With my recipe for Cajun seasoning, you can add a bit of Louisiana magic to your food whenever you want! It has the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and spicy goodness, instantly giving various dishes a serious flavor upgrade.
Cajun seasoning is a bold, smoky spice blend built on paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne, with dried herbs and black pepper rounding it out. It takes 5 minutes to mix and works on almost anything: roasted vegetables, tofu, fries, popcorn, soups.
The short version: 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons cayenne, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon white pepper if you want it.
A Note From Kristen
I love making homemade spice blends using ingredients I already have, and this homemade Cajun seasoning blend is no exception! It’s fresher and more flavorful than any store-bought variety out there. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be using it on anything that could use a smoky, spicy kick. Enjoy!
~Kristen
What is Cajun Seasoning?
It’s a blend of herbs and spices, with Acadian roots, that gives dishes earthy, bold, and spicy flavors, enhancing their taste and making them more enjoyable.
Recipes tend to vary, but common ingredients in Cajun seasoning typically include paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic. This blend is often used in Cajun and Creole dishes such as red beans and rice, maque choux, and okra gumbo.
Cajun Seasoning vs. Creole Seasoning
People mix these up all the time, and I get why. Both come from Louisiana and both lean heavy on paprika, garlic, and pepper. But they’re not the same thing.
Cajun seasoning comes from the rural, French-Acadian side of Louisiana. It’s built for pure heat and pepper flavor: paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, black pepper, and just enough herbs to round it out. Simple, no-fuss, straight to the point, which is basically the whole Cajun cooking philosophy.
Creole seasoning comes out of New Orleans, where French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean cooking all collided. It uses a lot of the same base spices, but it’s herbier and often a little saltier, sometimes with dried basil, dried parsley, or even a touch of celery salt mixed in.
If a recipe just needs bold pepper flavor, reach for Cajun. If it needs that same kick with a more herb-forward, rounded flavor, that’s Creole. This recipe is Cajun all the way!
Ingredient Notes
Keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Find the full ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below.
How to Make Cajun Seasoning
01
COMBINE
In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, pepper, cayenne, and salt.
02
MIX
Mix well.
03
USE
Enjoy!
My Favorite Ways to Use Cajun Seasoning
- Mixed into my creamy Cajun coleslaw (a personal fave!).
- Use it to flavor your favorite proteins.
- Use it to make these Cajun Tofu Bites.
- Add it to stews or soups like my Instant Pot Cajun spiced chickpea soup.
- As a seasoning for cooked vegetables like my roasted golden beets or air fryer parsnips.
- Sprinkle it on freshly popped popcorn.
- Give flavor to homemade french fries.
- Added to veggie gumbo.
Is Cajun Seasoning Spicy?
Yes, but it’s adjustable. The heat comes mostly from cayenne pepper, so if you want it milder, cut the cayenne back or leave out the white pepper. Add more cayenne if you want it to really pack a punch. This recipe is written for a solid medium heat that most people can handle, not blow-your-head-off spicy.
More Cajun Recipes to Try
Best Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5-Minute Spice Blend)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper you can adjust to suit your heat preferences
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper optional, for extra depth
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, garlic power, onion powder, oregano, thyme, pepper, cayenne and salt. Mix well.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage
Keep the seasoning in a sealed, airtight container to protect it from air exposure and moisture. Then, store it in a cool, dry place away from heat sources or direct sunlight. It’ll be good for up to six months. Since seasonings tend to lose potency over time, it’s best to make smaller quantities than big batches. That way, you’ll always have the freshest Cajun seasoning when needed!Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated using a third-party calculator and is an estimate only.
ANXIOUS TO TRY
I hope you enjoy it!