Learn how to make Cajun seasoning at home with this bold and flavorful blend of pantry spices! This homemade Cajun seasoning blend is perfect for adding a touch of heat to meat, fish, potatoes, or any other dish and comes together in minutes.
Cajun seasoning is a spice blend typically made with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic and onion powder, and herbs. It's known for its bold, smoky, spicy flavor, often used in Louisiana and Southern cooking to season meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice dishes.
If you’re a fan of those bold flavors (and something tells me that you are because you are here), make sure you have the freshest, homemade Cajun seasoning on hand at all times.
Looking for more homemade staples?
Check out dairy-free ranch seasoning, paleo taco seasoning, and French onion dip.
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Recipe Overview
- Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes to mix
- Cooking Method: No-cook
- Dietary Info: GAPS, Keto, Ancestral diet
- Tools Needed: small bowl, small whisk, and a spice jar for storage
- Skill Level: super-easy!
What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Reasons to Love this Cajun Seasoning
One of the reasons I absolutely love this Cajun seasoning is the smoky flavor it adds to just about everything - from fish and chicken to crispy sweet potato fries. It's like an instant flavor boost (but without the toxic liquid smoke, iykyk).
What really sets it apart, though, is the tiny flakes of oregano that perfectly balance out the heat from the cayenne and smokiness from paprika.
It's the perfect mix of spice and savory, giving every bite a punch of flavor without being too overwhelming. I seriously cannot get enough of it!
Ingredients for Cajun Seasoning
- Spices: smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, and cayenne are essential in homemade Cajun seasoning
- Herbs: dried oregano for an herby touch
- Salt: use dry unrefined salt (not Celtic or Baja Gold as they have moisture to them)
Substitutions and Variations
- Adjust the heat - For extra heat, add more cayenne or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder seasoning, reduce the cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with herbs - Add dried thyme or basil for a twist.
Make it Nutrient-Dense
One of the benefits of making homemade seasonings is that you have full quality control over the ingredients. For maximum nutrition, use organic when possible and always always, always use real, unrefined salt (not the girl with the umbrella, please!).
How to Make Cajun Seasoning
The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.
Step 1. Combine
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix until evenly blended.
Step 2. Store
Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store for up to 6 months.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh spices - If your spices have been sitting in your pantry for a long time, consider replacing them. You want to use fresh herbs and spices.
- Make it fine - For a finer blend, you can grind the spices together in a spice or coffee grinder for a smoother texture.
- Freeze paprika first - I always like to freeze paprika first as soon as I bring it home from the store to destroy any potential insect eggs. Aphids looooove sweet peppers like paprika and can infest your entire spice cabinet before you know it.
Troubleshooting
- My mix clumped up! Make sure you use dry spices (including salt) and store it completely sealed in a cool, dry place. Sometimes, this happens naturally. To break up the clumps, use a small fork or whisk to break it up.
- My seasoning is too salty! Add some of the other spices like paprika, onion, and garlic to offset the saltiness. Or you can leave it as is but take note when using it in recipes.
Product Highlight!
Square Glass Spice Jars
I have a set of these glass spice jars. They're square-shaped, which saves space in my cabinet, and their design makes it easy to scoop out spices with a measuring spoon.
💭Meal Prep Suggestion!
Scale up the recipe as much as you like but store it in the freezer if you won't use it up within 6 months. You can also slip in a bay leaf to deter aphids and mites naturally.
Serving Suggestions
This is one of those recipes that will become a staple as you use it in more and more recipes. It's great as a flavor-booster on shrimp, fish, chicken, veggies - just about anything!
It's the key flavor in my dirty rice recipe, blackened fish tacos and Cajun sweet potato fries. But there's so much more you can do with this homemade seasoning and I can't wait for you to give it a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
Store your homemade Cajun seasoning in an airtight container like a spice jar or Weck preserving jars and store it in your spice cabinet for up to 6 months. You can also freeze it for up to 2 years. It won't be frozen solid - you'll still be able to spoon out whatever amount you need but it will last much longer.
Cajun seasoning is spicier and simpler, often featuring paprika, cayenne, and garlic, with a bold, smoky flavor. Creole seasoning has a more complex mix of herbs, including basil, thyme, and oregano, creating a balanced, aromatic flavor. Both bring unique flavors to Southern and Louisiana dishes.
If your Cajun seasoning feels overly dry, it could be because the spices you’re using have lost moisture. Make sure to store the seasoning in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out further. If it's already too dry, lightly toast the spices in a pan to release their natural oils and enhance the flavor.
Looking for more simple DIY recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this Homemade Cajun Seasoning? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚
Printable Recipe
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dry unrefined salt
- 5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix until evenly blended.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Use fresh spices - If your spices have been sitting in your pantry for a long time, consider replacing them. You want to use fresh herbs and spices.
- Make it fine - For a finer blend, you can grind the spices together in a spice or coffee grinder for a smoother texture.
- Freeze paprika first - I always like to freeze paprika first as soon as I bring it home from the store to destroy any potential insect eggs. Aphids love sweet peppers like paprika and can infest your entire spice cabinet before you know it.
- Avoid clumping - Make sure you use dry spices (including salt) and store it completely sealed in a cool, dry place. Sometimes, this happens naturally. To break up the clumps, use a small fork or whisk to break it up.
Sherry says
My family loved this!