Homemade Cajun seasoning is easy to make with just a handful of rustic pantry spices that lend a smoky, slightly spicy, and zesty New Orleans flavor to all your meat, fish, veggies, and rice dishes!
Cajun seasoning, while similar to blackened seasoning, is more of an all-purpose blend that I like to use on everything from Cajun dirty rice and Cajun stuffed chicken breasts to Cajun chicken alfredo, crockpot shrimp boil, and everyone’s favorite Cajun ranch party Chex Mix.
It’s not quite as spicy as blackened seasoning and is a bit more versatile because it doesn’t include chili powder and uses less Cayenne, but the ingredients are very similar.
If we’re talking about Cajun vs. Creole seasoning, while again, similar in style, Creole seasoning is heavier on the herbs than it is on the spices. So, this rustic Cajun blend is perfect for chicken, pork, fish, and veggies.
Learning to make my own spice blends has saved me on many occasions and since I know which herbs and spices go into which blends, I can quickly and easily make substitutions on the spot.
I make my seasoning blends with salt, but you can omit it and add it to taste later on if you’d like. This is a good idea when gifting spice jars, that way people can add however much they like.
Keep a jar of this homemade Cajun seasoning handy because you’ll want to use it on everything!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s not only cost-effective, but it’s rare that I run out of anything anymore!
- An all-purpose seasoning that adds a smoky, zesty kick to everything.
- You’ll usually have everything you need in your pantry.
- Spice jars make great gifts!
Helpful Tools
What is in Cajun Seasoning?
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
Jump- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried thyme
How to make Homemade Cajun Seasoning
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Jump- Step One: Measure each spice out and add it to a spice jar. Close the lid tightly and give it a shake.
That’s it!
- Make sure your individual spices are still fresh!
- This recipe for Cajun seasoning makes about 1/3 cup total, which is about 16 teaspoons. You can scale up or down as needed.
- The rule of thumb is to use 2 tablespoons of seasoning for every 1.5-2 lbs of meat.
- Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika if you’d like.
- You can also play around with the amount of cayenne for more or less heat.
- Omit the salt if you want to add that separately.
Storage
How to store homemade seasoning
Store it in an airtight container (or mason jar with a tight lid) for up to 6 months.
Need more homemade seasoning recipes? Try these:
Click here to view my entire collection of sauces and seasonings.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ Tablespoon pepper
- ½ Tablespoon onion powder
- ½ Tablespoon oregano
- ½ Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.1 ½ Tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 Tablespoon salt, 1 Tablespoon garlic powder, ½ Tablespoon pepper, ½ Tablespoon onion powder, ½ Tablespoon oregano, ½ Tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Makes approximately 1/3 cup, which is about 16 teaspoons. Scale up or down as needed.
- I recommend using 2 Tablespoons per 1.5-2 lbs of meat you’re seasoning.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Regular paprika can be used in place of smoked paprika.
- If you want less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Salt can be omitted if you’d rather add that separately.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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