This homemade Creole seasoning blend will jazz up your dishes with that classic, vibrant New Orleans flavor. This blend is a fantastic mix of various herbs and spices that bring both heat and depth to your plant-based meals with a creole twist!
You likely have all the spices in your kitchen drawer, just waiting for their moment to shine.
So, it's pretty much a no-brainer to rally the troops for mixing duty. Just like this Cajun Seasoning, these spices might not get a second glance individually, but when they band together, they form a flavor squad that's so good it's worth the 5 minutes of mixing them together.
For more delicious seasoning blends to use in your plant-based recipes, check out Adobo Seasoning, Homemade Taco Seasoning, or Bijol Traditional Latin Seasoning Condiment. Explore more variety at 20 Seasoning Blends.
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Ingredients
For a quick glance at what you'll be using, here is a picture and some notes below. See the recipe card for suggested quantities.
How To Make Creole Seasoning
It's so easy to make, and you'll have so many servings ready at your disposal when you want to add some New Orleans flair to your meals.
Step 1: Place all your spices in a bowl and mix it up.
Step 2: (Optional) For a finer texture, grind in a spice or coffee grinder.
Transfer your freshly made Creole spice blend into an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works wonders. This blend can keep for up to 6 months, but its flavors are at their peak in the first 3 months.
Top Tips
- This Creole spice blend is super versatile. Use it as a seasoning for tofu, a seasoning for soups and stews, or even sprinkle it on popcorn or fries for an extra kick.
- Adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your taste buds. More cayenne pepper for heat or a bit more paprika for sweetness.
How to Use Creole Seasoning in Plant-Based Meals
- Give your roasted vegetables a Creole makeover by sprinkling them with the seasoning before roasting like in these Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Vegetables.
- Add a dash of the seasoning blend to lentil soups, vegetable stews, or even a plant-based gumbo or Vegan Instant Pot Jambalaya.
- Transform kale chips with a sprinkle of Creole seasoning before baking.
- One of our favorite snacks or additions to salads is Roasted Chickpea Croutons. Add a tablespoon of this seasoning to the chickpeas for a variation.
- Serve Delicious Air-Fryer Fries with a coating of this seasoning mix for a delicious variation.
- Marinate tofu or tempeh in a mix of olive oil, Creole seasoning, and a splash of soy sauce or tamari before grilling or baking. This not only infuses it with a robust flavor but also gives it a fantastic crust that's both spicy and savory.
- For a quick and easy snack, toss freshly popped popcorn with a bit of melted vegan butter or olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Creole seasoning.
Storage
Transfer your freshly made Creole spice blend into an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works wonders. This blend can keep for up to 6 months, but its flavors are at their peak in the first 3 months.
Recipe FAQS
Yes! You can customize your Creole seasoning by skipping the salt or using a salt substitute.
This Creole seasoning's heat sits comfortably at a 5 on the spice meter to me, where 10 blasts you with full-on fire. Now, spice is a pretty personal thing - what has you reaching for a glass of milk might just give someone else a little kick, so don't take my word as gospel. The spice factor really hinges on how generous you've been with the cayenne or black pepper. Feel free to play around with these two to dial the heat up or down to suit your palate.
While both hail from Louisiana, Creole seasoning tends to be more herb-forward and slightly milder, reflecting the diverse European, African, and Native American influences on Creole cuisine. Cajun seasoning, on the other hand, is usually spicier, reflecting the rustic, bold flavors of the Cajun country. Some argue they don't vary much, so they are used interchangeably.
Part of the beauty of homemade blends is the flexibility. Missing an ingredient? Substitute it with something similar or skip it. The blend will still be delicious.
Got a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Creole Seasoning Blend. Your feedback is invaluable - did you love it? How did you use it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Recipe Card
Homemade Creole Seasoning Blend
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground celery seed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Mix It Up: In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients thoroughly. You want to make sure every spoonful of your blend has a bit of everything.
- Adjust Consistency: Place all the ingredients in a spice or coffee grinder.
- Storage: Transfer your freshly made Creole spice blend into an airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works wonders. This blend can keep for up to 6 months, but its flavors are at their peak in the first 3 months.
Emily says
I used this on some cubed tofu and then I air-fried it. It was great. You have great pictures too.
Regi Pearce says
Thank you, Emily! So glad you enjoy the recipe and the pictures.