The BEST Homemade Cajun Spice Mix Recipe
This Easy, Homemade Cajun Seasoning is my go-to, all purpose spice mix. It adds boldness and flavor to any dish.
What is Cajun Seasoning
Cajun Seasoning, or Cajun Spice Mix, is a classic blend of herbs and spices, originating from Louisiana. It’s a very versatile blend of common, ordinary spices that you probably already have on hand.
Cajun Seasoning Uses
What’s Cajun Seasoning used for? Cajun Spice Mix can be used in so many different ways. It’s so versatile that it complements a wide range of dishes:
- Baked or grilled chicken, meat, shrimp
- Roasted Veggies – Cajun fries
- Pasta dishes – especially creamy ones
- Soups, stews, rice, and beans
What spices are in Cajun Seasoning? What is Cajun Seasoning made of?
Cajun Spice Mix is a blend of common, ordinary spices that you probably already have on hand:
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt (optional)
Salt free Cajun Seasoning recipe
I’ve listed salt as an optional ingredient, however I never add it myself. I prefer to add salt separately so that I can have the exact amount of saltiness I want, while being able to use as much of the seasoning as I want.
Easy, Homemade Cajun Spice Mix recipe
It’s so quick and easy to mix up your own Cajun Seasoning at home. No need to pay a premium for ready-made spice mixes.
What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning
Cajun Seasoning and Creole seasoning are very similar. Some would consider them to be interchangeable.
While Cajun seasoning is a basic blend of cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, Creole seasoning has some earthier notes with the addition of dried herbs like oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley.
What does Cajun Seasoning taste like?
Cajun Seasoning has a bold spicy flavor (from the cayenne and paprika) with a subtle earthiness (provided by the garlic, onion, and herbs).
It’s the ultimate all-purpose seasoning and definitely the spice mix that I can’t do without. I use it on everything from burgers and steaks, to Cajun fries and chicken breasts, to soups, pasta, and rice.
If you like it spicy, you can use more cayenne. If you like it milder, use a higher ratio of paprika.
How to make Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix
Simply mix the ingredients and store in an airtight container for up to six months. After that, it will begin to lose it potency.
Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- Optional: 1 tablespoon salt or to taste
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
One of my favourite spice blends! Love it esp. with chicken 🙂 I need to make a batch too.
It’s so versatile! Thanks so much, Angie!
Easy to make, makes the dip taste just right.
Thanks so much, Cookie Monster!
I love cajun (and Creole) food! I can’t think of anything better than to have a pre-mixed spice to go into it! thanks so much Kelly!
Me too, Laura! And I sprinkle this on so many different foods. It’s great as an all-purpose seasoning. Thanks so much!
LOVE homemade spice blends – you can really taste the difference. So many delicious ways to use them!
They’re very versatile! Thanks so much, Alex!
Love the idea of making my own Cajun seasoning. Thank you, Kelly! Love the infographic too – so helpful!
Thanks so much, Marissa!
I think I will have some Cajun for tonight! I have all of the ingredients and this looks good as a rub for my chicken.
Yum!
Thanks so much, Raymund!
I love this combination of spices. I would love to it with grilled chicken in a salad. Can’t wait. Delicious! 🙂 ~Valentina
Thanks so much, Valentina!
nice recepie
Thanks so much, Vrishen!
Cajun seasoning is wonderful! Such a neat combo of flavors. I almost always make my own, too — the commercial stuff is WAY too salty. And like you, I never add salt to my mixture — prefer to add it later. Good stuff — thanks.
I usually end up over-salting when I use the commercial mixes. This way I can control the level of seasoning and the level of salt. Thanks so much, John!
Like you, I really like to make my own spice blends — especially helpful for me with my garlic allergy. Love the color of your blend!
Oh wow, David, it seems like there’s garlic in so many of the spice blends. It’s great to be able to control what you put into it. Thanks so much!
This seasoning is wonderful! Homemade is always the best, right? I would love this over some blackened chicken thighs, with a lemon wedge on the side! Yum!
It’s my most used seasoning! Thanks so much, Katherine!
Your timing is perfect as I just finished the last of the Slap Ya Mama Cajun spice mix my son brought me from the US this past summer. I’ll be mixing up a batch of your Cajun spice mix soon as I love it on so many different foods.
Ron, it’s my favorite all-purpose seasoning. The family loves it! Thanks so much!
One can never have enough cajun seasoning in their pantry. Great recipe for one of my favorite spice blends,
Thanks so much, MJ!
That is fabulous. I used to always make my spice mixtures, even curry powder. I’ve gotten a bit lazier in my old days, although there are still some time consuming things that I do in the kitchen just because I’m a traditionalist. But this is easy to mix up, and if doesn’t have any fillers or weird chemicals. Plus, it’s so pretty!
We make lots of chicken breasts for salads and sandwiches so I go through a TON of spice mixes! Thanks so much, Mimi!
I can already taste the grilled chicken using this mixture of spices! I always having an Italian herb mixture ready to add to olive oil for bread dipping and now I have to add this to my premade mixes. Great idea!
Thanks so much, Susan!
Dear Kelly, of course I will try your recipe for this boldly colored Cajun spice mix – it sounds extremly delicious and I don’t believe that we can find a ready-made Cajun spice mix at the stores around here. And homemade spice mixes are often more flavorful – I like to mix spices for baking and cooking and recently bought a few neat spice jars that are still empty – now I know that one of them will be filled with a Cajun spice mix à la Kelly!
Happy Sunday!
Andrea
Aw thanks so much, Andrea! It’s our favorite all-purpose seasoning for chicken, meats, and roasted potatoes!
I love cajun food and I love cajun seasoning. I got the seasoning from my visit to Jack Daniels, it tastes really good. Love to add it to everything 😉
I like to make my own spice mix. It makes the dish so flavorful. Thanks for sharing the recipe Kelly
This is definitely the most used spice mix in my cupboard! Thanks so much, Rahul!
I am from Louisiana and this is hands down the best homemade Cajun spice blend I’ve found for my air fryer chicken tenders. I can’t wait to try it in more dishes!
Wow! That’s such a compliment! I’m so happy you liked it, Alexandra. Thanks so much!
I cannot wait to use it in my next dish!
Thanks so much!
Love this seasoning! Made it today. It was so easy to make. You can taste the difference in this homemade recipe and the store bought. I didn’t add any salt which helps to control the salt in recipes using canned salmon and more. I did add a little chili powder. Won’t be buying cajun seasoning again.
Thanks for the recipe!
So happy you liked it, Quincella! Thanks so much!