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Creole seasoning and Cajun seasoning have been interchanged repeatedly. Historically, they are very different. Creole cuisine is a combination of many different cultures. Creole is influenced by descendants of settlers in French colonial Louisiana, specifically in New Orleans.
Cajun came from French-speaking Acadians. They migrated to Southern Louisiana in what was called le Grand Derangement in the 1700s. But except historically, is Creole seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?
Basically, Creole Seasoning and Cajun seasoning are not the same, although they share certain similarities.
Is Creole Seasoning The Same As Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning and creole seasoning have, over time, been interchanged for each other. However, creole seasoning is different from Cajun seasoning. On the store shelf – yes, they are the same and are regarded as the exact thing.
In the kitchen, however, there are differences between the two. Some of the differences include:
- Cajun seasoning came from the French-speaking Acadians who were forcibly relocated to the United States by the British. Creole seasoning, on the other, is the product of different immigrant cultures. This includes those from Italy and Ireland as well as from Africa.
- Cajun seasoning has extra heat that may not be desirable to those used to Creole seasoning and vice versa. Creole seasoning is milder and has a more refined flavor than Cajun seasoning.
- Creole cuisine tends to be tomatoes inclusive, and this is unlike Cajun cuisine. Creole seasoning is made to accompany tomatoes in every meal.
- Unlike Cajun seasoning, Creole seasoning primarily relies on herbs. Herbs like basil, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, rosemary, parsley, and oregano.
- When it comes to choosing pizza toppings, choose toppings often incorporated in creole seasoning, like onion and bell peppers. You can get toppings that are part of creole seasoning ingredients, like tomato and sausage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Creole Seasoning For Cajun Seasoning?
Creole seasoning can be substituted for Cajun seasoning. However, because Cajun seasoning is hotter and more peppery, you need to add more pepper.
Creole seasoning and Cajun seasoning share most of the ingredients. But Cajun seasoning is spicier, even though it often contains herbs. An example of an herb in Cajun seasoning is oregano.
Creole is a simpler, more refined seasoning than Cajun seasoning, even though they share more of the ingredients. Although these two seasonings are interchanged, those in the South can always differentiate between the two.
What Are The Ingredients Of Cajun Seasoning Vs Creole Seasoning?
Creole seasoning Ingredients:
- Onion powder
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Ground black pepper
- Ground white pepper
- Dried Thyme
- Cayenne
Cajun seasoning ingredients:
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Oregano
- Dried Thyme
- Ground white pepper
- Ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Cayenne
- Basil
The differences in the ingredients used for making Cajun seasoning and creole seasoning lies in the measure of pepper added, as well as the herbs. Cajun seasoning contains herbs such as Basil, Paprika Oregano, etc.
What Are The Instructions For Making Cajun Seasoning And Creole Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning and creole seasoning have similar methods for making them.
Instructions:
- Measure all your ingredients and add them to a bowl.
- Mix them well, or blend if you like
- Put them into jars, and store them properly.
Read Also:
- Substitutes For Creole Seasoning
- Substitutes For Cajun Seasoning
- Substitutes For Juniper Berries
- Black Beans Substitutes
- Best Pernod Substitutes
Conclusion
One of the most popular questions is,” is Creole seasoning the same as Cajun seasoning?”. Despite misconceptions perpetuated by manufacturers of creole seasoning and Cajun seasoning, both of them are different.
There are similar in so many ways, but this doesn’t take away the fact that historically and, in the kitchen, they are different. Next time you’re confused about which is which, search through their ingredients for answers.