Copycat Bull Shit Seasoning has a loyal following for one reason — the flavor is genuinely good. Bold, savory, slightly smoky, with just enough sweetness to balance it out. It works on just about everything, and once you start using it you reach for it constantly.
The problem is that small bottles of specialty seasoning are expensive and disappear fast. This copycat version uses seven pantry spices and takes about five minutes to make. A full batch costs a fraction of the store-bought price and fills a half-pint mason jar that lasts for months.
What is Bull Shit Seasoning?
Copycat Bull Shit Seasoning is an all-purpose spice blend known for its bold, well-balanced flavor. It is savory and slightly smoky from paprika, with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar and depth from garlic, onion, and celery seed. The combination works on meat, vegetables, potatoes, popcorn — pretty much anything that needs a flavor boost.
The name gets attention, but the flavor is what keeps people buying it. This copycat version captures that same balance with ingredients you likely already have in your spice cabinet.
Why make it at home?
Store-bought specialty blends are convenient but expensive, and most contain anti-caking agents, artificial flavors, or more salt than they need to. Making your own means:
- You know every ingredient in the jar
- You can adjust the salt, heat, or sweetness to your taste
- One batch costs less than a single store-bought bottle
- You can make as much as you want whenever you run out
Once you have the spices, the cost per batch is almost nothing.
What is in Bull Shit Seasoning?
This blend uses seven simple spices that work together to build a layered, complex flavor:
- Sea salt — the base that brings everything together
- Brown sugar — adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory spices and helps create a caramelized crust on grilled meat
- Paprika — gives the blend its warm color and mild smoky flavor
- Granulated garlic — bold, savory depth without the bite of fresh garlic
- Granulated onion — rounds out the garlic and adds a slightly sweet, savory note
- Black pepper — adds gentle heat and sharpness
- Ground celery seed — the quiet ingredient that ties the whole blend together with a subtle, herby depth
How to use Bull Shit Seasoning
This is a true all-purpose blend. Here is where it works best:
| Food | How to use it |
| Burgers | Mix into the meat or season generously on both sides before cooking |
| Steaks and chops | Rub in 1-2 tsp per pound and let sit 15 minutes before grilling or searing |
| Chicken | Season before roasting, grilling, or pan-frying — works as a dry rub too |
| Roasted potatoes | Toss with oil and a generous sprinkle before roasting at 400F |
| Vegetables | Season before roasting — great on zucchini, broccoli, green beans, corn |
| Ground beef | Add to taco meat, meatballs, or meatloaf for instant flavor |
| Popcorn | A light sprinkle while still warm — surprisingly good |
| Eggs | A pinch in scrambled eggs or on fried eggs — simple and delicious |
| Sheet pan meals | Season everything at once before roasting |
How much to use
Start with about half a teaspoon per serving and adjust from there. Because this blend contains salt, you generally do not need to add extra salt when cooking — taste first and season from there.
For a dry rub on meat, use one to two teaspoons per pound and press it firmly into the surface before cooking. For best results on larger cuts, let it rest for at least 15 minutes — or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
How to store homemade seasoning
Store in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat and moisture. A half-pint mason jar is the perfect size for one batch and keeps the seasoning fresh for up to one year.
Label the jar with the date so you know when you made it. Keep it away from the stove — the heat and steam from cooking can cause spices to clump and lose potency faster.
Customize it to your taste
One of the best things about making your own copycat seasoning is the ability to tweak it. A few easy variations:
- More heat — add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- Smokier flavor — use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika
- Lower sodium — reduce the sea salt by half and use unsalted butter or oil when cooking
- Sweeter and more BBQ-style — increase the brown sugar to 3 tablespoons
- Herb forward — add 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano
More copycat seasoning blends
If you love making your own spice blends, these are worth adding to your pantry collection:
- Copycat Good Shit Seasoning
- Copycat Aw Shit Seasoning
- Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning
Frequently asked questions
What does Copycat Bull Shit Seasoning taste like?
It is bold and savory with a mild smoky flavor from paprika, a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, and depth from garlic, onion, and celery seed. It is well-balanced — not too salty, not too spicy — which is why it works on so many different foods.
Is this copycat Copycat Bull Shit Seasoning gluten-free?
Yes. All of the ingredients in this blend are naturally gluten-free. If you have a sensitivity to cross-contamination, check that your individual spices are certified gluten-free, as some brands process spices in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products.
Can I use this as a dry rub?
Absolutely. Press one to two teaspoons per pound firmly into the surface of your meat before cooking. For deeper flavor, let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The salt in the blend will help tenderize the meat slightly as it rests.
How long does homemade seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this blend stays fresh for up to one year. Spices do not spoil but they do lose potency over time. If the blend smells faint when you open the jar, it is time to make a fresh batch.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes — this recipe scales easily. Double or triple the amounts and store in a larger jar. The blend keeps for up to a year so there is no harm in making a big batch, especially if your family uses it regularly.
Why does my batch taste saltier than expected?
This is usually a measuring issue — make sure you are using level tablespoons, not heaping ones. You can also reduce the sea salt to 2 tablespoons if you prefer a lower-sodium blend. Using unsalted butter when cooking also helps control the overall salt level in the finished dish.
Can I substitute garlic powder for granulated garlic?
Yes, but use about half the amount since garlic powder is more concentrated than granulated garlic. Start with 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder and taste before adding more. The same applies to onion — use half the amount if substituting onion powder.
What is the difference between Bull Shit, Good Shit, and Aw Shit Seasoning?
All three are bold all-purpose seasoning blends with similar flavor profiles. Bull Shit is the most savory and well-balanced of the three. Good Shit tends to be slightly sweeter. Aw Shit typically has a little more heat. All three are great on grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and potatoes — it comes down to personal preference.

Copycat Bull Shit Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp sea salt
- 2 Tbsp salt
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp granulated garlic
- 1 Tbsp granulated onion
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground celery
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir or whisk until evenly blended.
- Transfer to a clean half-pint mason jar.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
Burgers
Steaks
Chicken
Pork chops
Roasted potatoes
Vegetables
French fries
Popcorn








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