This Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe is the perfect substitute for store-bought, and is made with basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Why make an extra trip to the grocery store when you can make your own at home?
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Have you ever started a recipe, only to find out you're missing a certain spice blend? I know I have, and that's why I've shared my recipes for homemade ranch seasoning, pumpkin pie spice, and several others in the past. Today I'm sharing my recipe for Cajun seasoning.
This perfect blend of spices has bold flavor, and is a great way to introduce the spicy flavor of Cajun cuisine to your favorite dishes.
If you haven't already started making your own spice blends, start today with this easy cajun spice mix!
Cajun Seasoning Vs. Creole Seasoning
Both Cajun and Creole seasonings are popular in Louisiana, and are very similar in a lot of ways, although there are some differences. Cajun food tends to be spicy and bold, while Creole food tends to feature a variety of flavors, and is a bit more mild (although there are plenty of spicy dishes).
Because Cajun cuisine is actually a subset of Creole cuisine, there are a lot of similar dishes (like gumbo), but the way they are prepared may be a bit different. Tomato-based dishes and those using a roux are common in Creole food, but not as common in Cajun food.
Read more: What's the difference between Cajun and Creole - or is there one? - The Historic New Orleans Collection
Ingredients
- Garlic powder: A key ingredient and key flavor.
- Smoked paprika: The smoky flavor really adds a special touch! You could use regular paprika in a pinch.
- Oregano: You'll need 2 tablespoons of this dried herb.
- Onion powder: Make sure to use some that hasn't been opened for too long, as it can clump over time.
- Thyme: I recommend a ground thyme, but dried thyme leaves work too.
- Cayenne: Some ground cayenne pepper brings heat to this homemade spice blend. If you want a milder blend, you can scale down the cayenne as needed.
- Coriander: This is the dried and ground seed from the cilantro plant, but it doesn't taste at all like cilantro, so don't worry if you're not a fan!
- Dry mustard powder: Also known simply as "mustard powder", this is a key ingredient and shouldn't be substituted. I also like to use it in my homemade cheese sauce or baked macaroni and cheese.
- Salt: I recommend a fine grain table salt.
- Pepper: If you can find white pepper, I recommend using that, since it's very common in Cajun cuisine, but regular black pepper works great too!
Check the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and the quantities needed.
Instructions
Yes, you can make your own homemade cajun seasoning! This easy spice blend is made with just a few simple ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to put together.
Step one: Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl.
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, thyme, cayenne pepper, coriander, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
Step two: Whisk everything together until well combined.
Then, transfer it to a mason jar with a lid, or an airtight storage container.
Storing Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Transfer your homemade seasoning blend to a mason jar with a lid OR an airtight storage container.
It will keep in a cool, dry spot (like a pantry, spice cabinet, or spice drawer) for 6-12 months.
Top tip: To prevent caking, add ½ teaspoon of rice to the bottom of the jar. This will absorb extra moisture.
Ways to Use It:
- Cajun shrimp
- Cajun salmon
- Cajun chicken
- Add it to popcorn
- To season meats and vegetables
- Sprinkle it on eggs
- Add it to Chex mix
- Featured in dips (add it to hummus, cream cheese based dips, and more!)
- To season Cajun french fries
- Sprinkle it on burgers
Expert Tips
- Fresh is best. Start with good quality, fresh herbs and spices, and your end result will be that much better.
- Tone it down. If you don't like a spicy blend, reduce the cayenne pepper to reduce the heat.
- Customize. Tweak your own cajun seasoning over time according to your preferences (spicier, less salt, etc). Adding some red pepper flakes would be a nice touch for those of you who like it hot!
Recipe FAQ's
Yes, you can make cajun seasoning without salt if desired. To enhance the flavor of your finished dishes, be sure to add salt to taste as you cook.
This recipe scales up or down easily, meaning you can make a small batch or a larger one. It's also great for portioning into jars and giving it as a food gift during the holidays. Just tie it with a nice ribbon (or twine) and attach a label with the ingredients.
Most cajun seasoning - both store-bought and homemade - is gluten-free. Some spices may contain trace amounts of wheat or gluten, so it's important to check the packaging to see if it was produced in a shared facility.
If you loved this recipe for homemade Cajun seasoning, let me know by leaving a 5-star review in the recipe card or comment below! You can also tag me on Instagram @dashfordinner.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or white pepper, if available
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk well to combine.
- Transfer the Cajun seasoning to a mason jar with a lid or an airtight storage container.
- Label and store for 6-12 months in a cool, dry place like a spice cupboard or pantry.
- Use your seasoning as desired, or whenever called for in a recipe. It adds a nice Cajun kick to your favorite dishes, and can be used to season just about anything.
Notes
Nutrition
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