Creole Seasoning
My creole seasoning is a must-have spice blend that kicks up boldness and adds extra flavor to any savory dish. Everything you need is undoubtedly already in your spice rack. That means it’s quick to throw together and easily customized for personal preference.
If you’ve been visiting me for a while, you know how much I love jazzing up my meals with Cajun seasoning. Well, maybe a bit too much. You can’t believe all the emails/messages I get about this spice blend. So, it’s perfectly natural to create my own.
Creole or Cajun seasoning is not easy to come by outside the United States. However, it’s more than likely these spices are in your pantry, especially if you love big, bold flavors.
If you don’t have them… then you can get them easily from your neighborhood market. I didn’t even have to make an extra trip to the market coz the pantry staple ingredients for this recipe are nothing exotic.
What is this Seasoning?
Authentic Louisiana Creole cuisine is about the complex mix of aromatic herbs and spices. Every dish has layers upon layers of bold flavors that meld together flawlessly.
Achieving such deliciousness is thanks to a flavorsome combination of spices, which you can easily replicate with Cajun seasoning. However, Cajun seasoning is a basic blend of garlic powder, onion, black pepper, and cayenne. Creole seasoning goes a bit further than these basic spices with more herbaceousness from oregano, basil, and paprika (smoked paprika is sooo good).
Creating key seasoning blends ahead of time makes Creole cooking much more convenient and ensures authentic flavors every time.
Ingredients
A good Cajun or Creole seasoning base consists of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, oregano, and thyme. I’ve left out the salt for this recipe because I like controlling the amount of salt in each dish. But I’ve added more herby goodness just because I can. 😉
- Aromatics – Onion powder and garlic powder not only ramp up the flavor but also create a mouthwatering aroma.
- Spices – Black pepper, white pepper, paprika, and cayenne kick up the heat. Feel free to adjust the spiciness to your preferences.
- Herbs – Oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley add another layer of subtle flavor to the blend. You can certainly mix and match to suit your tastebuds. Or an Italian seasoning recipe makes a good substitute.
How to Make Creole Seasoning
Follow along to my step-by-step instructions to learn how to make creole seasoning.
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or jar and stir so all the ingredients thoroughly combine.
- Store your seasoning mix in an airtight container (or ziplock bag) and start enjoying.
Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh herbs and spices. Check your spices’ expiration date to ensure you have the freshest ingredients.
- Store your Creole Cajun seasoning in an airtight bag or container in a cool, dark place for the longest possible shelf life. Sometimes, I triple the recipe and divide it between a couple of vacuum-packed bags. Then, I can keep it in the freezer even longer.
- If your spices clump together, dump the chunks into a good processor or blender and blitz it until the clumps disappear.
How to Use the Seasoning
This fantastic spice mix is ready to enhance many dishes, including gumbo recipe and southern jambalaya. Sprinkle it on Cajun fries, blackened salmon, Cajun shrimp, or learn how to season salmon, or anything else that rocks your boat.
Storage Instructions
Store your amazing Cajun seasoning in an airtight container to keep it fresh and spicy. A dark, cool place is best to keep the flavor intact longer.
FAQs
The debate over the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisine can get intense. Yes, they are different. However, the similarity they enjoy allows for an all-purpose spice mix that can be customized for whatever cuisine you’re cooking up.
The word creole identifies a group of people or language of beautiful heritage mix. While Cajuns descended from the Acadians, who were expelled from Canada and moved to Louisiana before it became part of the United States. Creoles descended from a beautiful mix of French, African, Native American, and Spanish.
While some disagree, all the recipes I’ve read look pretty much the same. So, if you have a store-bought jar of Cajun seasoning, feel free to use it for Creole recipes. I prefer homemade because I have more control over my loved one’s salt consumption.
If you have Old Bay on hand, add black pepper and cayenne for a more authentic taste. Though the celery seeds may add another layer.
More Flavor-Enhancing Seasoning Recipes to Try
- Fish Seasoning Recipe
- Popcorn Seasoning Recipe
- Jerk Seasoning Recipe
- All-Purpose Seasoning Recipe
- Poultry Seasoning Recipe
- Burger Seasoning
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got your Creole Cajun seasoning ready, how do you plan on using it? Let me know in the comments. I love hearing from you. Enjoy!!!!
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”sVneu80P” upload-date=”Mon Aug 06 2018 20:36:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)” name=”Creole Seasoning” description=”Creole Seasoning-A must have cajun seasoning that adds boldness and extra flavor to any dish. Everything you need is in your spice pantry, quick to put together and can be easily customized for personal preference.”]
This blog post was originally published in March 2017 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video.
Creole Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (18g) onion powder
- 3 tablespoons (15g) garlic powder
- 1½ tablespoons (10g) ground black pepper
- 1½ tablespoons (10g) white pepper
- 6 tablespoons (40g) paprika
- ½-1 tablespoon (4-8g) cayenne pepper (adjust to suit tastes)
- 1½ tablespoons (5g) dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon (3g) dried parsley
- 1½ tablespoons (5g) dried thyme
- 1½ tablespoons (5g) dried basil
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl or jar and stir well to thoroughly combine.
- Store in an airtight container (or ziplock bag) and add it to your favorite savory recipes.
Tips & Notes:
- Use fresh herbs and spices. Check your spices’ expiration date to ensure you have the freshest ingredients.
- Store your Creole Cajun seasoning in an airtight bag or container in a cool, dark place for the longest possible shelf life. Sometimes, I triple the recipe and divide it between a couple of vacuum-packed bags. Then, I can keep it in the freezer even longer.
- If your spices clump together, dump the chunks into a good processor or blender and blitz it until the clumps disappear.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
Imma, you never fail to make my home happy! Thank you so much for this awesome seasoning recipe!
Your comments pay for all my efforts, this was my vision to start this blog to build comfort recipes. Much Love!
Thank you for this fantastic recipe for creole spice! I used it on a pork roast. Oh mama Mia! DELICIOUS!
Yayy!! Thank you so much for such a warm feedback, I am so happy that it works for you 🙂
I am the spice king. You cut me open and my blood is well seasoned. I whipped up a batch the other night, and tonight I cooked jambalaya (or something like it cuz I only had sausage and shrimp).
The minute all that goodness hit the heat, my kitchen was taste bud heaven. I was told this was my second best meal I ever made next to chile con carne.
Thanks for the yumminess.
Sounds impressive to hear that. Thank you so much for your love and support, browse the blog and find the more fantastic recipe that you can add to your favorite list:)
Thanks for sharing! I just spent the weekend at Michael Arnone’s Crawfish Festival, in New Jersey and I got a taste of the Louisiana food! I want to make some, and I appreciate your guidance. I just checked all the Cajun and Creole spice blends at the supermarket, and none of them are going to cut it.
Amazing to hear that. Thank you for your love, stay tuned to have more amazing recipes and seasoning help. I am sure you will have most of the seasonings at home 🙂
Perfect! I appreciate that it has no salt!!!
Great to hear that. Thank you so much stay tuned for more amazing recipes.
Sounds delicious will try tonight
Yeah, it is very delicious, Don’t forget to share your experience once you try it. Thank you!!!
I’m from New Orleans, and this is the REAL DEAL–thank you!! What do you think about adding a dash of celery salt?
I say go for it. I love celery salt.
I used this mix in a red beans & rice and andouille. Excellent!! Also tried it sprinkled on fresh corn off the cob (or canned if you’re in a hurry) with diced red peppers, spread out on a foil-lined sheet, toss with a little oil, put under the broiler for 7-10 mins. Holy sh… good!! I now keep a ‘stash’ of this mix in my ever-expanding spice cupboard. I’m still experimenting with it in different dishes. Mmm… mac & cheese is calling… Thank you so much!!
Thank you for5 showing your love and affection for my recipes. Sounds good that you customize as per your taste. Much Love!
I have searched for this recipe!!!
It is perfect for my gumbo. Thanks.
Yesss indeed! This would be great with gumbo, and with any dishes, too. This is my go-to seasoning.
I’m a newby who loves to make my own seasonings. I Can’t wait to try this and many other recipes of yours.
Hello, Robin. This sure is a great addition to your spice rack. And once you’ve made this, perhaps you can try this with this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe Happy cooking!
Cooking is my hobby.. i,m going to try
Some of these interesting recipes.
Thanks for sharing..
This is sexy, date-night food. After all, there’s still a bottle of wine to use after a little has gone into the soup! We added some scallops and buttered rustic bread. Also threw in extra little dried shrimps and extra shrimp casings saved in the freezer, for deep flavor.
I’m so excited to try this!
In this creole seasoning, are we meant to use Mexican or Mediterranean oregano?
Thanks!
Hi Charlotte ,
Either works just fine .
How long does this spice keep?
I try not to keep any spices for more than six months. Fresh is best.:wink:
How do you make your baked macaroni and cheese without the creole seasoning?
Yes, you can make it without Creole. But adding Creole takes this mac and cheese to a whole new level..
This recipe taste the closest to the way my Mother mustard greens tasted. Loving It! Thanks
Hi Linda! I am so happy that you get to remember your sweet mom with this recipe! 🙂
Do you have a recommended brand of creole salt or spice to use instead of this homemade recipe when I’m feeling lazy?
Hi Joshua. Tony Chachere’s is a good choice.
I love Cajun food
I hope you’ll get to try my other Cajun inspired recipes, Virgil. Thanks for dropping by!
I do not see the amount of the individual serving size …. 20 servings per recipe.
I adore this mac n cheese recipe! I have to make two pans because it just doesn’t last! Thankyou so much for sharing it
Thank you, Lizzie!
Imma, your Creole Seasoning is staggering. I use it in numerous dishes, and continuously try it in new ones. From easy sauteed pinto beans and cabbage, to dressings and sauces, I always have a huge batch on hand to bring life, flavor, and enjoyment to our meals. Thank you for sharing this and all of your fantastic recipes; they never fail to bring us around the table for an epic feast and the chance to make sweet and savory memories.
Yay! Thank you for sharing, Elizabeth. I’m always happy to know that you enjoy the recipes I share 🙂