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:
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Creole Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons sweet paprika powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (or less if you don't want it as hot)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place all of the spices in a spice of coffee grinder or a blender. Pulse until you get a fine powder. Store in an airtight jar in a dark cupboard until ready to use. For optimal flavor use within 2 months. Makes about 1/2 cup.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet January 4, 2020
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
Excellent seasoning blend! Not just for Creole and Cajun food but really great as an all-purpose seasoning.
trying to sign on for the bonus keeps spinning all niught long what gives. Great recipes
This is a great Creole seasoning. I lived in NOLA for a number of years and loved the local cuisine. I’ve gotten by with store-bought brands but this homemade seasoning is a game changer. I’m not buying it anymore, this recipe is now my go-to.
Oh I’m so happy to hear that, Nathan, thank you very much!
This my new favorite seasoning! I originally made it to go with your recipe for jambalaya but have since found myself using it on everything :)
That’s fantastic, Cori, thank you so much!
I bookmarked both recipes several years ago and honestly they are both the absolute best! I double both recipes and my husband won’t let me buy a store bought creole seasoning ever. He also won’t let me make any other jambalaya recipes. We’ve never had better , not even in LA!
Thank you so much for the feedback and compliment, Willow, I’m so happy both of these recipes have become favorites!
Best ever and we’re from La. Do not use that crap over the counter!
Now that’s a compliment indeed, Jeff, thank you so much!!
First time making creole seasoning and BOY was this delicious! I went ahead and made a huge batch and I’m so glad I did! This is flavorful and not too spicy (I used less cayenne pepper and added some more bay leaves)! I was SHOCKED and delighted to use my coffee grinder. Literally didn’t know you could use that thing for anything else! Great recipe that I am sharing with all of my friends and family! I made some Louisiana Pasta (based of a tasty dish from a fav restaurant of mine) and was floored with how well developed that flavors are! GREAT JOB! Let’s see what else you have here….
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Angie, thank you! And so fun about the coffee grinder! There are soooo many other delicious spice blends you can create using your coffee grinder. Just type in “spice blends” in the search bar of my blog and you’ll find some really yummy ones :) I hope you find some other recipes here you enjoy!
I gave you 5 stars because I anticipate that will be absolutely wonderful. Making a small batch of red beans & rice tomorrow…1/2 a pound of beans are already soaking. Gonna put your seasoning recipe together tomorrow and use it. Any idea how much of your seasoning I should use per pound of beans?
Thanks – David
Hi David, I generally recommend about a tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat and would probably recommend the same amount for beans. Happy cooking and I hope you enjoy the seasoning blend!