This Homemade Cajun Seasoning is bold, spicy, and savory and ready to take any dish from bland to bursting with flavor. Use cajun seasoning to add flavor to fish, chicken, vegetables, pasta, and more!
Cajun seasoning is a staple in Cajun and Creole cooking and is a spice blend that I always keep on hand. Making your own seasoning blend at home couldn't be easier and is a healthier, less processed option than store-bought seasoning blends.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our Homemade Blackening Seasoning and New Orleans Remoulade Sauce recipes next!
Ingredients You Need to Make This Recipe
- Paprika. You can also use smoked or sweet paprika for Cajun seasoning. I love the smoky flavor that the smoked paprika adds but I also use sweet paprika sometimes. Paprika can range in flavor from mild to hot depending on the peppers used to make it. Here in the US, paprika is usually on the milder side.
- Cayenne pepper. Cayenne is a spicy pepper and adds a good amount of heat to this blackening seasoning.
- Onion powder. This spice adds subtle notes of onion flavor to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder. Garlic makes everything taste better and this blackening seasoning is no exception!
- Dried thyme. This herb adds floral, woodsy, and grassy notes to the seasoning.
- Dried oregano. This herb adds a bold, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor.
- Black pepper. This spice adds a little bit of heat, freshness, and piney notes to the seasoning.
- Salt. A small amount of salt really brings out the flavors of all the other ingredients and brings everything together.
How to Make and Store This Seasoning
To make Cajun seasoning, just mix all of the spices together with a fork until combined and transfer it to an airtight container. If you use fresh spices in this seasoning, it will last up to a year but will begin to lose potency after about 3 months.
I recommend making smaller batches at a time that you know you will use within a few months. This recipe makes the perfect amount to last about a month for me and I use it in everything!
What Is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a bold, spicy, savory, and herby seasoning used to flavor meats, seafood, pasta, and more in Cajun and Creole cooking.
A delicious all-purpose spice blend, Cajun seasoning can add flavor to any food you like. The great thing about making this seasoning at home is the ability to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
What Is The Difference Between Cajun Seasoning and Blackening Seasoning?
While Cajun, Creole, and blackening seasonings are very similar, Cajun seasoning tends to be a bit spicier than blackening seasoning and not as herby. Cajun seasoning is the perfect all-purpose seasoning and delivers heat without being overpowering.
What Can I Use Cajun Seasoning On?
Cajun seasoning adds bold flavor to everything from meat, seafood, vegetables, and more. Try homemade seasoning on some of the following recipes:
- Cajun Crawfish Etouffee
- Cajun Smothered Chicken
- Southern Oven Fried Catfish
- Cajun Dirty Rice with Smoked Sausage
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Recommended Tools For This Recipe
More Cajun Recipes You Will Love!
- Creamy Cajun Dipping Sauce
- Cajun Honey Butter Shrimp
- Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Corn Chowder
- Cajun Mushroom Pasta
- Cajun Chicken and Sausage Dip
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Equipment
- Spice storage jar
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- To make this Cajun seasoning, mix all the spices together in a small bowl with a fork or small whisk until combined and store in an airtight spice container.
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