This homemade Creole seasoning is the MVP in my kitchen! I'm a Southeast Texas girl, so I use this blend a lot--kind of how folks from other regions would use mixes like Adobo or Old Bay. Let me show you how easy it is to make so you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Creole and Cajun cooking in your favorite savory meals.
And if you enjoy this recipe, you'll love my Louisiana remoulade, too!
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❤️ Why You'll Love this Recipe
Quick and Easy - This recipe for homemade Creole seasoning is too simple not to keep in your pantry. Just shake everything together in five minutes, and you're ready to spice up your life--literally!
Authentic Flavor - Creole cooking is associated with urban hubs of Louisiana like New Orleans, whereas Cajun is regarded as more country. They are often used interchangeably outside the region, but there are differences. This is a classic Creole seasoning blend, so it's a lil spicy, but not as hot as full-on Cajun seasoning.
👉🏾 I love spicing up everyday meals with southern flavor. Check out my pecan praline sauce, hibiscus barbecue sauce, and peach cobbler syrup next!
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What Spices Are In Creole Seasoning
Smoked Paprika adds an earthy, smoky, and just slightly sweet flavor to the mix. You can technically use plain paprika or hot paprika, but I prefer the smokiness. Either way, this is the most prominent ingredient in Creole seasoning, and gives it that reddish color.
Oregano and Thyme for herbal notes are a must in any Creole seasoning blend recipe. Use dried or ground versions of these spices and check the recipe card notes below for conversions because they're not the same!
Garlic and Onion for pungent, savory notes that round out the flavor profile. I use either granulated or powder forms of these spices, with the former having slightly stronger flavor.
Check out the recipe card below for full ingredients list, measurements, nutrition facts, and step-by-step instructions!
Substitutions & Variations
Dried or Ground Herbs - Use whatever you have available (except fresh!), just be sure to read the recipe card notes for guidance on converting the measurements.
Amount of Cayenne - I add a touch more cayenne than the traditional recipe for Creole seasoning. Feel free to reduce it by half if you like.
Salt - I developed this recipe using fine sea salt, but you can use regular ol' table salt instead. Or make it unsalted with no salt to better control the amount of sodium in your dishes.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Creole Seasoning Mix
- Step One: Add all the spices to an airtight container and shake vigorously until combined.
Pro Tip #1
I like to mix the spices in a mason jar for easy storage afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark location like your pantry or cabinet. Avoid extreme temperatures by keeping it away from the stove/oven and refrigerator. Keeps for up to two years.
When stored properly, it technically will not go bad in the sense that it spoils and becomes unsafe to eat; however, the flavor tends to weaken over time.
How to Use It
Uses for this DIY Creole seasoning mix recipe include just about any kind of protein from chicken, shrimp, or beef to beans. You can use it as a dry rub for Creole spiced ribs, or combine it with oil to make a marinade.
I keep Creole style seasoning in my pantry at all times becuase I have plent of recipes using this simple spice mix, from my chicken & sausage gumbo, juicy pot roast, and southern pinto beans to baked crab cakes and broiled lobster tails! I even put it in my compound butter for Cajun Thanksgiving turkey breast.
Try putting it on popcorn or on fries--my Creole seasoned home fries are the bomb--or vegetables, too.
Are Cajun and Creole seasoning the same?
Short answer: No. Long answer: They are similar, and often used interchangeably, but they have different (though intermingled) origins and distinct key ingredients.
Both spice mixes typically include salt and pepper (black and white), garlic, onion, cayenne, and paprika (which is also the key ingredient in blackening seasoning, but that's a whole different set of spices)!
The original Creole seasoning is not as "hot" (spicy) and bold as Cajun seasoning. It has a more herbaceous flavor from oregano and thyme with higher amounts of garlic and onion. Basil is sometimes added, but it isn't a classic ingredient.
More Favorite Cajun & Creole Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I hope you'll enjoy this recipe for Creole seasoning mix soon and very soon. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this recipe for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
📖 Recipe
Homemade Creole Seasoning Blend Recipe
Equipment
- 1 airtight container like a mason jar or food storage container
Ingredients
- ¼ cup smoked paprika plus one tablespoon
- 2 tablespoons onion powder or granulated onion
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder or granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoons white pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fine sea salt or table salt
- ½ tablespoon dried thyme or 0.4 tablespoon of ground thyme
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to an airtight container, seal, and shake vigorously until combined.¼ cup smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons white pepper, 1 ½ tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon fine sea salt, ½ tablespoon dried thyme, ½ tablespoon dried oregano
Clarisa says
I’ve been putting this Creole seasoning on everything. It tastes much cleaner than the storebought stuff, even my mama, who hails from Da Boot agrees!
Jazzmine Woodard says
Yessss, mama! And thanks for your feedback, Clarisa.