Creole Seasoning
This homemade Creole seasoning is bold, savory, and easy to mix in minutes. Keep a jar on hand for chicken, shrimp, beans, roasted vegetables, fries, and weeknight soups.
Total
10 min
Servings
About 3/4 cup
Level
Easy
Creole seasoning is a pantry spice blend with paprika, garlic, onion, herbs, pepper, and cayenne. It brings the warm, savory flavor often used in Louisiana cooking to simple home meals.
Making it yourself lets you control the salt and heat. That is helpful if you are seasoning seafood, store-bought broth, sausage, or anything else that may already be salty.
Use this blend as a dry rub, stir it into soups and stews, or sprinkle a little over roasted potatoes. Start with a small amount, then add more to taste.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
9 items · About 3/4 cup
- 1/4 cup sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt, or 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons white pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, to taste
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Choose a clean jar
Use a dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. A half-pint jar works well. Make sure there is no moisture inside, because moisture can make the seasoning clump.
2. Measure the spices
Measure the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne. Level each spoon for a balanced blend.
3. Crush the dried herbs
If the oregano or thyme looks twiggy or large, rub it between your fingers or crush it lightly in a small bowl. This helps the herbs mix evenly through the seasoning.
4. Add everything to the jar
Place all the measured ingredients in the jar. If your jar is too small for easy shaking, mix the seasoning in a bowl first, then transfer it to the jar.
5. Shake until even
Close the lid and shake well for 20 to 30 seconds. Look at the sides and bottom of the jar to make sure there are no streaks of paprika or pockets of salt.
6. Taste and adjust carefully
Taste a tiny pinch, or stir a pinch into a spoonful of olive oil or melted butter to get a better idea of the flavor. Add more cayenne for heat, more paprika for sweetness, or a little more salt if needed.
7. Label and store
Write the name and date on the jar. Store the seasoning in a cool, dark cupboard away from the stove, where heat and steam can dull the flavor.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: This seasoning is ideal to make ahead. The flavor is strongest in the first 3 months but still useful for about 6 months if stored well.
- Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Do not shake the jar directly over a steaming pot, as steam can cause clumps.
- Salt swap: For a low-salt or salt-free version, leave out the salt. Season your food with salt separately so you can control the final taste.
- Heat level: Use 1 teaspoon cayenne for mild heat, 2 teaspoons for medium heat, or add more only if you know you like spicy food.
- Paprika note: Sweet paprika gives a classic rounded flavor. You can replace 1 tablespoon of it with smoked paprika if you want a smoky edge.
- No white pepper? Use more black pepper instead. White pepper has an earthy bite, but the blend will still work without it.
Cook's note
Creole and Cajun seasonings are similar, and many home cooks use them in the same dishes. Creole blends often include more dried herbs, while Cajun blends may lean more peppery and spicy. This version is herb-forward and flexible for everyday cooking.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is Creole seasoning used for?
Use it on chicken, shrimp, fish, roasted potatoes, corn, rice, beans, soups, stews, and grilled vegetables. Start with about 1 teaspoon per pound of meat or vegetables, then add more if you want a stronger flavor.
Is Creole seasoning very spicy?
It can be, but this recipe is easy to control. Use 1 teaspoon cayenne for a gentler blend and 2 teaspoons for more heat. Paprika adds color and mild sweetness, not much spice.
Can I make Creole seasoning without salt?
Yes. Leave out the salt and store the blend the same way. A salt-free version is useful when cooking with salty ingredients like sausage, ham, canned beans, broth, or seafood boil.
How long does homemade Creole seasoning last?
It keeps for about 6 months in an airtight jar. It may not spoil quickly, but the flavor fades over time. If it smells flat or dusty, make a fresh batch.
Can I use Creole seasoning instead of Cajun seasoning?
Usually, yes. The flavor will be close enough for many recipes. If a dish specifically needs more heat, add extra cayenne or black pepper to taste.
05Keep cooking
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