Creole Seasoning: a family-table method

A jar of Creole seasoning surrounded by fresh herbs.

This Creole seasoning is a savory blend of herbs and spices that are combined to make an all purpose mix that’s great for flavoring chicken, seafood and vegetables. Kitchen-made spice rubs are unfussy to make and taste so much better than the store bought variety!

I try to make my own spice rubs and seasoning blends whenever possible. I can control the flavors to my liking and the flavors are much more vibrant! Some of my favorites include kitchen-made taco seasoning, BBQ rub, Jamaican jerk seasoning and this Creole seasoning.

When I want to add a little spice to my cooking, I turn to Creole seasoning. This zesty spice mix contains a wide variety of different herbs and spices, and goes well with so many different dishes.

Creole Seasoning ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are a blend of dried herbs and spices that you likely already have in your pantry. The base of this spice mix is garlic, onion, paprika, salt and pepper. Herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley and thyme add a fresh and bright flavor. Finally, cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat.

How do you make Creole seasoning?

Place all of the herbs and spices in a small bowl and stir to combine. Use right away, or transfer the spice mix into a jar or airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Step by step images on how to make seasoning mix.

Tips for the reliable spice rub

I often make a double batch of Creole seasoning so that I always have some available in my pantry.
It’s worth the extra expense to use both sweet and smoked paprika. The smoked paprika adds a ton of flavor and is available in the spice aisle of most stores.
There are two types of oregano that are typically sold at the store, they are typically labeled as Mexican or Mediterranean. For this recipe, I recommend using the Mediterranean oregano if possible, although either one will work.
Go with freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
This seasoning mix contains salt, so there’s no need to add any additional salt to your meat or vegetables when you cook them.
The amount of cayenne in the recipe produces a Creole seasoning with a mild heat level. You can omit the cayenne altogether if you don’t like heat, or add extra for a spicier blend.

A bowl of seasoning blend with a spoon in it.

Recipe FAQs

Is Creole seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?

Creole seasoning and Cajun seasoning consist of many of the same base ingredients, including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne pepper. Cajun seasoning is often more spicy than the Creole version, and Creole spice contains more herbs than Cajun spice.

What is Creole seasoning made of?

Creole spice contains two types of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley and a touch of cayenne pepper.

Ways to use Creole seasoning

The most common way to use this spice blend is to sprinkle it over chicken or seafood, or in specialty dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo. That being said, it can be utilized in numerous other ways.

Marinades: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your seasoning to 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to make a versatile marinade that works with chicken, steak or shrimp.
Pasta Sauce: Add 1-2 teaspoons of Creole seasoning to silky Alfredo sauce to give it an extra boost of flavor.
Potatoes: Cut Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes into wedges. Toss the potatoes with 1/4 cup olive oil and 2-3 teaspoons of this seasoning. Bake on a greased sheet pan at 425 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and crunchy.
Vegetables: Toss broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms or cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 teaspoons of spice mix. Roast at 425 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are browned and tender.

Creole seasoning served in shrimp and vegetables with rice.

Once you see how good this spice mix is, you’ll find yourself adding a sprinkle to many of your go-to dinners!

More spice blends to try

Creole Seasoning Video

Add as Google preferred source Authorthe Makdob kitchen A jar of Creole seasoning surrounded by fresh herbs.

This Creole seasoning is a savory blend of herbs and spices that are combined to make an all purpose mix that's great for flavoring chicken, seafood and vegetables. Kitchen-made spice rubs are unfussy to make and taste so much better than the store bought variety! Time Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 minute
Total Time6 minutes

Course Seasoning
Cuisine Creole
Serves 8

Ingredients

2 tablespoons sweet paprika sometimes just labeled as "paprika"
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons ground black pepper freshly ground is finest
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
Stir to combine. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Notes

Sweet paprika is often just labeled as “paprika”, I use the sweet designation to distinguish it from hot and smoked paprika varieties.
This seasoning mix contains salt, so there’s no need to add any additional salt to your meat or vegetables when you cook them.