Homemade Creole Seasoning Recipe

Name: Homemade Creole Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2½ Tablespoons Paprika; 1½ Teaspoons Cayenne Pepper; ½ Tablespoon Black Pepper; 1 Tablespoons Garlic Powder; 1 Tablespoons Onion Powder; 2 Teaspoons Sea Salt; 1 Tablespoons Dried Oregano; 1 Tablespoons Dried Basil; 1 Tablespoons Dried Thyme

Jump to Recipe

This homemade creole seasoning recipe is sure to add a burst of flavor to many dishes. This simple spice blend is common in both Cajun and Creole cuisine because of its mixture of robust flavors. Making this easy recipe at home is simple with basic spices you might already have in the spice cabinet.

A small dish that has a spoon and the homemade seasoning blend in it with a spice jar next to it that says creole seasoning.

Making homemade spices has so many benefits that I enjoy, like being able to customize the seasoning to my liking, by adding or lessening the amount of spices used. Making homemade seasoning blends allows you to control the amount of sodium that is in a blend, unlike the commercial brands you get at the grocery store.

There are so many ways to use this homemade creole seasoning mix. Use this creole spice mix in gumbo, soups, stews, grilled meats, or sautéd vegetables.

What Makes This Flavorful Spice Blend So Special

Creole seasoning blend is a flavorful spice that comes from the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana, specifically New Orleans. Made up of a blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic and onion powder, salt, dried oregano, basil, and thyme.

This delicious combination of spices creates a balanced profile that is both spicy and savory. Which enhances the natural flavors of a variety of dishes. It's a staple in many classic Creole food recipes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice.

Looking down on a spice jar and small dish that has the homemade blend for creole seasoning.

Not only is this seasoning blend perfect for traditional Creole cooking but it's versatile in everyday cooking. Use it whenever you want to bring a bit of Southern flair to your meals. Whether that be seafood, meats, or vegetables. Creole seasoning is sure to add a unique and delicious twist.

Ingredients Needed

Let's talk about those spices that will be needed and what they do to make this simple homemade blend. Along with any changes that can be made to make this perfect blend.

All the ingredients to make a homemade blend for creole seasoning.

Paprika adds a mild sweetness and a vibrant color to this spice blend. While helping to balance the heat from the other spices. Smoky paprika or sweet paprika will also work in this recipe.
Cayenne Pepper brings in that spicy heat which enhances the flavor of dishes with its fiery warmth. Red pepper flakes or ground chili powder will work as a replacement for the cayenne pepper.
Black Pepper adds a sharp pungent heat while adding depth and complexity to the seasoning blend. White pepper would offer a simpler heat but with a slightly different flavor. Ground coriander or a blend of ground allspice and clove can provide a unique twist. Yet still maintaining some of the spice mix warmth.
Garlic Powder brings that savory, aromatic depth to this Creole seasoning recipe. The earthy sweetness of the garlic powder complements the other spices. You can use garlic salt in replacement. But I would definitely cut back or out the amount of sea salt used.
Onion Powder adds a sweet savory depth that also complements the other spices.
Sea Salt adds that salty flavor that balances out the spices helping to enhance the overall taste of the seasoning blend. Kosher salt or table salt will also work as a replacement for the sea salt. To reduce the salt content of this recipe you can cut it back or simply leave it out.
Dried Oregano adds a slightly floral note to the seasoning blend.
Dried Basil brings a sweet herbal flavor to the spice mix. Dried parsley can be used as a replacement for the basil.
Dried Thyme adds a warm, earthy, and slightly floral flavor to the Creole mix. More dried oregano or dried marjoram will provide a simpler earthy flavor profile just like the dried thyme.

Keep in mind any adjustments that you make to the recipe card will affect the overall flavor of this homemade seasoning blend.

How To Make And Store Creole Seasoning

A mixing bowl that has all the spices for homemade creole seasoning blend.

Making this homemade Creole seasoning recipe is easy. Into a small bowl add in the spices and mix together until all blended. Transfer the seasoning blend from the bowl to an airtight container such as a mason jar or spice jar. Store in a cool dark place for 6 months to a year.

Before mixing up your own blends always be sure to check the expiration dates on the spices you are using. This will determine the self-life of the homemade blends.

Answering The Questions

The ingredients needed and a small bowl that is filled with the creole seasoning recipe.

Let's answer some common questions you might have about this homemade Creole seasoning recipe.

Is Creole Seasoning Spicy?

Yes, it can be because we use both cayenne and black pepper. To help control the amount of spiciness simply alter the amount of these two seasonings used.

How do you use Creole seasoning?

You can use this seasoning recipe as a rub for meats, or add to jambalaya recipe, soups, or stews. Sprinkle some on vegetables, or mix into rice or pasta dishes. Use it anywhere you want to add a little Creole flavor profile.

Is Creole seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?

They are very similar and we do have homemade cajun seasoning recipe you may enjoy. However, Creole seasoning includes more herb seasonings than Cajun. Cajun seasoning blend is more focused on the blend of peppers to create a spicer seasoning mix.

Is the seasoning blend gluten-free?

Yes, the Creole seasoning blend is gluten-free.

How should this seasoning recipe be stored?

Place the seasoning mix in an airtight jar and store it in a cool dry place. The shelf life of this blend will be 6-12 months.

Can this seasoning blend be used as a salt substitute?

This Creole seasoning recipe blend does have salt in it. So I would recommend using it as a flavor enhancer or eliminating the salt used in the recipe.

A spice jar with a small dish that has the seasoning blend in it.

More Homemade Seasoning Blends

If you enjoy making your own seasoning blends then we have more homemade seasoning blends you will want to add to your recipe box. Like our recipe for easy chicken taco seasoning recipe or these others.