Zatarain's Creole Mustard Substitute: Best Alternatives & Homemade Recipe
Find the best substitutes for Zatarain's Creole Mustard including whole grain mustard, homemade recipes, and store-bought alternatives. Learn how to recreate that authentic Louisiana flavor.
Quick Answer
The best substitute for Zatarain's Creole Mustard is whole grain mustard (1:1) or homemade Creole mustard made with brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices. Stone ground mustard and German mustard also work well as direct replacements.
Best Substitutes
Whole Grain Mustard
1:1Whole grain mustard is the closest match to Zatarain's Creole Mustard, offering the same coarse texture and spicy flavor profile that makes Zatarain's unique.
Best for:
This is the most authentic substitute for Zatarain's Creole Mustard. Look for brands with visible mustard seeds and similar spiciness level.
Homemade Zatarain's-Style Mustard
1:1Make your own Creole mustard using brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices to closely replicate Zatarain's flavor profile and texture.
Best for:
Soak 1/2 cup brown mustard seeds overnight, drain, then grind coarsely. Mix with 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/8 tsp paprika.
Stone Ground Mustard
1:1Stone ground mustard has the same coarse texture as Zatarain's and provides similar spiciness. It's made by grinding mustard seeds with a stone mill for authentic texture.
Best for:
Very similar to Zatarain's in both texture and flavor. Look for brands that use brown mustard seeds for the closest match.
German Mustard
1:1German mustard has a coarse texture and spicy flavor similar to Zatarain's Creole Mustard. It's typically made with a combination of brown and yellow mustard seeds.
Best for:
Similar texture and spiciness to Zatarain's. Works well as a substitute in most applications where you need that coarse, spicy mustard flavor.
Dijon Mustard + Horseradish + Spices
1:1 with 1 tsp horseradish per 2 tbsp DijonMix Dijon mustard with prepared horseradish and Creole spices to recreate Zatarain's complex flavor profile and spiciness.
Best for:
Add 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/8 tsp paprika per 2 tbsp Dijon mustard for closest match to Zatarain's.
Tabasco Brand Creole Mustard
1:1Tabasco also makes a Creole mustard that's very similar to Zatarain's. It has the same Louisiana roots and similar flavor profile.
Best for:
Tabasco's Creole mustard is made in Louisiana and has a very similar flavor profile to Zatarain's. It's often available in the same stores.
Brown Mustard + Hot Sauce
1:1 with 1-2 tsp hot sauce per 2 tbsp mustardMix brown mustard with Louisiana-style hot sauce to add the spiciness and complexity that makes Zatarain's Creole Mustard unique.
Best for:
Add Louisiana-style hot sauce like Tabasco or Crystal to brown mustard for extra heat. Start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste.
Yellow Mustard + Creole Seasoning + Hot Sauce
1:1 with 1 tsp Creole seasoning and 1 tsp hot sauce per 2 tbsp mustardMix yellow mustard with Creole seasoning and hot sauce to create a quick substitute that captures some of Zatarain's flavor complexity.
Best for:
This is a basic substitute that won't have the authentic texture but can work in a pinch. Use Zatarain's Creole Seasoning if available.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Zatarain's Creole Mustard is essential for authentic po' boy sandwiches - use whole grain mustard as the best substitute
- 💡For authentic remoulade sauce, combine your substitute with mayonnaise, pickles, and Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
- 💡When making gumbo, add your Zatarain's substitute during the last 10 minutes of cooking for authentic Louisiana flavor
- 💡Zatarain's Creole Mustard works great in marinades for shrimp, crawfish, and chicken - let marinate for at least 30 minutes
- 💡For authentic Creole potato salad, mix your substitute with mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, and Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
- 💡Zatarain's adds depth to jambalaya - stir in during the last 5 minutes of cooking
- 💡When making Creole-style coleslaw, use your substitute in the dressing along with vinegar and sugar
- 💡For grilled fish or chicken, brush with a mixture of your substitute, olive oil, and Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
- 💡Zatarain's Creole Mustard is perfect for making dipping sauces - mix with mayonnaise and a splash of hot sauce
- 💡Store homemade Zatarain's-style mustard in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for best flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
Find the best substitutes for Zatarain's Creole Mustard including whole grain mustard, homemade recipes, and store-bought alternatives. Learn how to recreate that authentic Louisiana flavor.