit of heat, and a jar to shake it up. I even started pairing it with my Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning for a bold fusion blend. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought Italian seasoning again.
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What Is Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice?
The Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice is a signature seasoning blend from HelloFresh that combines classic Mediterranean herbs with a subtle heat. It’s savory, aromatic, and adds serious depth to everything from sausage spaghetti to Tuscan chicken with penne.
According to a tweet from HelloFresh themselves (yes, they shared the original ratios!), the blend contains six key ingredients:
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Dried rosemary
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Ground fennel
Think of it as Italian seasoning’s spicier cousin—with a tiny kick from cayenne and the faintest hint of licorice from fennel. It’s not overwhelmingly hot, but it builds flavor like a boss.
HelloFresh uses it in a variety of recipes, including:
- Tuscan Sausage Spaghetti
- Italian Chicken Over Lemony Spaghetti
- Stuffed Peppers with Farro and Cheese
- Pork Sausage Rigatoni Bake
To bring out its creaminess and balance, try it with a drizzle of Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base—the combo is next-level comfort food.
Ingredients in Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice
Main Spices (Based on HelloFresh’s Tweeted Blend)
- Dried Basil: Sweet, slightly minty herb base
- Dried Oregano: Classic Italian earthiness
- Dried Rosemary: Woodsy and aromatic—grind this one for the best texture
- Garlic Powder: Umami punch and savoriness
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings the heat—adjust to taste
- Ground Fennel: Adds a subtle licorice note and depth
Optional Add-Ins (for Custom Flavor)
- Smoked Paprika: For a smoky Tuscan twist
- Red Pepper Flakes: To dial up the spice level
- Onion Powder: To smooth and round out the garlic
Pro Tip: Toast your spices in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes before mixing. This wakes up their oils and intensifies the flavor!
Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¼ cup 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A bold, herby blend with subtle heat—this Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice copycat is perfect for roasted meats, pasta dishes, and veggies. Takes just 5 minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons dried rosemary (ground)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel seed
Instructions
- Grind rosemary and fennel using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, if not pre-ground.
- In a small bowl, combine basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, cayenne, and fennel.
- Stir well to mix evenly.
- Transfer to a clean glass spice jar or shaker.
- Store in a cool, dark place for best flavor and potency.
Notes
Makes about ¼ cup of seasoning. Use on roasted chicken, pasta, veggies, or mix with olive oil for a bold marinade. Try toasting spices first for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Make Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice
Making this spice blend is as easy as measuring, mixing, and shaking. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few pantry staples and a clean spice jar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Measure out the spices: Use the following blend:
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground fennel seed
- Grind the rosemary and fennel: If you’re using whole seeds or leaves, pulse them in a spice grinder or crush with a mortar and pestle for a smoother blend.
- Mix everything: Combine the spices in a small bowl and stir until evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight jar: Transfer to a clean spice container, label it, and store in a cool, dry place.
This blend makes about ¼ cup, perfect for 3–4 meals. You can double or triple the batch to have it on hand for quick dinners or meal prep.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Measuring spoons
- Spice grinder or mortar and pestle (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Small funnel (to fill jars)
- Glass spice jar or reusable shaker
Storage Tip: Keep the blend in a dark cabinet or drawer—sunlight can fade the color and potency over time.
How to Use Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice
This spice blend is one of those pantry heroes that works almost anywhere. It’s bold but not overpowering, and it plays well with both meats and veggies. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Chicken: Rub onto thighs or breasts before roasting or grilling.
- Ground meats: Mix into beef or pork for meatballs, burgers, or lasagna filling.
- Veggies: Sprinkle on roasted potatoes, zucchini, or cauliflower before baking.
- Soups and stews: Add a teaspoon to tomato-based broths or bean soups for a rustic Italian kick.
- Eggs: Add to scrambled eggs or omelets for extra flavor in the morning.
- Dips & sauces: Stir into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a bold herb dip.
Want to get extra fancy? Mix it with olive oil and use as a marinade for grilled shrimp, then dip those shrimp into this tangy Freddy’s Fry Sauce for a Mediterranean-meets-American flavor bomb.
Flavor Profile: What Does Tuscan Heat Spice Taste Like?
The beauty of Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice lies in its balanced boldness. It’s warm and aromatic from the herbs, slightly sweet from the fennel, and finishes with a gentle heat from cayenne. You’ll taste:
- Basil: Sweet and soft
- Oregano: Earthy and grassy
- Rosemary: Piney and robust
- Fennel: Subtle licorice undertone
- Cayenne: Mild back-of-the-throat heat
- Garlic powder: Savory backbone
It’s stronger than Italian seasoning, but not as spicy as Cajun or taco blends—think cozy Italian vibes with a gentle sizzle.
Storage Tips & Shelf Life
- Keep it airtight: Store in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Avoid heat and light: Don’t place it near your stove or sunny windows.
- Use within 6 months: Herbs lose potency over time. If it smells dull, it’s time to remix.
Want to keep it Pinterest-ready? Print cute jar labels and stack your spice drawer like a pro. (Bonus: they make great foodie gifts!)
Substitutes for Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice
If you’re mid-recipe and missing the blend, here’s how to wing it:
- Italian seasoning + cayenne pepper: Closest flavor match
- Pizza seasoning + red pepper flakes: Good for pastas and pizzas
- Herbes de Provence + garlic + paprika: Not exact, but delicious in a pinch
Want a more global twist? Swap in this Turkish Spice Blend HelloFresh for a smoky, Eastern Mediterranean flavor hit.
Variations to Try
- Smoky Tuscan: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Spicy Kick: Double the cayenne or use ghost pepper flakes if you’re brave
- Sweet & Savory: Add a pinch of brown sugar and onion powder
- Tuscan Rub: Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to make a wet rub for grilling
FAQs About Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice
How to make Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice?
Mix basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, cayenne, and fennel. Optional: grind for a smoother texture. Store in a jar and label it.
What is Tuscan heat spice made of?
The official HelloFresh tweet listed basil, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and ground fennel. That’s your core blend!
What spices are in Tuscan seasoning?
Most Tuscan blends include rosemary, oregano, basil, garlic, and fennel—some add chili flakes or paprika for heat.
What is the difference between Tuscan and Italian seasoning?
Tuscan seasoning is spicier and often includes fennel and cayenne. Italian seasoning is more herb-forward and mild.
What does Tuscan flavor taste like?
It’s earthy, herbaceous, a little sweet, and slightly spicy. It evokes rustic Italian countryside cooking.
What is the difference between Tuscan and Super Tuscan blend?
Super Tuscan is a term for a style of red wine, not a spice blend. Easy to confuse, but different things.
Final Thoughts
This Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice copycat recipe brings bold, customizable flavor to your spice drawer in minutes. Whether you’re meal-prepping chicken, throwing together a pasta bake, or just spicing up roasted veggies, this blend has you covered.
Making your spice mix also means no more meal kit dependency—and no overpaying for tiny packets. You control the ingredients, the spice level, and the creativity.
Don’t stop here! Try it with some of our other reader-favorite HelloFresh dupes like:
Looking for a cozy lunch idea? Try our Buffalo Chicken Wrap—it pairs beautifully with this blend!
