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Spice up your favorite dishes with tasty Southern flair using this easy Homemade Creole Seasoning! Loaded with bold flavors like smoked paprika, garlic, dried herbs, and a kick of cayenne pepper, this easy-to-make seasoning blend will elevate everything from vegan jambalaya to simple sautéd veggies!
This simple, flavorful recipe for Creole seasoning makes it easy to bring authentic Southern flavors to your kitchen! This seasoning blend is a must-have in classic Creole recipes like jambalaya and etouffée, but its versatility extends far beyond traditional recipes.
Whether you’re seasoning veggies, soups, stews, marinated tofu, or even adding flavor to salads, this homemade Creole spice blend is a delicious way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. If you love bold, vibrant flavors with a hint of aromatic herbs, this DIY Creole seasoning is a great one to keep on hand.
While often mistaken as the same, Creole and Cajun seasoning actually have distinct flavors rooted in Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions. So what’s in Creole seasoning? Influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cuisines, it is a savory, aromatic, balanced, and milder spice blend, featuring smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and dried herbs. Cajun seasoning, from the Acadian settlers, is spicier and more heat-forward.
This recipe captures the versatile vibrance of Creole cooking, perfect for flavoring your favorite side and main dishes while offering a balanced blend of bold and aromatic flavors, making it lighter on heat but still full of flavor.
Use this recipe in any of the following Vegan Creole recipes: Vegan Red Beans and Rice and Mushroom Etouffee.
Homemade Creole Seasoning Ingredients
Smoked Paprika: Adds a rich, smoky flavor to the seasoning mix. Choose smoked paprika over regular for a deep, smoky undertone.
Garlic Powder: An all-around flavor enhancer that gives the Creole spice recipe depth.
Onion Powder: Provides a savory aromatic quality that complements the other spices.
Dried Thyme: This classic herb in Creole cuisine adds a savory, earthy flavor that ties all the spices together.
Dried Basil: Adds an herbaceous freshness that balances the heat and spiciness of the other spices.
Dried Oregano: Offers a slightly peppery, earthy, bitter flavor and warm, aromatic touch.
Seasoned Salt: A pre-mixed store-bought combination of salt and spices adds an extra layer of flavor. However, plain sea salt also works well and allows the other spices to shine.
Black & White Pepper: Spicy black pepper and mild white pepper add a full spectrum of peppery heat. Use all black pepper for a bigger heat kick or all white pepper for a smoother, mild flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: The subtle heat that adds a Creole kick! Feel free to adjust to taste, using less for a milder flavor or more for a spicier one.
How to Make Creole Seasoning
- Combine Spices. Add the spices to a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Store. Transfer the spice mixture to a spice jar and store in a cool, dark place.
Jenné’s Recipe Pro-Tips
- Use quality spices with a good expiration date. Spices beyond their expiration can dull the flavor of the seasoning mix. Check the expiration dates and opt for fresh, high-quality spices for the best Creole seasoning that is vibrant and flavorful! I like buying my spices at Costco or in bulk at my local international grocery store.
- Do NOT use chili powder. Chili powder is a blend of spices that typically includes cumin, paprika, and other seasonings which can alter the balance of flavors in your Creole seasoning homemade mix. Stick with cayenne and paprika for authentic heat and color.
- Toast spices for extra flavor. For a more fragrant spice mix, lightly toast the spices in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes to enhance their natural oils and bring out a deeper aromatic flavor.
- Store properly. Keep the prepared seasoning in a tightly sealed spice jar in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness and potency. Proper storage will extend its shelf life and keep the flavors bold!
Storage Directions
Store the seasoning in a spice jar with a tight-fitting lid in a cool, dry place. It will keep up to 6 months if stored properly but try to use it within 3 months for the freshest flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
While Creole and Cajun seasonings share some similarities, their seasoning blends are actually different! Creole seasoning tends to be milder and herbaceous, while Cajun seasoning packs more heat and spice.
Yes, you can substitute Cajun seasoning, but it’s important to note that it is often spicier than Creole and can alter the balance of your dish. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
Creole seasoning has a moderate spice level. If you prefer a milder seasoning, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, leave it out entirely, or consider using only white pepper instead of black and white pepper.
More Vegan Southern Recipes
- Black Eyed Pea Gumbo
- Hella Southern Vegan Hot Chicken Biscuits
- Collard Greens
- Southern Sweet Potato Salad
Homemade Creole Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp seasoned salt or sea salt, optional
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Add the spices to a small bowl. Mix well to combine.
- Transfer to a spice jar to store in a cool, dry place. It is best if consumed within 3 months, though it can be stored for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Use quality spices with a good expiration date. Spices beyond their expiration can dull the flavor of the seasoning mix. Check the expiration dates and opt for fresh, high-quality spices for the best Creole seasoning that is vibrant and flavorful!
- Do NOT use chili powder. Chili powder is a blend of spices that typically includes cumin, paprika, and other seasonings which can alter the balance of flavors in your Creole seasoning homemade mix. Stick with cayenne and paprika for authentic heat and color.
- Toast spices for extra flavor. For a more fragrant spice mix, lightly toast the spices in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes to enhance their natural oils and bring out a deeper aromatic flavor.
