Turn up the flavor with this homemade Cajun Seasoning that’s bold, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy. Cajun seasoning brings the soul of Louisiana straight to your kitchen. Spice it up and let the good times roll!
Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe (Easy Cajun Spice Blend)
Use this homemade Cajun spice blend in any of your favorite Cajun and Creole recipes to add bold, smoky flavor with just the right amount of heat. Made with a simple mix of pantry spices, this easy seasoning blend is perfect for chicken, shrimp, seafood boils, roasted vegetables, rice dishes, and more. It’s a great alternative to store-bought Cajun seasoning and gives you the convenience of creating a fresh, flavorful blend right at home whenever you need it. Plus, making your own allows you to control the salt and spice level to suit your taste.
Key ingredients you’ll need to make Cajun Seasoning: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)
- Paprika – Smoked Paprika adds a smoky flavor.
- Salt – Salt amps up the flavor. You can use seasoned salt or plain salt.
- Garlic – Garlic Powder or granulated garlic.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder for depth of flavor.
- Pepper – Black Pepper and white pepper for a hint of spice.
- Italian Seasoning – Dry Italian Seasoning gives the seasoning an earthy flavor.
- Cayenne – Cayenne pepper adds a fiery dynamic to the flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Cajun Spice Blend – Better Than Store-Bought
- Accurately Measure the Ingredients – Place all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Whisk to Combine – Use a whisk, fork or spoon to combine.
- Use and Storage – Store in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool dry place.
Ways to Use Easy Cajun Seasoning
This zesty blend of paprika, garlic, cayenne, and herbs adds instant flair to everything from grilled meats and roasted veggies to pasta, popcorn, and more. Whether you’re cooking up a weeknight dinner or jazzing up snacks, a dash of Cajun seasoning transforms the ordinary into something unforgettable. Homemade Cajun seasoning is a savory, smoky, and spicy blend that can add depth and heat to all kinds of dishes. Here are several delicious and creative ways to use it:
Meat and Seafood:
- Ribs or Pork Chops – Use as a dry rub before baking or grilling.
- Make Blackened Chicken or Fish – Rub it generously on chicken breasts, salmon, or catfish before pan-searing in a hot cast iron skillet.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Toss shrimp with olive oil and Cajun seasoning, then grill for a smoky, spicy kick. This spice goes well with other shellfish like scallops, too!
- Cajun Burgers and Steak – Mix it into ground beef or turkey before forming patties for burgers with a Louisiana twist or rub it onto steak prior to grilling.
Vegetables and Sides:
- Roasted Veggies – Sprinkle over potatoes, cauliflower, or carrots with oil before roasting.
- Cajun Fries – Toss freshly made or frozen fries with the seasoning once they’re hot.
- Cajun Rice – Add to rice while cooking, or stir it in after for extra punch.
- Baked Beans or Chili – Add to the spice mix for a smoky, peppery layer of flavor.
Soups, Stews and Pasta
- Gumbo or Jambalaya – This seasoning is essential in these classic Cajun dishes.
- Cajun Alfredo Pasta – Toss fettuccine with a creamy sauce, chicken or shrimp, and Cajun seasoning.
- Spicy Corn Chowder – Stir into creamy soups for heat and complexity.
- Red Beans and Rice – Add to the bean mix for authentic spice and smokiness.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Paprika – You can use classic paprika if you prefer, but smoked paprika packs a lively flavor, making it hard to pass it up.
- Pepper – If you don’t have both black and white pepper, just use one or the other and combine the amounts. For example, if you only have black pepper and no white, just do 2 Tablespoons black pepper.
- Italian Seasoning – You can use dried oregano in place of Italia seasoning.
- Garlic Powder – If desired, you can granulated garlic in place of garlic powder.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder adds dimension to the flavor. You can omit it, some seasoning blends include it and some don’t.
Storage and Leftovers
- Storage – I like buying those little preservation packs and placing them in my spices. It helps the humidity stay away from the seasoning and keeps it from clumping and going stale. You could also add 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch whisked into the seasoning blend.
- Leftovers – The Cajun seasoning will last in an airtight container or mason jar at room temperature for up to 6 months. It may last longer than 6 months, but the freshness isn’t as potent and you may have to use more.
More Cajun Inspired Recipes to Make
- Cajun Fried Chicken is finger licking good.
- Rich and hearty Crawfish Etouffee.
- Air Fryer Cajun Salmon is simple to make and good for you.
- Cajun Mac and Cheese is creamy and delicious.
- Jambalaya is a one dish meal.
- Copycat Chili’s Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
- Cajun Dirty Rice is flavor packed.
- Chicken and Sausage Gumbo is comfort food done right.
- Boudin Sausage from Emeril Lagasse.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 Tbsp seasoned salt OR plain salt
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder or granulated garlic
- 1 Tbsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp white pepper
- 1 Tbsp dry Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
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Store in an airtight spice jar or similar airtight container in a cool dry place at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Paprika – You can use classic paprika if you prefer, but smoked paprika packs a lively flavor, making it hard to pass it up.
- Pepper – If you don’t have both black and white pepper, just use one or the other and combine the amounts. For example, if you only have black pepper and no white, just do 2 Tablespoons black pepper.
- Italian Seasoning – You can use dried oregano in place of Italia seasoning.
- Garlic Powder – If desired, you can granulated garlic in place of garlic powder.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder adds dimension to the flavor. You can omit it, some seasoning blends include it and some don’t.
Nutrition
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