Creole Seasoning is a bold, flavorful spice blend that brings a touch of Louisiana right to your kitchen. Known for its balance of heat, herbs, and savory depth, this homemade mix combines paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, thyme, white and black pepper, and just the right touch of cayenne pepper to create a versatile seasoning that works beautifully on everything from gumbo to grilled shrimp.

The Best Creole Seasoning Mix

If you’re looking for more seasoning mixes, Homemade Cajun Seasoning and Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning Mix will make your taste buds happy.

Creole Seasoning Mix is a staple in Creole cooking and adds a distinctive Southern flair to both traditional and everyday dishes.

Making your own Creole seasoning at home means you can adjust the spice level and salt content to suit your taste. Whether you’re seasoning chicken, tossing it with roasted vegetables, or stirring it into a pot of red beans and rice, this blend adds warmth and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.

This Creole seasoning stores well in a sealed jar and is an excellent addition to your homemade spice collection – perfect for anyone who loves to cook with a little kick.

Creole Seasoning vs Cajun Seasoning Mix

Cajun seasoning and Creole seasoning both originate from Louisiana cuisine, but they have distinct differences in flavor and ingredients. Cajun seasoning is typically spicier, featuring bold peppery heat from black and cayenne peppers, along with paprika, garlic, and onion powder.

In contrast, Creole seasoning is milder and more balanced. It incorporates a mix of the same spices but adds dried herbs like oregano and thyme, resulting in a more complex and aromatic blend.

While Cajun seasoning is commonly used in dishes like jambalaya and blackened meats, Creole seasoning is often found in shrimp Creole and étouffée.

Ingredients to Gather

• Paprika – Lends a warm, smoky sweetness to Creole seasoning, adding depth of flavor and a vibrant red hue that enhances the dishes’ taste and appearance.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of seasonings by helping to balance the heat and spices, while also improving the texture and adhesion of the seasoning to meats and vegetables.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a deep, savory backbone to Creole seasoning, enhancing its bold and aromatic flavor.
• Onion powder – Brings subtle sweetness and savory richness to Creole seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor and complementing the bold spices.
• Dried basil – Lends a subtle earthy bitterness and aromatic depth to Creole seasoning, enhancing its savory complexity.
• Dried Oregano – Brings herbal warmth to the seasoning blend.
• Dried Thyme – Adds an earthy depth to Creole seasoning.
• Cayenne pepper – Brings the seasoning’s signature fiery heat, delivering a spicy kick that intensifies the flavor.
• White Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and earthy complexity to Creole seasoning, balancing the bolder spices with a smoother finish.
• Ground black pepper – Adds a sharp, earthy heat to Cajun seasoning, enhancing its boldness and providing a subtle bite that balances the blend’s savory and smoky flavors.

I found this recipe in an All Recipes Magazine and I left it the way it was.

Creating a Cozy Life Group

Since you found this recipe for Creole Seasoning Mix, I’m guessing you love all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 215,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, photos of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cottage.

Ingredients

5 tablespoons paprika

3 tablespoons sea salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons onion powder

2 tablespoons dried basil

2 tablespoons dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon white pepper

1 tablespoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1: Mix together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and black pepper.

Step 2: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot.

Tips for Making Seasoning

• If you prefer a milder seasoning, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Add more cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Smoked paprika instead of regular paprika gives a deeper, smokier flavor. A pinch of ground cumin can add even more smokiness.
• If you want a smooth texture, use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to blend everything evenly.

Storage Tips

Keep your Creole seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The seasoning should stay fresh for up to 6 months, but the flavors are best within the first few months.

How to Use This Spicy Seasoning Mix

Creole seasoning is a staple in Louisiana cuisine, but it can add a delicious kick to many dishes. Here are some ways to use it:

Classic Creole Dishes

• Gumbo & Jambalaya – Creole seasoning is essential for that deep, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
• Red Beans & Rice – Add a pinch to the beans as they simmer.
• Étouffée & Shrimp Creole – These saucy dishes are signature Louisiana dishes that use Creole seasoning.

Elevate Everyday Proteins

• Chicken & Pork – Rub creole seasoning on before grilling, roasting, or pan-searing.
• Seafood – Perfect for shrimp, catfish, or salmon. Sprinkle the Creole season mix on before cooking for a Cajun-style flair.
• Eggs & Omelets – Add to scrambled eggs, omelets, or even deviled eggs for a spicy twist.

Spice Up Vegetables

• Roasted Veggies – Toss potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and Creole seasoning before roasting.
• Corn on the Cob – Mix the seasoning with butter and brush over hot corn.
• Greens – Creole seasoning makes a great addition to sautéed spinach, collards, or green beans.
• French Fries & Potato Wedges – Sprinkle on the seasoning mix after frying or baking.
• Mashed Potatoes – Stir in the spicy mix for an extra kick.

Soups & Stews

• Add a teaspoon or two of this spice mix to soups like chicken and rice, lentil soup, or even chili for a Southern-inspired twist.

Fun Uses

• Popcorn – Sprinkle on the spicy seasoning for a savory snack.
• Homemade Chips – Season tortilla or pita chips after baking.
• Dips & Spreads – Mix into sour cream, mayo, or hummus for a zesty dip.
• Grits – Stir the seasoning in for a spicy touch.
• Mac & Cheese – A little Creole seasoning in the cheese sauce adds warmth and depth.

Seasoning Mix Toolbox

• Mortar and Pestle or Spice Grinder – Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder allows you to freshly grind spices, enhancing their aroma and flavor.
• Spice Jars – Storing your freshly ground spices in cute spice jars not only keeps them fresh but also adds a charming, personal touch to your kitchen.

Let me know in the comments below if you tried the recipe and what you thought.

Be sure to join the Creating a Cozy Life Group. You’re not going believe how amazing it is!

I created a pin for you above to add to your Pinterest seasoning mix board to refer back to this recipe.

You can follow me here on Pinterest.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!

More Seasoning Mixes You’ll Love!

• BBQ Rub Recipe
• Homemade Poultry Seasoning Mix
• DIY Herb Salt Recipe
• The Best DIY Seasoning Mixes