Perfect Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning is a delightful blend of herbal, smoky, and slightly spicey flavors that adds to nearly any dish! Seriously, this Perfect Creole Seasoning is my “all-purpose” blend. I use it in frittatas, soups, casseroles, and I sprinkle it on veggies or homemade baked steak fries. There is no need to buy an already blended creole seasoning! It is easily made with herbs and spices I can almost guarantee are already in your pantry. So let’s mix up some Creole seasoning and get cooking!
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Creole or Cajun?
I admit, I’m guilty of just calling this “cajun seasoning” because I feel that people understand what that is more than they are aware of what “creole” is. If you hear “cajun” you know it will be smoky and spicy. Creole is basically the same, but with less heat and more herbs. This is why I love it! I’m not a fan of my mouth being on fire when I’m trying to enjoy the flavor of the food in front of me…but I like the flavor of spice haha I’m complex. Also, creole seasoning typically has more herbs in it than its buddy, “cajun,” and I think it makes it way more versatile. You can add it to anything and it compliments the dish! Mine might be some kind of combination of cajun and creole haha I don’t know but it is good!
Cajun is usually a blend of: black and white pepper, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
Creole is a blend of: black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs such as thyme or oregano.
Both of these blends above can be tweaked to be your own. You may want to add salt, but I like to leave the salt out so I can adjust it based on the recipe that I am making. You could use smoked paprika (my preference) or a blend of sweet and smoked. Maybe you like the smokiness of ground chipotle pepper? Me too. But I admit that I switch up the recipe sometimes based on what I have. I might need to make more creole seasoning when mine is low, so I have to make a new batch and find out that I’m out of a certain spice. So improvise with peppers (chili powder, ancho chili powder, chipotle, paprika varieties) and herbs and make it to your taste.
Perfect Creole Seasoning
Again, don’t fret if you need to tweak this based on what you have! That is the beauty of a recipe: you make it your own!
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Dried Italian Herbs
- Ancho chili powder or chipotle powder (this is not needed, but I like the additional smoky flavor. I’ve even seen cumin used before.)
- Cayenne (optional for heat)
What to Cook Perfect Creole Seasoning
If I haven’t said it enough already…you can cook anything savory with this seasoning! I don’t know if I would be able to cook without it actually. I realize now that I depend on it haha. Here are some ideas of what you can season with it:
- Fish and seafood (what it was born to season)
- Chicken
- Casseroles (it’s really good to add a touch to a broccoli rice casserole!)
- Pasta dishes (Louisisa-inspired pasta with shrimp or chicken)
- Baked veggies (a sprinkle of this and maybe some parmesan cheese? Yes please!)
- Egg dishes
- French fries
- Ice cream (just checking to see if anyone reads this)
Here are some of my favorite recipes that feature my Perfect Creole Seasoning
The Best Frittata with Potato and Goat Cheese
Enjoy!
I hope you make this Perfect Creole Seasoning and use it and love it as much as I do!
Perfect Creole Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tbsp Italian Seasoning or a combination of dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, basil
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Ancho Chili Powder or chipotle powder
- 1 tsp Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne you can add more if you like more heat
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and store in an air-tight container such as a small canning jar or an empty spice jar.
