This Homemade Cajun Seasoning is bold, spicy, and savory—ready to take any dish from bland to bursting with flavor. Use it on fish, chicken, vegetables, pasta, and more.
Cajun seasoning is a cornerstone of Cajun and Creole cooking and one I always keep on hand. Making this blend at home is simple, fresher, and less processed than store-bought mixes.
Ingredients You Need to Make This Recipe
- Paprika. Use smoked or sweet paprika. Smoked paprika adds a pleasant smoky note, while sweet paprika keeps the blend milder. Paprika heat varies by type and brand.
- Cayenne pepper. Adds heat and punch to the blend.
- Onion powder. Brings subtle onion flavor.
- Garlic powder. A savory staple that enhances the overall taste.
- Dried thyme. Adds floral, woodsy, and slightly grassy notes.
- Dried oregano. Contributes an earthy, slightly bitter background.
- Black pepper. Lifts the blend with a touch of heat and freshness.
- Salt. A small amount ties the spices together and enhances flavor.
How to Make and Store This Seasoning
Combine all spices in a small bowl and whisk or stir with a fork until evenly blended. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place.
Fresh ground spices will keep their best flavor for about three months and remain usable up to a year. For the strongest flavor, mix smaller batches you’ll use within a few months.
What Is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a bold, spicy, savory, and herby blend used in Cajun and Creole dishes. It’s an all-purpose spice mix that enhances meats, seafood, vegetables, pasta, and many other foods. Homemade seasoning lets you easily adjust the heat and herb balance to suit your taste.
Difference Between Cajun and Blackening Seasoning
Cajun and blackening seasonings are similar, but Cajun tends to be slightly spicier and less herb-forward than typical blackening mixes. Cajun seasoning is an excellent all-purpose blend that delivers heat without overpowering other flavors.
What Can I Use Cajun Seasoning On?
This seasoning brightens meats, seafood, vegetables, and more. Ideas to try:
- Crawfish étouffée
- Smothered chicken
- Oven fried catfish
- Dirty rice with smoked sausage
- Crab cakes
Recommended Tools For This Recipe
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight spice jar
- Small mixing bowl and whisk or fork
More Cajun Recipes You Will Love
- Creamy Cajun dipping sauce
- Cajun honey butter shrimp
- Creamy Cajun shrimp and corn chowder
- Cajun mushroom pasta
- Cajun chicken and sausage dip
If you tried this Homemade Cajun Seasoning or another recipe here, please leave a star rating and share your experience in the comments. Thanks for visiting!
Recipe
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Mix all the spices together in a small bowl with a fork or small whisk until well combined.
- Store the blend in an airtight spice container in a cool, dark place.
Notes
If spices are fresh, the blend will keep up to a year but will start losing potency after about three months. For best flavor, make a batch you’ll use within a few months.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.25 teaspoon | Calories: 2 kcal | Carbs: 0.4 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Sodium: 35 mg