5 from 10 votes
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Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend (Make Your Own Recipe)

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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.

Spice seasoning mixture in an airtight container.

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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.

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?

Small bowls of Cajun Seasoning ingredients.
  • 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)

Collage of Cajun seasoning being mixed and jarred.
  1. Take a small bowl and add all of the ingredients. (Photo 1)
  2. Mix thoroughly to combine, then store in an air-tight container until needed or use straight away. (Photos 2 & 3)
Spilled Cajun spice seasoning mixture on a white countertop.

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 jambalayaorganic hummus topping, or even seasoning these pasta chips with it for a nice kick of flavor.

Spice seasoning mixture in a white bowl with a spoon.

Recipe FAQs

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

This recipe has some spice. To lower the spice, use 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne instead of 1/2 teaspoon.

Can I use Cajun seasoning as a substitute for other spice blends?

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.

Can I make Cajun seasoning without salt?

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:

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Jar spilling spice seasoning mixture on a white countertop.
5 from 10 votes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend (Make Your Own Recipe)


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Basics, Spices
Cuisine: Cajun
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Yields 11 tablespoons
Discover the bold and spicy world of homemade Cajun seasoning. Learn about its distinct flavors, how to adjust the heat level, and its versatile uses in various dishes. Simple ingredients that offer big flavor.

Ingredients 

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!

Save Recipe

Nutrition Information

Calories: 15kcal (1%) Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 0.3g Saturated Fat: 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g Sodium: 1271mg (55%) Potassium: 79mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 0.3g Vitamin A: 1046IU (21%) Vitamin C: 0.4mg Calcium: 18mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

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5 from 10 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This seasoning blend was so well-balanced and flavorful! I used it on corn on the cob, and it tasted great!

  2. 5 stars
    Sounds like an amazing seasoning recipe with bold flavors. I can’t wait to try this one out over this weekend!

  3. 5 stars
    This is a great seasoning to keep in my pantry and I like how I can make it with my own quality ingredients! I’m thinking of adding a little of it to mac and cheese for an interesting twist.

  4. 5 stars
    I’m a big fan of homemade seasoning blends. Will be adding this Cajun blend to my spice rack right now!

  5. 5 stars
    This was the perfect blend of spices for the fish we had last night. I can’t wait to try it on veggies, too!

  6. 5 stars
    I was so excited to have found this recipe. So I had to make it and I loved this idea. Now i don’t have to buy from the store and can proudly use my homemade cajun seasoning. All thanks to you.

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