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Home » Recipes » Basics and Staples

Cajun Seasoning

Last Modified: Jan 6, 2025. Originally Published: Jan 13, 2024 by Janessa.

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Learn to make your own Cajun seasoning blend with common pantry spices. Use this recipe as a replacement in any recipe that calls for Cajun seasoning or try adding to roasted vegetables, fish, chicken and more.

Jump to:
  • The Ingredients
  • The Method
  • Leftovers and Storage
  • Make it Your Own
  • Ways to Use Cajun Seasoning
  • Tips and Notes
  • And if you liked this recipe...
  • Recipe Card
  • Comments
Cajun seasoning in a bowl with a spoon.

I'm a big fan of making homemade seasoning mixes.

For starters, it can helpful in case you forgot to pick some up at the store (like not buying taco seasoning to make some ground beef tacos).

Plus, you are fully in control of the simple ingredients you use.

Which can be really helpful when you are making something with Cajun seasoning as it tends to be on the spicy side.

While there are a multitude of different versions of Cajun spice, it is typically a blend of peppers (think paprika, cayenne, black and white) along with earthy herbs (such as oregano).

My version is made without white pepper as I don't usually have that in my pantry and it is definitely a bit spicy. So feel free to play around with the ratios in order to achieve your perfect blend.

The Ingredients

Ingredients for Cajun seasoning.
  • Paprika- This spice comes from sweet bell peppers and is one of the base flavors of the blend. If needed, substitute with smoked paprika.
  • Fine Sea Salt- Table salt or kosher salt can be used instead.
  • Black Pepper- While a lot of Cajun spice recipe calls for both white pepper and black pepper, my version uses extra black pepper in place of white to make the ingredients easier to find.
  • Garlic Powder- Granulated garlic or dried garlic flakes can be used if needed.
  • Onion Powder- Dried minced onion will work but is less concentrated so add an extra teaspoon.
  • Dried Oregano- Marjoram could be used if needed though its flavor is slightly different.
  • Ground Cayenne Pepper- Feel free to add a bit more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
  • Dried Thyme- If you don't have any on hand, you can try using dried rosemary instead.

The Method

1. Mix. Add the ground spices to a medium bowl and mix until well combined.

Ingredients being stirred together in a bowl.

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Store Cajun seasoning in an airtight container or small mason jar at room temperature in a dry place for up to 1 year. 

It will keep longer, but the spices will get less potent and you may need to use more than is called for in a recipe.

Bowl of Cajun spices with a spoon.

Make it Your Own

Reduce the Salt: I include salt in my mix so that I can use it as an all purpose seasoning without having to add salt. However, you can reduce the salt or leave it out completely in order to give you the ability to control the salt added to the dishes that you are making.

Adjust the Spice: As written, this blend is definitely on the spicy side. If you are sensitive to spice, you can use half of the amount of cayenne pepper called for or even leave it out.

Scoop of Cajun seasoning on a spoon.

Ways to Use Cajun Seasoning

Use this spice blend directly in recipes that call for Cajun seasoning. I also like to use it in some recipes that call for seafood seasoning such as Old Bay.

It is also great used as a general seasoning on:

  • Meat such as pork or chicken
  • Fish such as salmon, cod or shrimp
  • Vegetables such as carrots, or peppers
  • Pasta or Potatoes

Here are all of my recipes that use Cajun seasoning:

  • Cajun Shrimp Rice Skillet
  • Cajun Roasted Chickpeas
  • Honey Cajun Butter
  • Cajun Spaghetti Sauce
  • Cajun Corn
  • Baked Cajun Salmon
  • Cajun Chicken Sheet Pan
  • Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Fajita Vegetables
Scoop of seasoning on a countertop.

Tips and Notes

  • For optimal results, use fresh spices as spices tend to lose their potency over time. If using older spices, you may need to use extra seasoning when cooking with this Cajun spice blend.

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And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like:

  • Taco Seasoning
  • Mediterranean Salad Dressing
  • Homemade Croutons

Recipe Card

Spice blend in a bowl with a spoon.

Cajun Seasoning

You probably have most of the ingredients in your spice cupboard already to make this Cajun seasoning blend. Spicy, zesty and filled with so much flavor, it is perfect for on fish, meats, vegetables and more.
5 from 34 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 0.75 cup
Calories: 11kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoon fine sea salt
  • 2 tablespoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ tablespoon dried thyme
(Prevent your screen from going dark)

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to a medium bowl and mix. 
  • Use in any recipe that calls for Cajun seasoning.

Notes

Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1164mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 258IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
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Comments

    5 from 34 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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  1. Tara says

    September 08, 2022 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    I love how easily this homemade spice mix comes together with pantry staples. So much flavor and perfect with so many things too.

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      September 08, 2022 at 11:40 am

      Thank you for your kind review, Tara!

      Reply
  2. Beth says

    September 08, 2022 at 9:52 am

    5 stars
    We used it on chicken thighs and the flavor is perfect. I'll never buy cajun seasoning again!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      September 08, 2022 at 11:40 am

      I'm glad you enjoyed this seasoning, Beth!

      Reply
  3. Kathleen says

    September 08, 2022 at 10:01 am

    5 stars
    Love homemade seasoning blends. This cajun seasoning will definitely come in handy.

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      September 08, 2022 at 11:40 am

      Thank you for your kind review!

      Reply
  4. kushigalu says

    September 08, 2022 at 10:49 am

    5 stars
    A homemade spice mix is always the best. This cajun seasoning looks perfect!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      September 08, 2022 at 11:39 am

      Thank you for your kind review, Kushigalu!

      Reply
  5. Tayler says

    September 08, 2022 at 11:33 am

    5 stars
    I make this cajun seasoning all the time and always have it in the pantry. It tastes good on so many things!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      September 08, 2022 at 11:38 am

      I'm glad you like this recipe, Tayler!

      Reply
  6. Gwen says

    September 19, 2023 at 12:51 pm

    5 stars
    So easy to have on hand. So great too because I know what’s in it!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      September 19, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      I'm glad you liked this recipe, Gwen! Thank you for your kind review.

      Reply
  7. Ryckie says

    January 24, 2025 at 9:49 am

    5 stars
    I have been looking for a Cajun spices seasoning for my Cajun shrimp pasta. This recipe for the seasonings turned out to be the very best of the best! My husband now requests his Cajun shrimp pasta all the time! Thank you Janessa!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      January 24, 2025 at 7:17 pm

      I'm so glad you liked this recipe, Ryckie! Thank you for your kind review.

      Reply
Janessa

Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

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