This Cajun seasoning recipe is full of bold flavor!
The secret is in the perfect blend of ingredients that are likely already in your pantry!
Rub it on fish or chicken. Sprinkle it on shrimp or stir it into pasta.
A Staple Seasoning Blend
Cajun seasoning is a pantry staple in Louisiana, and in my kitchen too! It’s easy to make at home.
- Spicy & versatile! Cajun spice adds a smoky, spicy, and savory pop of flavor to recipes.
- DIY Delight! Why buy it when you can make it? This simple recipe can be made anytime on the spot!
- Deep south flavor! Add this delicious, flavorful seasoning to grilled shrimp, chicken, fish, or even a shrimp boil. The rich spicy flavor is also great on veggies.
Spices for Cajun Seasoning
Savory – Paprika is the base of this seasoning along with onion and garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and salt.
Spicy – A bit of cayenne gives this seasoning blend some kick! Make it extra spicy by adding a pinch (or two or three!) of red pepper flakes, if desired. Stir in some smoked paprika if you’d like for a deep, earthy, flavor!
Variations – To change it up, some brown sugar will make Cajun seasoning a little bit sweet and help the other seasonings cling to the food as it melts.
How to Make Cajun Seasoning
Double up on this homemade cajun seasoning recipe, it’s perfect with proteins from shrimp to pork!
- Whisk all of the ingredients (per recipe below) in a bowl and transfer to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Shake well. Label with the date and store in the pantry for up to 6 months.
Keeping it Fresh
Cajun spice can be stored for up to 6 months. If you keep it longer it will still be great but the flavor may mellow over time.
To keep it tasting its best, store the Cajun seasoning in an air tight container. If you have one, add a small desiccant packet to prevent moisture and clumping.
More Favorite Spice Blends
If you’ve got a pantry of herbs and spices, it’s easy to make your own spice blends including this Cajun seasoning mix!
Did you make this homemade Cajun Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper add more if you like more heat
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
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Store in an airtight container up to 6 months.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Spices
Cuisine American
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I didn’t think I liked Cajun flavors before trying this, but this stuff is amazing! My husband and I love it on baked chicken. I have to make a double batch quite frequently so we always have enough on hand.
You may want to add that, since you’re suggesting finer table salt, it’s important to NOT use iodized salt as iodine will cause meats/steaks to attain a livery flavor when heated. Many chefs do not even allow iodized salt in their kitchens! FYI.
Thanks for sharing, JJ.
This is so much better then store bought. I prefer controlling the salt and heat myself. Store bought us always too salty and some brands contain msg.
Frustrating that the recipe was changed so much without notice. I thought the original was too salty so when I made this today I used less salt. But the new recipe already had less salt so it did not have enough seasoning.
Hey Katie! Here is the original recipe you were looking for but we did update it for exactly that reason. I would definitely recommend trying the current recipe as written!
1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon seasoning salt
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper add more if you like more heat
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Omg this sounds amazing, I love it.
Hi, can I use kosher or sea salt instead of the seasoning salt? I ask because many recipes that I make call for seasoning salt. So if I have seasoning salt in the Cajun mix I am worried my dish would be too salty. Thanx for your response
Hi Ginny, you can adjust this recipe to your preferences. We have the best results when using seasoning salt in this recipe but we would love to hear what you think when substituting it for kosher or sea salt!
That’s great stuff!! I love cajun and creole food a lot. My family will surely enjoy it…
Thank you! You will have to let us know what they think. Enjoy!
This cajun seasoning was excellent. It tasted just right and I loved the tip to adjust the Cayenne for how spicy you like it. I added an extra 1/2 tsp and it was nice and spicy and I was thrilled. So flavorful and made the best cajun chicken ceasar salad!!! SWP Employee
I don’t see the point to use “seasoning salt” in this Cajun Seasoning. You are repeating putting garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, and paprika which are already in your “seasoned salt”. Is this a typo? Should it have been just salt in this Cajun Seasoning?
I am very confused!
You could certainly use regular salt if you’d prefer. I always have seasoned salt in my cupboard so I like to add it.
Following up on Suzanne’s comment, it also strikes me as odd to call this homemade cajun seasoning, but then use store-bought seasoned salt as the base for it. If I’m using store-bought seasoned salt, why not just use store-bought cajun seasoning?
Seasoned salt is something I always have in my cupboard (I make homemade seasoned salt in big batches too) but if you don’t have it you can certainly use regular salt.
Very nice flavoring!
I did not add the optional red pepper flakes, as it was spicy enough for me without it.
When using this seasoning, what is a good amount to use, say if we are using it for your Slow Cooker Turkey soup. How much would we add to it?
thank you,
Hi Nicole, in our slow cooker turkey soup the bean soup we use come pre-seasoned. If you were using an unseasoned version, I would start with a teaspoon or two and increase from there based on your desired flavor.