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Learn how to make the best homemade Cajun seasoning with common spices right from your pantry!! Use this mix and match template to create your own Cajun spice and easily customize it to your specific taste! This smoky, savory, herbaceous and mildly spicy Cajun spice rub is a great way to add BOLD Big Easy flavor to your food! It’s so versatile and tastes AMAZING on everything from chicken, seafood, and vegetables to classic New Orleans dishes, such as Po’ boys, Gumbo, Maque Choux, and more!

Close-up, overhead photo of homemade cajun seasoning spilled out onto a plate.

Hi, friends! I hope you love Cajun cuisine as much as I do! Because, today I’m sharing the most delicious (and ridiculously versatile!) all-purpose seasoning mix and it’s the perfect way to add a punch of Big Easy flavor to all your favorite dishes!

Table of Contents

About this homemade cajun seasoning

This Cajun seasoning takes mere minutes to whip together, but it will totally transform any dish from boring and bland to BOLD and undeniably DELICIOUS!

This recipe features a rustic mix of spices, such as paprika, onion, garlic, oregano and cayenne, to create an all-purpose blend that’s savory, smoky, aromatic, slightly spicy, peppery and irresistibly robust! Store-bought blends can contain gluten, MSG and unhealthy additives; however, this DIY Cajun mix is all natural and free-from any harmful ingredients!

Plus, this seasoning mix is totally customizable and a great way to use up any lingering spices you have hanging around your pantry! You can easily tailor the heat level, salt content and combination of seasonings to your personal liking! Think of this recipe as a template to bringing delicious Southern cooking to your very own kitchen!

Oh, and did I mention this Cajun blend is amazingly versatile!? Seriously, it is delicious on anything and everything!! Try it on eggs, dips, potatoes, chicken, meats, seafood, tofu, pasta, and MORE! Trust and believe, this seasoning mix will become a staple in your spice drawer!

If you’re looking for more homemade spice mixes, be sure to try these flavorful recipes next: Homemade Fajita Seasoning, Jerk Seasoning, Greek Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, and Sazon Seasoning.

Why you’ll love this spice mix

  • Flavorful: This Cajun blend is so flavorful and robust – it’s the perfect way to add bold Big Easy flavor to your favorite dishes!
  • Basic Pantry Staples: This versatile blend is made with common spices you probably already have on hand in your pantry!
  • All natural: While store-bought seasoning mixes are convenient, they also contain undesirable additives and preservatives.
  • You are in control: Mixing your own spice blends allows you to control the ingredients! You can make your blends lower in sodium and gluten-free too! Plus, homemade blends taste brighter and fresher in flavor!
  • Cheaper: Making your own spice blend with seasonings you already have on hand can save you some money!
  • Customizable: You can easily customize this flexible spice recipe to suit your personal taste! For those who like it hot, add the optional red pepper flakes. Or if you prefer your spice blend heavy on the earthy flavors, add in a bit of basil and parsley! This recipe allows you to be in control!
  • Versatile: This Cajun spice mix is delicious on anything and everything – try it on eggs, vegetables, potatoes, chicken, fish, or classic New Orleans dishes, such as Jambalaya, and MORE!
  • 10 Minutes: This blend literally comes together in minutes!
  • Stores Great! Homemade seasoning mixes store great for up to 1-2 years! 
Overhead photo of all the spices and dried herbs in Cajun seasoning neatly arranged on a plate.

What’s in Cajun seasoning?

The exact spices in a Cajun blend will vary greatly from kitchen to kitchen and recipe to recipe; however, the most common ingredients include paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. The great thing about making your own spice blend is that you can add any seasonings, spices, and herbs you love!

Cajun seasonings

  • Paprika: Both regular and smoked paprika work great depending upon what you have on hand!
  • Onion Powder: Onion powder provides a mild touch of slightly sweet, savory onion flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a more subtle, slightly sweet garlic flavor than assertive garlic cloves.
  • Salt: For the best flavor, be sure to use kosher salt and not table salt!
  • Pepper: Freshly grind black pepper for the best taste!
  • Cayenne: Fiery cayenne brings the heat! You can easily adjust (or eliminate) the cayenne according to your personal taste!
  • Oregano: Dried oregano leaves gives the spice blend a warm, slightly peppery, and herbaceous flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Crushed chili flakes add delicate touch of sharp and vaguely earthy flavor with a tiny kick of heat.

Recipe variations

  • Creole Seasoning Mix: Make your own creole spice blend by adding dried thyme leaves, basil leaves, and parsley to the mix!
  • Sweet & Smoky Blend: To make your own sweet and smoky spicy blend, use smoked paprika and add 1 tablespoon of white sugar!
  • Spicy Blend: Add extra heat to your Cajun spice mix by throwing in a little Ghost Pepper Powder!

Optional additions

  • Cumin: You can add a bit of cumin to your blend to instantly add a bit of warm and earthy flavor.
  • Coriander: Cumin and coriander go hand in hand! If you are adding in cumin, I recommend also throwing in fresh-tasting, slightly citrusy coriander!
  • Fennel Seeds: While not traditional, fennel seeds are a great way to add a unique touch of warm, aromatic flavor!
  • Ground Mustard: Add a touch of tangy heat by throwing in some ground mustard!
Overhead photo of Cajun spice mix in a glass jar with a small wooden spoon inserted into the jar.

How to make Cajun spices

Making homemade Cajun seasoning is as quick and easy as 1,2,3 – gather, mix and enjoy! All you need to do is gather and measure your spices, mix them together in a jar, and cover the jar with a tight-fitting lid! Voilà – you have just created your very own Cajun blend!

Expert tips for the best success!

  • Check expiration dates: Double check your spices and dry herbs for expiration dates before using them in your mix!
  • Use whole spices: For the most flavor, buy whole spices and grind them yourself in a coffee or spice grinder!
  • Use dried herbs: When using herbs in this seasoning blend (oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley), make sure you use dried and not ground as ground herbs are much more potent!
  • Start small: As for the salt and “spicy” seasonings, such as cayenne, start with a small amount in your Cajun blend! Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once you add it!
  • Adjust to taste: Taste your Cajun spice mix before storing! If you want it spicier, add more cayenne pepper! If you prefer a more robust “seasoned” taste, add in some dried herbs!
  • Store properly: To keep your seasonings fresher for longer, make sure you store them in an airtight container in a dark, cool place!
Overhead photo of a jar of Cajun spice with a small spoon inserted into the jar.

Using Cajun spice mix

Cajun seasoning is incredibly versatile, and you can use it as an all-purpose spice blend to jazz up any meal! It’s delicious on everything from eggs, chicken, seafood, and fresh vegetables, such as corn on the cob, to classic New Orleans’s dishes, like Shrimp Po’ Boys,Gumbo, Jambalaya and more!

21 ways to use this seasoning mix

  • Dry Rub: The easiest way to use creole seasoning mix it to simply use it as a dry rub on chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetables.
  • Hash browns: My personal favorite – Cajun hash browns or roasted potatoes!
  • Eggs: Use your seasoning to make Cajun scrambled eggs or an omelet with peppers, onions, and plenty of spice.
  • Cajun Mayo: Whip up my favorite sauce – this remoulade recipe! Use it as a substitute for any creamy dressing, sauce, dip and spread.
  • Peanuts: Make your own Cajun boiled peanuts.
  • Popcorn: Add a bit of zippy flavor to freshly popped popcorn.
  • Croutons: Swap out the Italian for Cajun seasoning to make your own croutons.
  • Dip: Jazz up your favorite store-bought dip (such as ranch) by stirring in some Cajun spice to taste.
  • Hush Puppies: Fry up some Southern Hush Puppies.
  • Vegetables: Season your favorite fresh vegetables with seasoning mix before roasting or grilling.
  • Fries: Dust your hot French fries liberally with your homemade Cajun blend for a little Big Easy flavor.
  • Dirty Rice: Use your blend to make the best cajun sausage and rice in all the land.
  • Jambalaya: A delicious classic New Orleans’s dish featuring Cajun seasoning blend.
  • Crawfish Boil: Use it to season water for a classic crawfish boil!.
  • Chicken: Use the mix as a dry rub for wings, to season homemade chicken nuggets, or make the best Cajun chicken.
  • Burgers: Add some seasoning to your ground beef or black bean burgers to create your own Cajun Spice Burgers!
  • Shrimp: Use the blend to make Cajun Honey Shrimp or Blackened Shrimp Tacos!
  • Seafood: It’s delicious as a seasoning for white fish, shrimp, scallops on a grill, or crab sandwich recipes. Or use it to make butter sauces for seafood or prepare crab legs.
  • Pasta: Cajun chicken pasta for the win!
  • Pizza: Pepperoni pizza with Cajun spice!
  • Marinade: Mix a little Cajun spice with oil, brush the mixture over your favorite protein – salmon, chicken, pork, etc. – and grill or roast for a quick and easy dinner!
  • Cocktails: Rim your glass with cajun seasoning for a fun twist on the classic Bloody Mary!

Storing your Cajun mix spice

You should store all your seasonings and spice blends in airtight containers in a cool, dark place away from heat or any direct sunlight. The kitchen pantry or a dark cabinet are both great places to store dried spices and seasonings.

Seasoning mixes never actually “spoil” or “expire”; however, they do lose their flavor! When properly stored, your homemade Cajun spice will last approximately 1 to 2 years. However, it is important to note, spice blends are made up of individual seasonings and dried herbs. If you make your spice blend with older seasonings, your blend will not keep as long.

Close-up, angled photo of Cajun spice blend in a small glass jar.

So, what are you waiting for!? Grab some of basic pantry seasonings, mix up this recipe for cajun spices, and add robust, bold Big Easy flavor to all your favorite dishes!

Until next week, friends, cheers! To spicing things up!

Cheyanne

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More homemade seasoning blends!

Overhead photo of a jar of Cajun spice with a small spoon inserted into the jar.

Cajun Spice (Cajun Seasoning Mix)

5 from 2 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 10 tablespoons
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Make the best Cajun Seasoning Mix with common spices right from your pantry!! Use this mix and match template to create your own Cajun spice and easily customize it to your specific taste! This smoky, savory, herbaceous and mildly spicy Cajun spice rub is a great way to add BOLD Big Easy flavor to your food! It’s so versatile and tastes AMAZING on everything from chicken, seafood, and vegetables to classic New Orleans dishes, such as Po’ boys, Gumbo, and more!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • Storage Jars

Ingredients 

Cajun Spice:

For Creole Seasoning Mix, add the following:

Optional Additions:

Instructions

  • Gather and Measure Ingredients: Gather and measure all the seasonings and dried herbs.
  • Mix: Place all the ingredients into a storage jar (or bowl) and stir to thoroughly combine. Taste and adjust as necessary.
  • Store: Store the Cajun spice in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. (Please see the post for 20 delicious ways to use your seasoning mix!)

Notes

  • Tips: Please see the post for tips on customizing your spice blend!
  • Salt + Cayenne: When it comes to making your own blend, I recommend starting light handed with the Kosher Salt and Cayenne Pepper – remember, you can always add more, but you can’t remove it once you’ve added it!
Recipe Yield: Approximately 2/3 Cup (34 1/2 teaspoons for Cajun Seasoning)
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 10 (1 heaping tablespoon) servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcal    Carbohydrates: 4g    Protein: 1g    Fat: 1g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 1g    Sodium: 936mg    Potassium: 101mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 1g    Vitamin A: 1275IU    Vitamin C: 1mg    Calcium: 16mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Condiment, seasoning
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Creole

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