Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend (Make Your Own Recipe)
Take dinner up a notch with this homemade Cajun seasoning blend. This is loaded with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black and white pepper, and more. A simple spice blend that gives you all your favorite Creole flavors in one spice blend.
Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Kim Schob.
This savory and spicy seasoning blend can be used in so many different ways. Season vegetables, chicken, fish, steak, and more. You can even mix in the Cajun spice blend into casseroles for a great depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless.
Want more delicious herb and spice blends to try? Save a little money at the grocery store by making your own. You can even make things like blackening seasoning for grilling. Or make your chicken even more delicious with this Mediterranean herb seasoning.
If you want to try making more of your own seasoning blends, you could also try this chili seasoning recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: This Cajun seasoning blend requires only a handful of spices, which you likely already have in your pantry. It can be mixed together in minutes.
- Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in the blend.
- Versatile Usage: This blend is perfect for preparing a variety of Cajun food dishes, from meats and seafood to vegetables and casseroles, bringing a rich, spicy flavor to any meal.
- Free from Additives: Making your own Cajun seasoning blend ensures that it is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, allowing for a healthier option compared to store-bought versions.
What Is Cajun Seasoning?
Louisiana cajun seasoning is an inspired spice blend used often in their cuisine. A variety of herbs and spices come together to create a warm and somewhat spicy blend that offers that deep and rich smokey flavor with a kick.
You can use this for seasoning shrimp boils, Cajun dishes, seasoning meats, veggies, and more.
What’s in This Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe?
- Smoked Paprika: This adds a deep, smoky flavor to your seasoning blend, giving classic dishes a rich and robust taste that’s essential for authentic Cajun cuisine.
- Salt: A foundational seasoning, salt enhances all the other flavors in the blend, bringing out the best in each spice.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, umami note to the blend, contributing to the overall depth of flavor.
- Black Pepper: This common kitchen staple adds a sharp, pungent heat that complements the other spices beautifully.
- White Pepper: Milder and more delicate than black pepper, white pepper adds a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, this adds an aromatic, herbal complexity to the blend.
- Cayenne Pepper: Providing the signature kick of heat, cayenne pepper allows you to control the spiciness of your Cajun seasoning.
Substitutions and Variations
- Smoked Paprika: If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can substitute it with regular paprika and a dash of liquid smoke to maintain that rich, smoky bold flavor. Alternatively, you can use chipotle powder for a spicier kick.
- Salt: For a lower sodium option, consider using a salt substitute or reducing the amount of salt and adding more herbs to retain the flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Freshly minced garlic or garlic flakes can be used in place of garlic powder; just be mindful of the moisture content if using fresh garlic.
- Black Pepper: If you’re out of black pepper, ground peppercorns can be used as a replacement. You can also use equal parts of white pepper for a milder flavor.
- White Pepper: If you don’t have white pepper, simply using more black pepper can suffice. Ground ginger could add a slight heat with a different flavor profile.
- Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary together. You can also add marjoram or savory if you have it on hand.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a little kick, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or substitute with a milder chili powder. If you love heat, add more cayenne or even some crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Make Cajun Seasoning Spice (step-by-step directions)
- Take a small bowl and add all of the ingredients. (Photo 1)
- Mix thoroughly to combine, then store in an air-tight container until needed or use straight away. (Photos 2 & 3)
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the heat as you would like. More cayenne will make it spicy. Less will tame the heat. It is mostly used for added flavor, but if you want it to be mild, use less or skip it altogether.
- Using white and black pepper helps to create more dimension in the recipe. So, I recommend that if you want to create more flavor, you don’t just use one type of pepper.
- Make sure that when you store this, you store it in a sealed jar or container. Then keep it in a spice cabinet or spice drawer with your other spices.
- Use fresh spices so you get the best flavor and it lasts longer in terms of shelf life.
- Stir or shake the bottle between each use to ensure all the flavors are incorporated before use.
Storing Tips
Make sure you store your homemade Cajun seasoning blend in a sealed, airtight container or glass jars in a dry place. You can buy empty spice containers or use a mason jar. This will allow the best storage. It will last for up to 6 months.
Then, depending on your recipe, you can use as little or as much of this good Cajun seasoning as you like.
Serving Suggestions
You can use this spice blend any way you want. Add it to a soup or stew for homemade Cajun seasoning. Sprinkle it on my elote corn ribs for added flavoring, on Cajun chicken, or on Cajun shrimp to toss on the grill. The possibilities are truly endless.
Consider using the spice blend in this jambalaya, organic hummus topping, or even seasoning these pasta chips with it for a nice kick of flavor.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe has some spice. To lower the spice, use 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne instead of 1/2 teaspoon.
Anytime a recipe calls for Creole or even blackening seasoning, that is a great time you can swap in this Cajun seasoning. Or you can use it and create custom meals.
Go right ahead and make a salt-free version if you need it. You can use salt substitutes if you feel salt is needed to enhance the flavor.
Need More Homemade Spice Recipes? Try These:
- French Fry Seasoning
- Blackening Seasoning
- Taco Seasoning
- Herbs de Provence
- Spaghetti Seasoning
- See all our spice recipes!
Or any other delicious recipes on my site? If so, please leave a ★★★★★ star rating below and a 📝 comment sharing your thoughts!
To ensure you’re not missing a thing. Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along below!
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend (Make Your Own Recipe)
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon White Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- Take a small bowl and add all of the ingredients.3 Tablespoons Smoked Paprika,2 Tablespoons Salt,2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder,1 Tablespoon Black Pepper,1 Tablespoon White Pepper,1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning,½ Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- Mix thoroughly to combine, then store in an air-tight container until needed or use straight away.
Notes
- Adjust the heat as you would like. More cayenne will make it spicy. Less will tame the heat. It is mostly used for added flavor, but if you want it to be mild, use less or skip it altogether.
- Using white and black pepper helps to create more dimension in the recipe. So I do recommend if you want to create more flavor, don’t just use one type of pepper.
- Make sure that when you store this, you store it in a sealed jar or container. Then keep it in a spice cabinet or spice drawer with your other spices.
- Use fresh spices so you get the best flavor and it lasts longer in terms of shelf life.
- Stir or shake the bottle between each use to ensure all the flavors are incorporated before you go to use.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!
Nutrition Information
Hungry for more?
Follow me on Pinterest and make sure to comment below!
Get 3 FREE Conversion charts + Bonus!
When you subscribe to the latest updates, recipes, and content.
You May Also Like...
17 Spooky Cake And Cookie Ideas For Halloween Desserts
Baked Pumpkin French Toast Casserole Recipe
Halloween Oreo Cake Bars
Easy Blueberry Dump Cake
Easy Tortilla Chip Mexican Casserole (Ground Beef or Turkey!)
Pumpkin Spiced Hot Chocolate (Homemade Cocoa Recipe)