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!
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.
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! If if cajun spices are not your favorite try my ultimate steak seasoning recipe that works for way more than just steak. Try it on chicken, pork, veggies, or even pretzels!
Why You’ll Love It
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.
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.
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
- Combine herbs and seasonings.
- Store in a spice jar or airtight container.
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
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Dietary Considerations
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
- Nut Free
- Vegan
- Keto Friendly
More Seasoning Blends
Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2½ teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
Looks perfect. Gonna try it today. Thanks so much for sharing!