Homemade Cajun seasoning is something every home cook should have in their pantry. It comes in handy when you’re craving Cajun food, but can be used to amp up the flavor in something as simple as baked chicken legs.
Cajun seasoning is an essential ingredient in dishes such as gumbo, shrimp and grits, and jambalaya and while you can certainly buy it premade, homemade Cajun seasoning is not only more economical, but it gives you greater control over the sodium levels in your food.
Cajun seasoning can also be used in recipes that call for Creole seasoning since both mixtures are similar. The main difference between Creole and Cajun spice blends is that Cajun tends to be spicy and peppery with the addition of cayenne, while Creole seasoning tends to be more herbal.
Recipe ingredients
Note: not all ingredients are included in this bulleted list. See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Kosher salt. I am using Diamond Kosher salt for my cajun spice blend. It’s important to note that if you’re using another brand or type of salt, the amount measured in tablespoons will vary. For this reason, I suggest using a kitchen scale and be sure to measure by weight in grams (50 grams of salt).
- Granulated garlic. Granulated garlic is better for this recipe than garlic powder which is much finer in nature.
- Paprika. Regular paprika is used for this Cajun blend.
- Black pepper. You can also add a touch of white pepper if you’d like.
- Cayenne. This is what gives Cajun seasoning its spicy kick.
How to make it
- In a large bowl combine 5 tablespoons (50g) of Diamond Crystal Kosher salt, 4 tablespoons (28g) of paprika, 3 1/2 tablespoons (28g) of onion powder, 3 1/2 tablespoons (30g) of granulated garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons (10g) of dried oregano, 2 1/2 tablespoons (10g) of dried thyme, 1 1/2 tablespoons (11g) of black pepper, and 1 1/2 tablespoons (11g) of cayenne pepper and mix very well.
- Pour the contents into spice shakers or a tight-fitting mason jar and store in a dark cabinet for whenever a recipe calls for Cajun seasoning. Enjoy!
More ways to use Cajun spice
Here are just a few more of our favorite recipes to which you can add your homemade Cajun seasoning. We hope you enjoy!
- Creamy Cajun chicken pasta – season the chicken thighs and add a little extra at the end.
- Shrimp and Andouille Cajun pasta – season the shrimp with your Cajun spice.
- Chicken Alfredo – swap the blackened spice for Cajun spice on the chicken, or use it to season the shrimp in this Shrimp Alfredo recipe.
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Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 5 (50g) tablespoons Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
- 4 (28g) tablespoons paprika
- 3 1/2 (28g) tablespoons onion powder
- 3 1/2 (30g) tablespoons granulated garlic
- 2 1/2 (10g) tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 1/2 (10g) tablespoons dried thyme
- 1 1/2 (11g) tablespoons black pepper
- 2 (5g) teaspoons white pepper optional
- 1 1/2 (11g) tablespoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Pour the contents into spice shakers or a tight-fitting mason jar. Store Cajun spice in a dark cabinet for use whenever a recipe calls for it. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
