Homemade Creole Seasoning Blend: Authentic Cajun Flavor Recipe

Homemade Creole seasoning is an easy, versatile spice blend inspired by Cajun flavors. Made from common pantry staples, this no-salt mix brightens everything from gumbo and shrimp stew to roasted vegetables and baked potatoes.

Try it on Creole Butter Potatoes or as a finishing touch for grilled pork chops or ribeye steak. Making your own seasoning lets you control the heat and salt level, so you can tailor it to your taste. This blend contains no added salt, making it ideal for cooks who prefer to season food themselves.

Bowl of homemade Creole seasoning with a wood spoon.

The mix adds depth and aroma to soups, casseroles, grilled meats, seafood, and side dishes. It’s also great sprinkled on popcorn, mixed into butter for vegetables, or used as a dry rub for grilling.

Spice bottles for Creole seasoning.

Ingredients Needed

  • Granulated Garlic
  • Granulated Onion
  • Chili Powder
  • Dried Oregano
  • Dried Basil
  • Dried Thyme
  • Black Pepper
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Dried Chives
  • Cayenne Pepper

Step By Step Directions

Bowl of Creole seasoning.
  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Whisk or stir thoroughly until evenly blended.
  • Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark pantry for up to 6 months. Stir before each use.

Recipes Using Creole Seasoning

  • Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick, 30-minute meal featuring seasoned chicken in a creamy sauce over pasta.
  • Chicken and Sausage Gumbo delivers classic Cajun comfort with rich, hearty flavors.
  • Blackened Pork Chops are fast and bold when cooked on the grill with this seasoning.
  • Shrimp Stew is loaded with shrimp, smoked sausage, and potatoes in a flavorful gravy.
  • Shrimp Boil Packets are easy to prepare on the grill with corn, potatoes, shrimp, sausage, and onions.
  • Sprinkle over popcorn for a spicy, savory snack.
  • Mix 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning with 1/4 cup of butter to toss with grilled or roasted vegetables.

Difference in Creole, Cajun and Blackened Seasonings

Creole seasoning typically includes more herbs in addition to the heat found in Cajun blends. Blackened seasoning leans heavier on the bold, peppery elements used for searing. Creole falls between the two, offering a balanced combination of herbaceous and spicy notes.

Bowl of Creole spices with wood spoon.

Make a batch of this Creole seasoning to keep on hand for quick, flavorful meals. It’s an excellent way to enhance pasta, vegetables, seafood, and grilled meats without added salt.

If you enjoy this recipe, please leave a comment and a review to let others know how you used it.

Bowl of Creole Seasoning with a wooden spoon.

Homemade Creole Seasoning

A simple, no-salt Creole seasoning that adds Cajun-inspired flavor to a wide range of dishes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Rubs and Spice Mixes
Cuisine: Cajun
Keyword: Cajun grilling seasoning, Creole seasoning without salt, no salt seasoning, seasoning for Cajun recipes
Servings: 1 /2 cup
Calories: 10kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 ½ tablespoons granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon granulated onion
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoons dried chives
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper – or more to taste

Instructions

  • Combine smoked paprika, granulated garlic, granulated onion, chili powder, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried chives and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk until fully blended.
  • Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 10kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Sodium: 16mg | Fiber: 1g