Versatile homemade Cajun seasoning is so much better than commercial Cajun seasoning. The homemade version has a nice kick and a perfect blend of savory zesty flavors. A simple spice blend of common ordinary spices that is great on meat, pasta, veggies, and more.
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What is Cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning or Cajun spice mix is a classic blend of common ordinary spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried herbs like thyme and oregano.
This most popular spice mix originated from Louisiana. This spice blend complements a wide range of dishes. It’s used on blackened chicken, on pork chops, steaks, even pasta, on grilled vegetables, with soups and stews too.
Why homemade Cajun seasoning is best
Unlike some of the store-bought spice blend which is either too salty or lacks the kick that you want, a homemade spice blend gives you complete control.
You can customize this spice blend according to your preference. If you like it spicy add more cayenne pepper and white pepper, love garlic flavor add more of garlic powder.
It only takes minutes to make this and I guarantee once you make your own, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Cajun vs creole seasoning
Though both these seasonings have similar flavor profiles and you can substitute one spice for the other, there is a difference between the two.
While Cajun seasoning has strong flavors of pepper-ground white pepper, black pepper, and paprika
Creole seasoning primarily flavors are dried herbs like dried thyme, dried rosemary, dried oregano, dried basil, and sometimes even include dried bay leaf. Â
Usually Cajun seasoning is used in dishes that does not include tomatoes like blackened chicken, grilled chicken breast, steaks, pork or on grilled vegetables. Creole seasoning usually is used in dish that include tomato in it.
What is in Cajun seasoning
You’ll need ordinary spices, chances are that you already have them in your pantry.  You can totally customize the spice blend according to your taste. If you don’t like it spicy, feel free to reduce chili powder or cayenne pepper and ground pepper.
- 3 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 3 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 teaspoon mild chili powder (or cayenne) Â
Paprika – either sweet or smoked paprika will work.
Sea salt – add salt to taste. Sea salt is best. Adding salt to the seasoning mix is optional. Not adding salt to the mix gives you the freedom to add salt to the dish according to taste and allows you to use as much of Cajun seasoning you want without the fear of over-salting the dish.
Ground pepper – used a mix of ground white and black pepper. White pepper has a flavor of its own and makes it taste better.
If you don’t have white pepper, use just black pepper.
Onion & garlic powder – for flavor. Don’t skip it.
Dried herbs – I used dried thyme and dried oregano. You can include other dried herbs dried basil, dried rosemary, dried marjoram, or simply add Italian seasoning.
Chili powder or cayenne pepper – dial the heat according to your choice by adjusting the amount. I used mild chili powder.
How to make Cajun seasoning
Simply mix all the spices and store them in a clean dry airtight container. Cajun seasoning can be stored in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
How does Cajun seasoning taste
The spice mix has a perfect blend of zesty, spicy, savory flavors. The bold spicy flavor from paprika and cayenne with earthiness from onion-garlic powder and herby flavor from dried herbs.
Use the spice blend to perk up any dish like grilled meat or vegetables, soups or stews.
How to use Cajun spice mix
This spice mix is so versatile you can use it to season and elevate any dish. This spice mix really complements the dish with nice spicy, zesty, earthy flavors.
You can use it in any dishes like –
- Grilled chicken, shrimp or any meat best with pork chops and steaks
- Cajun pasta
- Grilled vegetables
- To elevate the flavors of soup, stews, rice and beans
- In sheet pan dinner
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📋Best Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 3 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 teaspoon mild chili powder or cayenne
Instructions
- Simply mix all the spices together and store in clean dry air tight container.
- Cajun seasoning can be stored in a cool dry place for up to 6 months.
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