Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe (The Best from Scratch!)

This Cajun seasoning has cayenne pepper, paprika, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. A great blend that offers warmth and flavor. You can control the spice with the cayenne pepper to create the flavor you want.

If you are like me, you enjoy making your own seasonings and sauces. Try out my homemade spaghetti seasoning; to enhance your pasta game. Or create this garlic bread seasoning; it is one of our favorites.

Want something a little spicier? Try this simple chili seasoning mix with chicken, beef, or even fish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You get to control the ingredients used in this blackening spice blend.
• If you want a spicy blend, add more cayenne pepper for mild use less of it.
• It is great to season a variety of your favorite meats, including fish and chicken, or mix it into casseroles and other dishes.
• Stores well in the spice cupboard to have on hand when you want to use it later.

What is Blackening Seasoning?

Blackening seasoning is a bold spice blend that originated in Louisiana as part of traditional Cajun and Creole cooking. This distinctive seasoning mix was popularized by renowned chef Paul Prudhomme in the 1980s when he introduced “blackened” cooking techniques to mainstream American cuisine. The seasoning gets its name from the dark, charred crust it creates when proteins are cooked at high heat in a cast iron skillet.

The blackening technique involves coating fish, chicken, or other proteins with a generous amount of this spicy seasoning blend, then searing them in a screaming hot skillet with butter or oil. This creates that signature blackened exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Unlike regular Cajun seasoning, blackening seasoning typically contains more paprika and cayenne pepper to withstand the intense heat and create that distinctive dark crust that gives blackened dishes their name and incredible flavor.

What’s in This Homemade Blackening Seasoning Recipe?

• Paprika: This spice adds a vibrant red hue to any dish and delivers a sweet, smoky flavor that serves as the base for the blackening seasoning’s characteristic warmth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Known for its fiery heat, cayenne pepper allows you to customize the spice level of your seasoning blend, turning the heat up or down to suit your taste preferences.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder brings a subtle, savory depth to the seasoning mix, complementing the other spices with its earthy, slightly sweet notes.
• Garlic Powder: A quintessential ingredient in many homemade spice blends, garlic powder offers a rich, aromatic quality that enhances the overall complexity and flavor of the seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs, typically including oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, introduces a hint of Mediterranean flair and freshness to the mix.
• Salt: Salt enhances flavor by magnifying the individual tastes of the other spices. It is crucial to draw out the natural flavors of whatever food the seasoning is applied to.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a slight heat and a punch of flavor, creating a perfect balance with the cayenne pepper’s warmth and the paprika’s sweetness.

Substitutions and Variations

• Smoked Paprika: If you’re looking to add a deeper smokiness to your dishes, consider using smoked paprika instead of the regular variety. It lends a rich, barbecue-like aroma and extra flavor perfect for grilling seasons.
• White Pepper instead of Black Pepper: For a slightly different flavor profile and a less pronounced pepper bite, you can use white pepper in place of black pepper. This is especially suited for lighter dishes where you might want the spice without the specks of black.
• Dried Lemon Zest: Add dried lemon zest to the blend for a zesty kick that complements seafood exceptionally well. It introduces a fresh, citrus note that can brighten up the flavors.
• Sugar or Brown Sugar: Adding a small amount of sugar or brown sugar can balance the heat with a hint of sweetness, creating a complex flavor profile that works well with meats like pork or when creating barbecue rubs.
• Thyme or Oregano for Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand or prefer a simpler herb profile, use dried thyme or oregano as a substitute. Either choice will still impart a Mediterranean essence to your dishes.

How to Make Cajun Blackening Seasoning (step-by-step directions)

1. Add all the spices and seasonings into a small dish.
2. Mix well to ensure even distribution of all ingredients. (Photos 1, 2 & 3)

1. Use the seasoning immediately to enjoy its freshest flavor, or store it in a sealed jar in your pantry.
2. Properly stored, this seasoning mix can last up to 6 months, ready to enhance your dishes whenever needed. (Photo 4)

Recipe Tips

• A great way to make a spicy spice rub, add an extra amount of Cayenne pepper or a few extra red pepper flakes.
• For a milder flavor, use less Cayenne pepper in the mixture.
• Feel free to adjust this versatile seasoning to fit your flavor preference.
• For the best results use fresh spices so you get the best flavor of your spice rub.
• Use a little or a lot on your meat or dishes. You can control the amount of flavor you need.
• Place the spice mix in a sealed mason jar or another container and store it in the cabinet for up to 6 months.

Storing Tips 

• Storage: Store your homemade blackening seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain its potency and flavor.
• Pantry: Keep your blackening seasoning blend in a sealed glass jar or airtight plastic container in your pantry for up to 6 months. Make sure the container is completely dry before adding the seasoning to prevent clumping.
• Refrigerator: While not necessary, you can store blackening seasoning in the refrigerator for up to 1 year if you live in a very humid climate. Let it come to room temperature before using to prevent condensation.
• Freezing: Blackening seasoning can be frozen for up to 2 years in an airtight container or freezer bag. The spices won’t freeze solid, so you can scoop out what you need directly from the freezer.
• Freshness Tips: Label your container with the date you made the seasoning. The blend will gradually lose potency over time, so for best flavor, use within 6 months. If the color fades significantly or the aroma becomes weak, it’s time to make a fresh batch.

Serving Suggestions

For seafood lovers, try rubbing this seasoning on Lemon-Garlic Jumbo Shrimp before searing them in a hot cast iron skillet, or coat Bacon Wrapped Salmon fillets for an extra layer of flavor. The seasoning also works wonderfully with Garlic Butter Shrimp – just add a generous sprinkle before cooking for that authentic Cajun taste.

Chicken dishes are absolutely perfect with blackening seasoning. Coat Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs or Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with this blend before cooking for an amazing flavor combination. You can also use it to season Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs or add a Cajun twist to Slow Cooker BBQ Peach Chicken Thighs.

For red meat, this seasoning creates incredible flavor on Baked Tri Tip or Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas. Try coating Maple-Balsamic Boneless Pork Chops with the seasoning before searing for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Easy Spice Blend Recipes? Try These:

• Homemade Cuban Spice Blend
• The Best Homemade Pizza Seasoning
• Quick and Easy French Fry Seasoning
• Easy Homemade Garlic Bread Seasoning Mix
• Homemade Apple Pie Spice
• See all our seasonings recipes!