Homemade Creole Seasoning
Add this Creole Seasoning recipe to everything! From seafood to chicken, steak and more, this homemade Creole seasoning mix brings all the flavors to the table in little to no time.
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Homemade Creole Seasoning recipe:
As someone who lived in Louisiana for six years and met her husband there, I love when I can add those flavors to our meals.
Whether it’s teaching our kids about the foods we eat or introducing new dishes to friends, it’s so important to me to tell the stories behind these recipes.
One of the easiest ways to bring Louisiana’s bold flavors to any dish is to use Creole seasoning.
To me, this homemade seasoning adds more depth of flavor than just salt and pepper. It’s got a great balance of salty, spicy, sweet and smoky from the various herbs and spices used in it.
My family has loved the salt-free Tony Chachere’s for years, but ever since we learned to make our own, Tony’s has been getting less use…
What is Creole seasoning?
Creole seasoning is a blend of spices that adds a ton of flavor to most savory dishes.
It offers a blend of dried herbs, peppers and spices that elevate whatever you’re cooking.
Why I love this recipe:
Here are some things I love about this delicious Creole Seasoning blend:
- This Louisiana spice blend is incredibly simple to make at home.
- It’s so versatile. While you can use it in Creole dishes, you can also use it on meats, seafood, vegetables, beans, grits, eggs, bread and more!
- Make a large batch if you love it! This works well for us because it keeps in the spice cabinet for a long time.
Honestly, it’s hard not to love and mindboggling how simple this recipe truly is:
Use Creole seasoning in the following recipes: Caramelized Onion Guacamole | Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese | Crawfish Etouffee | Oven Poached Salmon Caesar Salads | Seafood Gumbo
Creole vs. Cajun Seasoning
Though Creole and Cajun food both come from Louisiana, they are NOT the same!
These two cuisines and cultures have very different histories.
The Cajuns are an ethnic group that live in Southwest Louisiana. They were expelled from what are now the Canadian Maritime provinces in the 1700s and settled in the Acadiana region of Louisiana, which is west of the Mississippi River. They are known for their unique French dialect, music, culture and cuisine. Their food is considered more rustic. (I have more information on Cajun vs. Creole in my Chicken and Sausage Gumbo post.)
Broadly speaking, the Creole people are the descendants of those who inhabited colonial Louisiana during the French and Spanish rules. Many spoke — and still speak — French and Spanish, as well as a language known as Louisiana Creole.
Originally, this term was meant to set apart the children of colonists who were born in Louisiana, but it now is applied to the people descended from enslaved African Americans, as well as Native Americans.
In terms of food, Creole cuisine pulls influence from all over the world: Spain, Africa, Germany, Italy, Portugal, the West Indies and locally, from the Native Americans.
It’s a huge melting pot of flavors and techniques, and I’m always reminded of New Orleans and the various influences in the city, from the art to architecture to the food and everything in between.
Creole cuisine is like that. In terms of seasoning, Creole seasoning blends usually include spicy red pepper and herbs (like thyme, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.) Cajun seasoning blends have more heat and garlic.
What you need to make this recipe:
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- Measuring spoons
- Spice jar or mason jar (make sure it’s an airtight container)
Let’s talk ingredients!
In addition to the tools above, you’re going to need some ingredients to make this recipe, too! Chances are, you might already have some of them in your fridge or pantry. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full measurements and instructions.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Kosher salt — I like to use a medium grain kosher salt. You may use a medium grain sea salt in place of it. I do not recommend using table salt because it is saltier than kosher salt and will make your seasoning blend too salty.
- Garlic powder — this is a little different than granulated garlic, which would work as a substitute here if you do not have garlic powder.
- Onion powder — made from dehydrated, ground onions, this powder adds some awesome onion flavor to the mixture.
- Black pepper — freshly ground is my go-to, but the kind that’s already ground from the store also works. You could also use white pepper.
- Sweet paprika — I really like using a sweeter, milder paprika in this recipe since we’re getting heat from other ingredients. A smoky paprika is really interesting here, too, if you like the smokiness.
- Dried oregano — this herb adds flavor and some brightness to the seasoning blend.
- Chili powder — I use this chili powder blend from Whole Foods!
- Red pepper flakes — also know as crushed pepper, this adds some texture and heat to the mixture.
- Cayenne pepper — also known as red pepper, this is ground up chili pepper that adds a lot of heat and flavor to the spice mix.
How to make Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning is so easy to make! Let’s get into the steps involved.
Get out all the ingredients. Check the expiration dates on them to confirm they’re all fresh.
Measure all the ingredients — the garlic powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper — into a bowl or a mason jar.
Whisk or shake the ingredients until well mixed.
Store until you’re ready to use it!
How to store
Store this seasoning blend in an airtight food storage container or a mason jar in a cool, dark place (like a spice cabinet) for up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe calls for salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cayenne.
If stored in a cool, dry place, it will last up to 6 months. Be sure you’re using fresh spices when making it!
No. They are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably, eve though they are similar.
Quick tips and tricks to making the best Creole seasoning
- Use newer containers of spices to make this blend. Be sure to check expiration dates before mixing because spices can go stale on the shelves.
- If you are sensitive to spice, you can use a little less cayenne pepper.
Recipes to use this seasoning in:
Homemade Creole Seasoning Blend
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Equipment
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Instructions
- Combine the garlic powder, salt, onion powder, black pepper, sweet paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper in a bowl or a mason jar.
- Whisk or shake the ingredients until well mixed.
- Store in a dark, cool place for up to 6 months. Use whenever necessary!
Notes
Nutrition
About the Author:
Erin Parker is a Southern gal living in Texas with her husband and two daughters. She started The Speckled Palate to share what she was cooking as a newlywed… and over the years, it’s evolved to capture her love for hosting. Specifically, the EASIEST, lowest key entertaining because everyone deserves to see their people and connect over good food. Learn more about her…
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