Cajun seasoning is a robust blend of smoky, spicy seasoning that will take your meats, veggies and side dishes to a whole new level.

Customize the heat and salt to your taste for a homemade seasoning blend the whole family will love!

A little bit of heat, mixed with a little garlic and herbs and a lot of pepper, and you’ve got a homemade Cajun seasoning you’re going to want to add to everything you make!

Various spices on a white plate for a homemade cajun seasoning recipe.
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While you may not have Cajun Seasoning on hand – chances are you have all the spices you need to make your own in your spice cabinet!

It’s perfect for grilling and all of your favorite barbecue recipes! It has a smoky, garlicky flavor that enhances all of your favorite foods. It transforms even the simplest dishes like baked chicken breast making it incredibly flavorful without effort!

A small glass jar full of cajun seasoning.

Cajun seasoning (also known as cajun spice) is a spice blend that has a little heat, but isn’t overpowering.

It’s a staple in Louisiana cooking, and I love to throw it on everything from pastas like this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to roasted cauliflower.

Various spices on a white plate for a homemade cajun seasoning recipe.

Homemade Cajun Seasoning

There’s no reason to have endless spice blends consuming valuable cabinet space or making a last minute run to the store when you have everything you need in spice cabinet! I love making my own spice blends because they are so easy to customize!

Why You’ll Love It

  • So Simple – Easy to make and store so I always have it on hand.
  • Customize – Eliminate salt for a low sodium diet.
  • Fresh Flavor – Eliminate any preservatives we don’t need – often found in store bought seasoning packets and bottles.

What is in cajun seasoning? Well, that depends who you ask! My recipe is for a classic cajun seasoning, but the options are endless! I’ve included variations and substitutions so you can easily customize.

A small glass jar full of cajun seasoning.

Ingredients and Substitutions

See printable recipe card for complete ingredients and instructions.

  • Salt – Thick flakes of sea salt are preferable. They add great flavor and texture. Simply use a grinder set to the largest setting.
  • Garlic Powder
  • Paprika – Substitute smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • Black Pepper – Fresh ground black pepper offers the best flavor and additional texture.
  • Onion Powder – I like to use onion powder, but you can use onion flakes as well.
  • Cayenne Pepper – Adjust as needed for more or less heat.
  • Oregano – Can be substituted with Italian seasoning, simply eliminate thyme as well.
  • Thyme – Can be substituted with Italian seasoning, simply eliminate thyme as well.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Substitute with ground red pepper if needed.
Various spices on a white plate for a homemade cajun seasoning recipe.

Variations

  • Low Sodium – Eliminate salt to make it a low sodium seasoning blend.
  • Adjust the Heat – Want less spice? Add less cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Make it Smoky – Used Smoked Paprika for another layer of smoky Cajun flavor.
  • Add Lemon Peel – The citrus flavor is incredible.
  • Additional Spices – Cumin, Coriander, Basil, Celery Salt and Ghost Pepper may also be added.

How to Make

  1. Combine herbs and seasonings.
  2. Store in a spice jar or airtight container.
A small glass jar full of cajun seasoning.

Tips

  • This seasoning blend contains salt and eliminates the need to add salt when using it in your protein and vegetable recipes.
  • You can adjust this seasoning to your family’s tastes by omitting, adding, or changing the amounts of the different ingredients. There’s no right or wrong as long as it tastes good!
  • I love giving homemade seasonings as gifts. Place them in jars or tins and put them in a gift basket or box.

Serving Suggestions

A small glass jar full of cajun seasoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Creole, Cajun and Blackened Seasonings?

Creole is generally blended herbs offering a savory flavor profile, Cajun is a touch spicier with hints of cayenne, and Blackened Seasoning is a mix of the two, but treated as more of a thick meat rub.

What is in Cajun Seasoning?

Traditionally, a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, but you’ll find a lot of variations and additional spices including oregano, thyme, red pepper, cumin, coriander, celery seeds, ghost pepper powder and even lemon peel.

How to Store

  • At Room Temperature – Transfer it to an airtight glass jar and keep it in the cupboard to avoid direct sunlight up to 3 months. It keeps up to 6 months, but will slowly start to lose potency.
Various spices on a white plate for a homemade cajun seasoning recipe.

Dietary Considerations

  • Gluten Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Nut Free
  • Vegan
  • Keto Friendly

More Seasoning Blends

A marble surface with a small glass jar full of cajun seasoning.
5 from 2 votes
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Cajun Seasoning

A robust blend of smoky, spicy seasoning that will take your meats, veggies and side dishes to a whole new level.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 12
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Ingredients  

  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • teaspoon dried oregano
  • teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Instructions 

  • Combine herbs and seasonings.
  • Store in a spice jar or airtight container.

Julie’s Tips

Substitutions

  • Salt – Thick flakes of sea salt are preferable. They add great flavor and texture. Simply use a grinder set to the largest setting.
  • Paprika – Substitute smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • Black Pepper – Fresh ground black pepper offers the best flavor and additional texture.
  • Onion Powder – I like to use onion powder, but you can use onion flakes as well.
  • Cayenne Pepper – Adjust as needed for more or less heat.
  • Oregano – Can be substituted with Italian seasoning, simply eliminate thyme as well.
  • Thyme – Can be substituted with Italian seasoning, simply eliminate thyme as well.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Substitute with ground red pepper if needed.

Variations

  • Eliminate salt to make it a low sodium seasoning blend.
  • Want less spice? Add less cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Used Smoked Paprika for another layer of smoky Cajun flavor.

How to Store

  • At Room Temperature – Transfer it to an airtight glass jar and keep it in the cupboard to avoid direct sunlight up to 3 months. It keeps up to 6 months, but will slowly start to lose it’s flavor.
Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4679mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3591IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 4mg

Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.

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