Homemade Cajun Seasoning

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
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Updated on 03/22/23
Homemade cajun seasoning

The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Margot Cavin, Food Stylist: Kristin Stangl

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 15 mins
Servings: 100 servings
Yield: 1 cup
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
1 Calories
0g Fat
0g Carbs
0g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 100
Amount per serving
Calories 1
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0g 0%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 43mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 2mg 0%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 9mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Cajun seasoning is a classic mix of dried herbs and spices. If you come across a recipe that calls for Cajun seasoning, there is no need to buy it. If you have a semi-well-stocked pantry, it's likely that you already have all of the ingredients on hand already. Just follow this recipe and make your own seasoning. For those who like a very spicy seasoning, add a little more cayenne to this spice mixture. By making your own mixture, especially if you use your own home-dried herbs, you avoid additional preservatives and additives.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup paprika

  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

  • 2 teaspoons salt

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground white pepper

  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients to make homemade cajun seasoning

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Margot Cavin, Food Stylist: Kristin Stangl

  2. In a small bowl or a zip-close food storage bag, combine all ingredients. Mix to combine. Store the spice blend in a tightly sealed zip top bag or transfer to a jar. Label the bag or jar with the date. It should maintain its quality for as long as 2 to 3 years but will become less potent in flavor over time. Shake well before each use.

    A bowl of paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, garlic powder, ground white pepper, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper

    The Spruce Eats / Photographer: Margot Cavin, Food Stylist: Kristin Stangl

Homemade Cajun seasoning is a very popular and versatile spice mixture. You can use it in a number of different foods including:

  • Make blackened chicken or seafood. Cajun seasoning is the key to these flavors. Rub the spice mixture on any protein and then grill, bake, or sauté it. If you have leftover protein, chop it up, mix it with some mayonnaise, herbs, or chopped scallions, and you'll have a perfect salad for sandwiches.
  • Use the seasoning as a dip base. Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and some Cajun seasoning for a tangy dip or sauce for veggies, wings, or anything else.
  • Mix the Cajun seasoning into deviled egg mixture. For an added kick, dust the top of the prepared deviled eggs with the Cajun seasoning.
  • This Cajun seasoning is so versatile, you can sprinkle it on anything that needs a flavor kick. It's perfect on fresh slices of juicy tomatoes, ripe cantaloupe, or even a bagel with cream cheese.

Making a Batch for Gifts

If you really enjoy making (and eating) Cajun seasoning or you are known for it among your friends and family, consider making a big batch and giving the seasoning out as a holiday gift. If you do this, you should buy all of your spices in bulk. You'll also want to get empty spice jars.

Make a large batch of seasoning and using a funnel, fill up each jar. Make your own label and feel free to customize the name of your Cajun seasoning. You can also create a recipe card or some personalized tips and tricks about your favorite way to use the seasoning. Attach the cute card with some ribbon and your gift is ready to give.