You can make your own homemade Cajun seasoning in just a few minutes using common spices you likely already have at home. This zesty, spicy, and bold Cajun seasoning is one of my all-time favorites for adding flavor to almost anything — from chicken to shrimp, veggies to fries, soups to stir-fries, and more!
What Is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a spicy, rustic spice blend that comes from Louisiana, where Cajun cuisine is known for its bold flavors. It typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Some blends are salt-free, but this one includes kosher salt so it’s ready to use as-is.
Cajun Seasoning Ingredients
Here are the Cajun seasoning ingredients used in this blend:
- 3 tablespoons paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- ½ tablespoon dried thyme
How to Make Cajun Seasoning
Making homemade Cajun seasoning is super easy:
- Mix all the spices in a small bowl or directly in a spice jar.
- Seal it with a lid.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
That’s it! Your flavorful Cajun blend is ready to go.
The Best Cajun Seasoning Recipe
This Cajun seasoning recipe offers the perfect blend of zesty, spicy, and savory flavors, guaranteed to elevate any dish.
Cajun Seasoning Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Spice blend |
| Origin | Louisiana, USA |
| Main Ingredients | Paprika, garlic, cayenne, oregano, thyme |
| Flavor Profile | Spicy, smoky, zesty, earthy |
| Best Uses | Chicken, seafood, veggies, soups, dips, potatoes, and more |
| Storage Time | Up to 12 months |
How to Use Homemade Cajun Seasoning
This Cajun seasoning recipe can be used to flavor just about anything! Try it in:
Proteins
- Chicken
- Fish
- Shrimp and shellfish
- Pork or steak
- Tofu
Vegetables
- Roasted or sautéed veggies
- Stir-fries
- Potatoes: roasted, baked, fries, wedges
Dips
- Hummus
- Queso
- Guacamole
- Spinach-artichoke dip
Breads & Crackers
- Pita chips
- Flatbreads
- Seasoned garlic toast
Best Cajun Seasoning Recipes to Try
Use your blend in these amazing dishes:
- Jambalaya
- Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Casserole
- Jambalaya Soup
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese (Add 1–2 tbsp for a spicy kick!)
How To Use Homemade Cajun Seasoning:
Stay tuned for a yummy new Cajun recipe coming to the blog tomorrow – a fantastic way to give this seasoning a first test run! I regularly use it to season everything from jambalaya to roasted sheet pan dinners, stir-fries, soups, kabobs, and more. It pairs exceptionally well with:
- Proteins: Chicken, fish, shellfish, pork, steak, and tofu.
- Veggies: Especially roasted or in stir-fries. Cajun seasoning is fantastic on all kinds of potatoes (baked, roasted, fries, etc.).
- Dips: It’s delicious stirred into everything from hummus, queso, spinach artichoke dip… even guacamole!
- Breads and crackers: It’s delicious sprinkled onto flatbread, pita chips, or various other kinds of breads.
A few particular recipes I would recommend include:
- Jambalaya
- Cajun Shrimp Alfredo Casserole
- Jambalaya Soup
- The BEST Stovetop Mac and Cheese (stir in an extra tablespoon or two!)
Have fun, play around with this homemade Cajun seasoning, and I bet you’ll discover some new favorites of your own! Enjoy!
Best Cajun Seasoning Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ~¾ cup
- Difficulty: Super Easy
Description:
This best Cajun seasoning recipe is the perfect mix of spicy, savory, and smoky flavors that can take any dish to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Cajun seasoning?
A: It’s a bold, spicy blend of herbs and spices used in Louisiana Cajun cooking, often including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano.
Q2: How to make Cajun seasoning at home?
A: Mix together paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, oregano, black and white pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Store in a sealed jar.
Q3: What does Cajun seasoning taste like?
A: It’s spicy, earthy, and smoky with layers of garlic and herbs.
Q4: What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?
A: Cajun seasoning is usually spicier and simpler, while Creole seasoning is more herb-forward (with basil, bay leaf, etc.).
Q5: Can I make it salt-free?
A: Absolutely! Just leave out the salt and add it separately when cooking.
Q6: What is the main difference between Cajun seasoning and Creole seasoning?
A: While both originate from Louisiana, Cajun seasoning is typically more rustic and spicier, often with a focus on peppers (paprika, cayenne). Creole seasoning, on the other hand, tends to be more herb-focused and less spicy, often including more ingredients like bay leaf, basil, and thyme, and sometimes more onion and garlic.
Q7: Can I adjust the spiciness of this homemade Cajun seasoning?
A: Absolutely! The cayenne is primarily responsible for the heat. For a milder blend, reduce the amount of cayenne, or for extra kick, add a bit more.
Q8: How long does homemade Cajun seasoning last?
A3: When stored in a sealed container in a cool, dark place, your homemade Cajun seasoning can last for up to 1 year, maintaining its flavor and potency.
Q9: Is smoked paprika essential for this recipe?
A: While not essential, smoked paprika adds a deeper, richer, and more authentic flavor profile to the Cajun seasoning. If you only have regular paprika, it will still work, but the smoked version is highly recommended for the best Cajun seasoning.
Q10: Can I use this Cajun seasoning on vegetarian or vegan dishes?
A: Yes! Cajun seasoning is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully on veggies (especially roasted or in stir-fries), tofu, and even plant-based dips like hummus or guacamole.