This homemade Cajun seasoning recipe is going to help bring Cajun cuisine to your kitchen. A perfect blend of spicy, savory, and bold flavors that works perfectly on just about anything including chicken wings, seafood boils, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, veggies, and so much more.
Oh my goodness, y'all! We are about to round out the dog days of summer and start heading into fall territory! I can't believe it, but I am so excited for it.
I am quite over the heat domes, the heat waves, the heat in general. It was cute to celebrate summer, but now I'm ready to get back outside and enjoy a cup of cider. Bring me the crisp weather and the comforting food, am I right?
To prep for cozy season, I start batching up my favorite spice blends and Cajun seasoning is a must have for any home, in my opinion. A spicy Cajun seafood boil, creamy Cajun chicken noodle soup or classic jambalaya isn't the same without a spoonful of this earthy, savory spice blend.
Cajun seasoning is like an all purpose seasoning when you want some serious flavor; it perfectly seasons up beef, chicken, pork, seafood, sauces and dip.
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Homemade Cajun Spice Mix - Spicy, Easy, and Delish!
Many people know the famous store-bought Cajun seasoning blends: Ragin Cajun, Tony Chachere's (how do you say Chachere's? I've heard different ways but I say Sha-Cher-Ree's), and Slap Ya Mama. But why buy them when you most likely have everything you need to make them in your spice cabinet?
Cajun seasoning is a must have for any home, in my opinion. How else are you going to enjoy a good gumbo, a crawfish-filled Cajun seafood boil, or classic Cajun jambalaya? In my house, a creamy Cajun chicken noodle soup or grilled Cajun shrimp isn't anything good without a spoonful of this earthy, savory spice blend. It's like an all purpose seasoning when you want some serious flavor. It perfectly seasons up beef, chicken, pork, seafood boils, sauces and dip.
Many people think that Cajun seasoning is just hot, but the best part of making your own seasoning blend is that you control the heat, you control the flavor. My DIY recipe makes for a subtly spicy, delicious blend of pantry staples: smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and herbs, with a hit of cayenne for that authentic taste straight from Louisiana.
What's the Difference between Creole and Cajun?
Cajun cuisine originated with the Acadians, French-speaking settlers who relocated from Canada to the rural swamps of southern Louisiana. Known for its robust and straightforward meals, Cajun cooking highlights local ingredients like shrimp, crawfish, pork, and the "holy trinity" of bell peppers, onions, and celery. It is famous for its bold, spicy flavors and techniques such as blackening, frying, and grilling.
Creole cuisine, on the other hand, originated in the diverse community of New Orleans and was influenced by French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Italian settlers. Creole cooking incorporates European ingredients like tomatoes, butter, cream, and roux, blending them into dishes with African, Native American, and Caribbean influences.
Modern Cajun and Creole seasonings are quite similar, but historically, Cajun seasoning was simpler, focusing on spicy peppers with fewer ingredients. Creole seasoning tends to be slightly milder and includes herbs like basil and thyme.
Cajun Seasoning Blend Ingredients
- Smoked Paprika and Cayenne Pepper - smoked paprika brings a deep, smoky flavor but very little heat, while the smaller amount of cayenne brings heat and flavor without being overwhelming.
- Kosher Salt.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder - garlic powder is roasted before dehydrating, so it has that cooked garlic flavor instead of the sharp bite of fresh garlic.
- Black Pepper - use freshly ground pepper. The fresh oils are sharp, aromatic and make a huge difference in flavor than pre-ground.
- Dried Oregano and Dried Thyme - this is a more modern addition, making it similar to Creole seasoning, and rounding out the flavors in our Cajun spice mix. Omit the herbs if you just want that classic Cajun flavor.
How to Store Your Cajun Spice Mix
Keep your seasoning in a cute little mason jar or another airtight container with a lid to keep out debris and keep it dry. It'll last for 6 months.
How to use Louisiana Cajun seasoning
- Great flavor on Proteins - traditional cajun spices are perfect on any type of protein! Try it on your thanksgiving turkey, a Cajun rib eye steak, sprinkle some on an egg salad sandwich, or add cajun flavor to chicken breast.
- Veggies - add a spicy kick to asparagus, roasted potatoes, grilled corn, or any seasonal veggies that are roasting or grilling! Make Five Guys-style crispy fries coated with Cajun seasoning or in cajun potato salad!
- Breakfast - Cajun seasoning is perfect for any spice lover's breakfast. Add it to dad's steak and eggs brunch, savory shrimp and grits, or classic southern honey butter chicken biscuits!
FAQs
Both seasoning blends are very similar in flavor, so you can use Creole seasoning in most recipes asking for Cajun seasoning and vice versa.
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Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoon dried oregano, optional
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme, optional
- 2 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, ground
- 1 tablespoon black pepper, finely ground
Instructions
- Whisk all of the spices together in a small mixing bowl until well combined.3 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 2 tablespoon granulated garlic, 2 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon black pepper
- Pour the Cajun seasoning into a jar with an airtight lid. The seasoning will keep for 6 months.
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