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This Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe is a versatile blend of smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors made from everyday spices you probably already have on hand. It’s the perfect addition to meats, pasta, stews, and more!
About This Recipe
Cajun seasoning is my go-to seasoning blend for just about everything—but especially chicken. It’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to deliver a pleasant, though punchy, “kick” to the tastebuds.
So why should you mix your own Cajun seasoning blend vs. buying a pre-mixed bottle from the store? For me, this comes down to two main reasons: control over the overall salt content as well as the heat level. Store-bought Cajun seasoning tends to be super high in salt – a problem for anyone following a low-sodium diet or sensitive to salty meals. Making your own seasoning blend allows you to control both the salt that is added and cayenne powder, making it as spicy or mild as you’d like.
Key Ingredients
Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.
This homemade Cajun seasoning blend is moderately spicy. You can make it more or less spicy by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper added to the blend—less for less spicy and more for more spicy.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne Pepper
- Black pepper
- Celery Salt
- Dried Thyme
- Salt (as needed)
How to Make Cajun Seasoning
In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne powder, black pepper, ground celery salt, and dried thyme. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Yield: This recipe makes approximately 1/3 cup of Cajun seasoning.
How to Use Homemade Cajun Seasoning
You can use this recipe in so many ways. It’s a must-have in my jambalaya recipe, dirty rice recipe, gumbo, and red beans and rice, but it can also be used on and in:
- Meats: Make simple Cajun chicken, fish, shellfish, steak, or pork.
- Veggies: It’s especially good sprinkled over roasted veggies like zucchini, roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, fried okra, broccoli, etc.
- Dips and Sauces: Use it to flavor your favorite sauces like this Cajun remoulade sauce.
- Pasta and Rice: Add flavor to your favorite creamy Cajun pasta or rice bake.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground celery salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Keep stored in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Notes
- As written, this recipe is moderately spicy. Control the overall heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, to taste.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Cajun vs. Creole Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is bold, rustic, and spicy, with a focus on spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, black and white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and salt. It tends to be spicier than Creole seasoning and is commonly used in hearty, rural dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and blackened chicken or fish.
Creole seasoning offers a more balanced flavor, incorporating a wider array of herbs and spices, such as basil, bay leaf, celery seed, and parsley, in addition to the core ingredients found in Cajun seasoning. This seasoning is less spicy and more aromatic and is often used in dishes such as étouffée, shrimp Creole, and various soups and stews. It plays a key role in Creole cooking, which blends French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences to create rich, flavorful dishes that highlight both fresh herbs and bold spices.
Looking for more homemade spice blends to try next? Try my Taco Seasoning Recipe, Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe, and this Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe.
