Homemade Creole Seasoning takes only 5 minutes to mix and adds authentic Louisiana flavor to your Southern recipes or even a homemade cajun sauce!
This creole spice mix recipe makes a great addition to Pastalaya, Instant Pot Jambalaya, Jambalaya Soup, Instant Pot Red Beans and Rices and even Southern Black Eyed Peas.
Other Spice Mix recipes to custom blend to your preferred taste: Montreal Steak Seasoning, Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, Prime Rib Rub, Chicken Taco Seasoning and our popular BBQ Rub.
What’s In Creole Seasoning
Creole seasoning ingredients are pretty standard spices you probably already have in your pantry. Authentic spices include: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, ground thyme, dried basil, black pepper and white pepper.
No Salt Creole Seasoning
While most recipes call for salt, including Tony Chachere’s, Emeril’s, and Zatarain’s, this homemade no-salt Creole blend does not. We are acutely aware that salt level preference varies and a large portion of American’s need to reduce their sodium intake, so did no include it in this mix. Instead, you can add salt, to taste as needed.
Cajun vs Creole Seasoning
Is creole seasoning the same as cajun seasoning? Nope. Creole spice mix is a more rounded seasoning mix than cajun seasoning mix. While cajun seasoning highlights ground peppers (think red, black and white) and garlic powder, creole takes it a step further by including dried herbs like thyme, oregano, rosemary, bay leaf and basil.
What is Creole Seasoning Used For
Creole spice can be utilized in a ton of Southern recipes and non-Southern recipes. Here’s a few of my faves:
- The PERFECT Jambalaya Seasoning for Jambalaya or Jambalaya Soup
- Awesome Red Beans and Rice Seasoning
- Southern Black Eyed Peas
- Sprinkle on Air Fryer Tortilla Chips or Air Fried Frozen French Fries
- Add a kick to Instant Pot Bean Recipes
- Great rub for smoked recipes, like Smoked Prime Rib, Smoked Turkey or Smoked Rack of Lamb
- Great rub for pork recipes or steak recipes, like Sous Vide Ribeye and Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin
- Use it to rim your Mango Michelada or Michelada glass!
- Louisiana Creole Gumbo (Recipe Coming Soon!)
Substitution Options
Cajun seasoning can be used as a creole substitute, if that’s what you have on hand. We recommend adding a pinch of other dried herbs to make up for the lack of them in the cajun mix. Think thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil and/or bay leaf.
Creole Spice Mix Variations
- Bring on the heat! This recipe mirrors the standard creole spices you’ll pick up at the grocery store. For an “extra spicy” mix, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or spike it with some ghost pepper.
- Add in a teaspoon on salt, if you’re not one to care about salt intake.

Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp Paprika
- 4 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 3 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1-2 Tbsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 Tbsp Dried Oregano
- 2 Tbsp Dried Thyme
- 2 Tbsp Dried Basil
- 1½ Tbsp Black Pepper
- 1½ Tbsp White Pepper
Instructions
- Add all the spices to a small bowl and mix to combine. Store in an air-tight container or plastic bag.