Creole Seasoning Recipe

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This homemade Creole Seasoning recipe tastes WAY better than store-bought, is super quick to make, and contains zero preservatives, additives, or fillers.  Deliciously versatile, it is a fabulous all-purpose seasoning. Keep it at the dinner table to use to season just about anything that needs a boost in FLAVOR!

Creole Seasoning vs. Cajun Seasoning

A question I’m often asked is what is the difference between Creole seasoning and Cajun seasoning?  I’ve spoken to both home cooks and restaurant chefs in New Orleans and I’ve learned that while there is some overlap, there are distinct differences:

• Cajun seasoning: focuses primarily on a variety of ground peppers (white, black and red).
• Creole seasoning: commonly contains those as well but also features herbs like thyme, basil and oregano.  Rosemary and bay leaf are also often included.

However, while Creole and Cajun seasoning are different, their commonalities are such that you can substitute one for the other in a pinch.  So you can use this spice blend for anything that calls for Creole or Cajun seasoning.

Why Make Your Own?

Absolutely nothing beats homemade spice blends!  Whether you’re making your own Curry Powder, Garam Masala, Old Bay Seasoning, or Greek Seasoning, store-bought simply can’t compare with the freshness, vibrancy and incredible potency of homemade. You have full control over what goes in it (and what stays out), you have the freedom to customize it to your preferences (less or no salt, more or less heat, ingredients swaps), and it’s so much fresher and more flavorful (the stuff in the store was sitting in a warehouse for who knows how long before it was shipped to the store where it has been sitting on the shelf for who knows how long). This Creole Seasoning recipe is one of my favorites and is another example of a homemade spice blend you’ll want to make yourself and keep on hand to add life and flavor to a wide variety of foods!

Creole Seasoning Recipe Ingredients

This blend is packed with flavors that will enhance every dish you add it to. To make this homemade Creole seasoning you will need the following:

• Aromatics: Garlic powder and onion powder contribute earthy umami flavor notes and subtle sweetness.
• Peppers: Sweet paprika powder and cayenne pepper add color and contrasting sweetness and heat. Smoked paprika adds that wonderful smoky element.
• Herbs: Thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, and bay leaf are classic additions that provide balancing and contrasting earthy, savory, minty, and woodsy flavor notes.
• Salt and Pepper: I use and recommend either kosher salt or sea salt.

Creole Seasoning Recipe

Quick and easy to make, simply put all of the ingredients in a spice or coffee grinder or place them in a blender.

Pulse or blend until you get a smooth powder. While some recipes leave it as a loose blend, I prefer to grind it to a powder for a couple of reasons: 1) you’re guaranteed a uniform mixture (with loose blends the herbs and ground spices separate) and 2) it adheres to the food better.

Store your homemade Creole seasoning in an airtight jar in a dark, cool place.

It will keep for several months but I like to use it within a couple of months for optimal flavor.

Ways to Use It

This is such a versatile seasoning blend that it’s destined to hold a regular spot in your spice cabinet or on your dining table.  Here are just a few delicious ways you can use it:

• Gumbo
• Jambalaya
• Shrimp and Grits
• Fish Cakes and crab cakes
• Shrimp, crawfish or crab boil
• Seasoned rice
• Soups & Stews
• Burgers
• Fried and scrambled eggs
• Pasta Salad and Potato Salad for a Creole/Cajun flavor twist
• Sprinkled on Cajun Fries, Sweet Potato Fries and Baked Potato Wedges
• Popcorn
• Dry rub or marinade for grilled meats, poultry and seafood
• Steamed and roasted vegetables (e.g., Grilled Eggplant)
• Whisked into your vinaigrette for a zesty dressing

For more homemade seasoning recipes from around the world try my:

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet January 4, 2020