Authentic Cajun Seasoning Mix Recipe for Bold Flavor

Last Updated April 23rd, 2024 at 11:13 am by Lisa

Make homemade Cajun seasoning using common, easy-to-find spices. This versatile blend is perfect on chicken, shrimp, steaks, fries, and classics like jambalaya and gumbo.

Why make your own seasoning? It takes only a few minutes, lets you control salt and heat, and ensures you know every ingredient. Fresh homemade spice mixes also pack brighter flavor and can inspire new dishes.

Wood bowl with Cajun seasoning

How To Make Cajun Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon white pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  1. Combine all the spices in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
  2. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. Small glass jars work well.
Jar of Cajun seasoning

How To Store Spices and Seasonings

An inexpensive and attractive way to store homemade spice mixes is in small glass canning jars. They seal well and keep blends fresh. Vintage jars add character if you plan to gift your spice with a paper tag and string.

Cajun seasoning in a Ball jar with a tag

One classic use for Cajun seasoning is Fried Green Tomatoes. They make a great snack, lunch, or side dish—especially when served with remoulade or buttermilk ranch for dipping.

Fried Green Tomatoes With 3 Dipping Sauce Recipes

These fried green tomatoes have a crunchy golden crust and pair beautifully with remoulade, buttermilk ranch, or comeback sauce. Follow a few simple frying tips for perfect results.
Fried green tomatoes with remoulade and ranch
What Is Cajun Seasoning Used For?

Cajun seasoning is very versatile. Use it on grilled or roasted chicken, oven fries, shrimp, steaks, pork, corn on the cob, and roasted vegetables. It’s also a staple in dishes like gumbo, maque choux, shrimp po’ boys, shrimp etouffee, and jambalaya. Try it on popcorn, deviled eggs, or mixed into dips and sauces.

What are Cajun seasoning ingredients?

Common ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and cayenne. Optional additions: dry mustard, parsley, crushed red pepper, white pepper, celery seed, chipotle, cumin, or dried bell pepper.

Cajun seasoning in a wooden bowl

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Making your own spice blends is easy and elevates everyday cooking. Try other homemade mixes like a Homemade Grill & BBQ Rub for steaks and pork, a simple Best Burger Seasoning for juicy hamburgers, Pumpkin Pie Spice for fall baking, or a versatile Pickling Spice for pickles and marinades. These recipes use pantry staples and dry herbs you may already have on hand.

  • Pork loin with dry rub
    The Best BBQ Dry Rub
  • Seasoned hamburgers
    Grilled Hamburger Seasoning
  • Jar of pumpkin pie spice
    Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • Homemade pickling spice
    Pickling Spice

If you make this seasoning and enjoy it, please leave a rating and comment. Follow Delicious Table by newsletter and on social media to see more recipes and ideas.

Mason jar filled with Cajun seasoning

Cajun Seasoning

Make homemade Cajun seasoning with common pantry spices. Use it on chicken, shrimp, steaks, fries, or in Southern classics like jambalaya and gumbo.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 14
Calories 16 kcal
Author Lisa Hatfield

Equipment

Mason Ball Pint Jar

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon white pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  • Mix all the spices together in a bowl.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Notes

Optional spices

You can add dry mustard, celery seed, chipotle, dried jalapeño, cumin, or dried bell pepper to customize the blend.

Cajun seasoning uses

Use this blend on proteins, vegetables, and snacks—grilled chicken, oven fries, shrimp, steaks, pork, corn, roasted vegetables, and Southern classics like gumbo, maque choux, fried green tomatoes, shrimp po’ boys, etouffee, and jambalaya.

Nutrition

Calories: 16 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 1001 mg