A staple seasoning mix in our house!

Growing up on the border of Texas and Louisiana, with extended family who lives just outside of New Orleans, spicy Cajun flavors were a staple in my life.

As I got older and began cooking more at home, Cajun seasoning (often used interchangeably with “blackened seasoning”) quickly became a must-have in my kitchen.

While I love using Slap Ya Mama and Zatarain’s New Orlean’s Style mixes, there’s something truly special about making my own blend. (Especially when making this Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya or this Shrimp Creole Recipe!)

Plus, you can customize the spice level to suit your family’s tastes—my recipe is on the milder side, but feel free to crank up the heat if you like it spicy!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Please see the recipe card below for the exact ingredient amounts.

The ingredients for a homemade Cajun seasoning recipe are on a table with measuring spoons.
  • Paprika: Standard paprika was tested but you can use half smoked paprika for an extra kick.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper used in order to tweak how spicy the blend is.
  • Dried Herbs: A few are used, and the mix really does give the spice blend the best flavor, but feel free to substitute one for the other.
  • Salt: The salt is optional but will enhance the other spices. Leave it out if you want to control the amount of salt added to dishes in the future.

Step-by-step Instructions

Please see the recipe card below for the exact ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.

Whisk it together.

Measure out each of the spices and seasonings in a medium bowl. Mix together using a whisk until well combined. (Garlic powder and onion powder can sometimes clump together, so make sure you break them apart!)

Alternatively, you can mix it together in the jar or container you’ll be storing it in. Just make sure you have plenty of room to mix it up without too much spillage.

Pro Tip: Only add a little bit of cayenne pepper at first and then continue to add more until your desired spice level is reached.

Spices, dried herbs, garlic and onion powder in a white bowl for a homemade Cajun seasoning recipe.
A whisk is mixing up a Cajun seasoning recipe in a white bowl to use for blackening.
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Transfer to a jar for storage.

When storing homemade seasoning mixes it is best to place them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry space. A spice cabinet (NOT over the stove!) or a dry pantry will work great.

You do not want too much open air space in the container, so choose one that just barely fits all of the mix. These 4-ounce mason jars are great to use!

This recipe will last for up to 1-2 years. As time goes on the dried leafy herbs will lose their potency.

A spoon is scooping some Cajun seasoning from a storage jar.

What is the difference between Cajun seasoning and blackened seasoning?

There’s no standard “blackened seasoning” that is completely distinct from Cajun seasoning. Often, blackened seasoning is just a spicier variation of Cajun seasoning or a blend marketed specifically for blackening.

The difference lies more in the method (the technique of blackening) than in the seasoning itself.

Shrimp are seasoned with Cajun flavors and served atop classic grits in a black bowl.
Blackened salmon in a cast iron skillet with lemons and parsley.

Recipes that Use Cajun Seasoning

You can use this Cajun seasoning mix in more authentic Cajun recipes like this Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo, Cajun Cornbread Dressing, Crab Bisque, Cajun Shrimp and Grits, or even these Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice.

Or, you can use it as more of a blackening seasoning in recipes like these Blackened Shrimp Tacos, Blackened Salmon, or these Blackened Fish Tacos.

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4.72 from 7 votes

Cajun Seasoning Recipe

By: London Brazil
This homemade Cajun Seasoning recipe is full of big, bold spices, just like they make it in Louisiana! With a quick mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, dried herbs, and other pantry staples, you'll have the ultimate spice mix ready to use for seasoning Cajun dishes or even blackening your favorite foods!
A silver spoon scooping out some homemade Cajun seasoning mix from a glass jar.
Yield 6 tablespoons
Prep 5 minutes
Total 5 minutes
Print Pin Comment
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Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon thyme dried
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon basil dried
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon salt optional

Instructions 

  • Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl until evenly blended. Make sure to break apart any clumps of garlic powder or onion powder as you do.
    1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt
  • Use immediately or store in an air-tight container for up to 1 year.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

4.72 from 7 votes

Video

Notes

  • Spice Level: slowly add in the cayenne pepper until your desired spice level is reached.
  • Paprika: Add a level of smokiness to the mix by using half regular paprika and half smoked.
  • Salt: The salt is optional but will enhance the other spices. Leave it out if you want to control the amount of salt added to dishes in the future.
  • Usage: Use 1-2 tablespoons for every 1 pound of protein or vegetables.

Nutrition

Calories: 18kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 1g, Sodium: 324mg, Potassium: 169mg, Fiber: 2g, Vitamin A: 1665IU, Vitamin C: 2.6mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 1.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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4.72 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Yes it’s so easy just to head to the store and pick up some cajun seasoning but it’s EASIER to just make your own right? This looks great! Will be making my own no doubt!

    Reply