Cajun Seasoning

By: Julie BlannerLeave a Comment
Posted: 9/4/20

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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!

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 marble surface with a small glass jar full of cajun seasoning.

Table of Contents

What is 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.

Why You’ll Love 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!

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

A white plate with piles of spices to make cajun seasoning.

Cajun Seasoning Ingredients

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.

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.

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 Cajun Seasoning

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

chicken covered in cajun seasoning in cast iron with tongs

Cajun Seasoning Uses

On Protein – Make cajun chicken, steak, coat salmon, spice up shrimp, shellfish, sausage and gumbo. Make into a marinade using 1 tablespoon seasoning with a 1/2 cup olive oil.
On Vegetables – Toss with veggies and oil before roasting (try with Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Roasted Cauliflower). Simply toss in olive oil and 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning.
On Potatoes – Toss with fries, sprinkle on baked potatoes or smashed potatoes. It’s delicious on smashed sweet potatoes, too!
On Grains – One of the most popular uses is for jumbalaya! It’s also amazing in cajun sauce tossed with pasta!
On Snacks – Toss with popcorn, bake on chips, pretzels tossed with butter or oil, nuts and more! It’s also great on crostini.
In Dips – Stir into sour cream and allow to marinate 4+ hours or spice up your hummus, French onion dip, Velveeta cheese dip, vegetable dip, guacamole and more!
Seasoned Butter – Combine 1 teaspoon seasoning with 2 tablespoons softened butter to top meat or potatoes.

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.

pasta with cajun sauce in skillet with tongs

Tips

This seasoning blend contains salt and eliminates the need to add salt when using it in your protein and vegetable recipes.

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.