If Bull Shit Seasoning is the everyday go-to, Aw Shit is the one you reach for when you want serious heat. This blend leads with chili powder, ancho chili, and cayenne — bold, smoky, and spicy in a way that makes simple food taste like you actually tried.
The store-bought version is great but expensive for what you get. This copycat uses six pantry spices and takes about five minutes to mix. One batch fills a half-pint mason jar and costs a fraction of the price.
What is Aw Shit Seasoning?
Aw Shit Seasoning is a spicy all-purpose blend that sits in the same family as Bull Shit and Good Shit Seasoning — bold, versatile, and built for home cooks who want real flavor without a shelf full of different spice jars.
What sets it apart from the others is the heat. This blend uses both regular chili powder and ancho chili powder for a layered, smoky spice, then adds cayenne for a sharp kick that you actually feel. It is not overwhelming heat — it builds and lingers in the best way.
How it compares to Bull Shit and Good Shit Seasoning
| Seasoning | Flavor profile | Heat level | Best for |
| Bull Shit | Savory, smoky, slightly sweet | Mild | Everyday grilling, vegetables, burgers |
| Good Shit | Sweet, savory, balanced | Mild to none | Grilled meats, potatoes, popcorn |
| Aw Shit | Spicy, smoky, bold chili flavor | Medium to hot | Wings, fries, spicy burgers, bold dishes |
All three work on most of the same foods — the choice comes down to how much heat you want and whether you are reaching for this on a Tuesday night or for a weekend cookout.
What is in Aw Shit Seasoning?
Six spices, all doing real work:
- Seasoning salt — the savory base that ties everything together
- Chili powder — warm, earthy heat with a classic chili flavor
- Ancho chili powder — deeper, smokier, and slightly sweeter than regular chili powder; adds complexity without extra sharpness
- Garlic salt — bold garlic flavor with a little extra saltiness built in
- Coarse black pepper — adds bite and a slightly woodsy sharpness
- Cayenne pepper — the heat kicker; two teaspoons gives this blend a real kick without being overwhelming
The double chili powder combination — regular and ancho — is what makes this blend taste more layered than a standard spicy seasoning. You get warmth, smokiness, and heat all at once.
How to use Aw Shit Seasoning
This blend shines anywhere you want heat and bold flavor:
| Food | How to use it |
| Chicken wings | Toss dry before baking or air frying, or mix into a butter sauce for finishing |
| Burgers | Mix 1 tsp per pound into the meat, or season the outside before grilling |
| Fries and roasted potatoes | Toss with oil and a generous sprinkle before roasting at 400F |
| Steak and chops | Rub in 1-2 tsp per pound and rest 15 minutes before cooking |
| Tacos and taco meat | Season ground beef or chicken instead of taco seasoning for a spicier version |
| Roasted vegetables | Great on broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and corn |
| Shrimp | Toss before grilling or sauteing — the heat pairs well with seafood |
| Popcorn | A light sprinkle while warm for a seriously addictive spicy snack |
| Eggs and breakfast skillets | A pinch transforms scrambled eggs or a hash |
How much to use
Because this blend contains both seasoning salt and garlic salt, it has more sodium than a pure spice blend. Start with half a teaspoon per serving and taste before adding more. For meat, one teaspoon per pound is a good starting point — go up to two teaspoons if you want bold heat all the way through.
For dry rubs, press the seasoning firmly into the surface and let the meat rest at least 15 minutes before cooking. Overnight in the refrigerator gives you the deepest flavor.
How to store it
Store in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat and moisture. A half-pint mason jar holds one full batch perfectly and keeps the seasoning fresh for up to one year. Keep it away from the stove where heat and steam can cause clumping and speed up flavor loss.
Adjust the heat to your taste
The cayenne is the easiest lever to pull:
- Mild — reduce cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon or leave it out entirely
- Medium as written — 2 teaspoons cayenne gives a noticeable but manageable heat
- Hot — increase cayenne to 1 tablespoon or add 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- Extra smoky — use smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder in place of the regular chili powder
- Lower sodium — substitute the seasoning salt and garlic salt with plain sea salt and garlic powder, then add salt to taste
More copycat seasoning blends
If you are building out your homemade spice collection, these belong in the pantry next to Aw Shit:
- Copycat Bull Shit Seasoning — the savory, everyday version
- Copycat Good Shit Seasoning — the sweeter, milder version
- Homemade Chili Powder Seasoning — linked in the recipe card above
- Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Frequently asked questions
How spicy is Aw Shit Seasoning?
With 2 teaspoons of cayenne, this blend is medium to hot — you will feel the heat, especially on lighter foods like vegetables and popcorn. On meat that is cooked at high heat, some of the spice mellows out. If you are heat-sensitive, start with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne and work up from there.
What is ancho chili powder and can I substitute it?
Ancho chili powder is made from dried poblano peppers. It has a mild, deep, slightly sweet smoky flavor that is less sharp than regular chili powder. If you cannot find it, substitute additional regular chili powder or use smoked paprika for a similar smoky depth. The flavor will be slightly less complex but still delicious.
Is this blend gluten-free?
All of the individual spices in this blend are naturally gluten-free. However, some commercial seasoning salts contain anti-caking agents that may be derived from wheat. Check your seasoning salt label if you have a gluten sensitivity. You can also substitute plain sea salt plus a pinch of additional garlic powder to keep it fully clean.
Can I use this instead of taco seasoning?
Yes, and it makes an excellent swap. Use about one teaspoon per pound of ground beef or chicken. The chili powder and cayenne give it a similar flavor profile to taco seasoning, just bolder and spicier. You may want to add a pinch of cumin if you want that classic taco flavor.
How is Aw Shit different from Bull Shit Seasoning?
Bull Shit is savory and balanced with a mild flavor that works on everything. Aw Shit is built around chili heat — two types of chili powder plus cayenne give it a much spicier, smokier profile. Both are versatile but Aw Shit is the choice when you want food with a real kick.
Can I make a large batch?
Yes. This recipe scales easily — double or triple the amounts and store in a larger jar. It keeps for up to one year in an airtight container, so making a big batch is worth it if your family uses spicy seasoning regularly.
Can I use this as a marinade base?
Yes. Mix one to two tablespoons of the seasoning blend with two tablespoons of oil and one tablespoon of lime juice or apple cider vinegar to make a quick wet marinade. This works especially well on chicken, shrimp, and pork. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Copycat Aw Shit Seasoning Mix
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp seasoning salt
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 Tbsp ancho chili powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic salt
- 1 Tbsp coarse black pepper
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix thoroughly and store in a half-pint mason jar.
- To Use
- Sprinkle on burgers, chicken, steaks, pork chops, fries, roasted potatoes, vegetables, popcorn, or eggs.
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