Homemade Cajun Seasoning is smoky, bold, and easy to make with pantry spices. Perfect for chicken, seafood, veggies, pasta and more.
If you love bold Southern flavors, this Cajun seasoning that's flavorful, smoky, and made in minutes, is a must-make.
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Louisiana Cajun Seasoning
Homemade Cajun seasoning is one of those seasoning blends that instantly transforms everyday meals into bold, flavor-packed recipes.
Cajun seasoning is rooted in Louisiana cuisine and is known for its smoky, savory, slightly spicy blend of herbs and spices.
This easy Cajun seasoning recipe is smoky, savory, and customizable. Skip store-bought and make your own!
This seasoning blend works on everything from chicken and seafood to vegetables, potatoes and pasta.
Making your own Cajun recipe seasoning at home lets you control the salt level, the spice intensity, and the overall balance of flavor, giving you the best Cajun seasoning for your taste preferences.
Making a DIY spice blend also guarantees that you are skipping preservatives, fillers, and anti-caking ingredients that are often found in the store-bought blends.
Bold and flavorful, this homemade version is very well-rounded, and incredibly versatile.
You can use this Cajun seasoning spice to blacken fish, season fries, or add depth of flavor to soups and stews.
This homemade seasoning blend delivers authentic Cajun flavor and comes together in just minutes using common pantry spices you probably have in your cupboard.
Once you make this homemade cajun seasoning mix, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
So go ahead and skip the store-bought blends and make your own Cajun seasoning at home! You’re welcome!
Keep a jar of own homemade cajun seasoning on hand, and you’ll always be ready to add bold Southern flair to any dish.
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How to Make Cajun Seasoning
This is a quick overview of how to make this easy Cajun seasoning recipe. Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.
- Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk together.
- Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly blended and combined. Transfer to a mason jar with a top or an airtight container.
Hint: Use your DIY seasoning blend as directed in recipes calling for grocery store Cajun seasoning. This blend is interchangeable with a store-bought seasoning.
Expert recipe tips
- For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level without altering the balance and flavor of the blend.
- Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly to be sure you have an even distribution of the spices. I recommend using a whisk to do this.
- If you can, let the seasoning rest for a few hours before using it so that the flavors can marry.
- For best results, store your seasoning in an airtight container kept away from heat and light, preferably in a spice drawer or cabinet.
- The seasoning may last longer than 6 months, but the freshness and strength of the seasoning may have lessened over time and you may have to use more.
- Cajun seasoning can be added while cooking or you can sprinkle it on foods just before serving.
Substitutions
- Smoked Paprika – You can use regular paprika in place of smoked paprika, however, it will change the amount of smoky flavor in the blend.
- Garlic Powder – You can use garlic salt instead of garlic powder and salt. Be sure to omit both the garlic powder and the salt if using garlic salt.
- Dried Thyme – Prefer a different dried spice? Replace dried thyme with dried basil.
- Pepper - If white pepper isn’t available, you can use all black pepper or vice versa.
Variations
- Mild Cajun Seasoning – For a milder spice blend, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also leave out the cayenne pepper completely.
- Salt-Free Cajun Seasoning – Need to watch your salt intake? You can easily leave out the salt to meet your needs.
- Smokier Seasoning - Add additional smoked paprika or add a pinch of chipotle powder for a more intense smokiness.
- Spicy Cajun Blend – Prefer a spicier version? Just increase the amount of cayenne or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Storage
- Store your homemade Cajun seasoning in an airtight container, mason jar or spice jar at room temperature in your spice cabinet for up to 6 months.
- Be sure to keep it away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight to preserve the flavor.
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Ingredients
Cajun spice mix ingredients
- Smoked Paprika – Smoked paprika adds a rich smokiness and deep color and forms the backbone of classic Cajun flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Garlic powder provides a savory depth, and a garlic note without overpowering the blend.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder lends a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall savory profile.
- Salt – Salt balances all the flavors and enhances every spice in the seasoning blend.
- Black Pepper - Black pepper adds a sharp heat.
- White Pepper - White pepper adds a smooth, earthy warmth that is very typical of Cajun cuisine.
- Dried Oregano – Dried oregano adds an herbal note that helps to balance the smoky and spicy elements.
- Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne pepper provides that signature Cajun heat. You can adjust the cayenne to taste.
- Dried Thyme – Dried thyme lends a subtle, earthy, slightly minty note that rounds out the blend.
Homemade Spice Blends
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon white pepper
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 Tablespoon dried thyme
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Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined and blended.
- Store your spice blend in a mason jar with a lid, or an airtight container, away from heat and light and in a dry place, for up to 6 months.
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