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Cajun Seasoning
With just a few key ingredients you can make this authentic, bold Cajun seasoning recipe that’s more aromatic and flavorful than any pre-made blend.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade Cajun seasoning is the answer to your culinary woes and is surprisingly easy to make from items you likely already have in your pantry.
This recipe makes it easy to spice up an array of meals, and you’ll be able to customize it to make it as spicy or mild as you’d like. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to spicing!
What Goes Into Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Ingredient Notes
No, they are not the same. Paprika is dried chili peppers while chili powder is actually a blend of spices.
Garlic powder is just garlic while garlic salt is primarily salt that is seasoned with garlic powder. So, they are not interchangeable.
Unfortunately, onion salt cannot be substituted for onion powder. Like garlic powder, onion powder is just onion while onion salt is salt that is seasoned with onion powder.
It is the same ingredient with the same flavor BUT the amounts differ. About 1 tsp. of thyme equals 1/2 teaspoon of ground thyme.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Recipes don’t get any easier than a spice blend! Simply combine all the ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Expert Tips
Tip 1 – Make extras! This homemade Cajun seasoning is a versatile all-purpose blend. Use it in everything from pasta to blackened fish to creamy mashed potatoes. So, double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe to always have it on hand.
Tip 2 – Use fresh(ish) ingredients. We’ve all had a spice cabinet that is absolute anarchy inside. One that is a chaotic accumulation of spices collected over the years. Are there five bottles of garlic powder? Likely, yes. How about that bottle of black pepper that expired six years ago? Also, likely. Use spices that are less than a couple years old that have ideally been stored in a dry, cool, and dark place.
Tip 3 – Adjust the spice level. The amount of spice in this recipe is extremely easy to adjust to accommodate your preferences. Cayenne pepper is the ingredient that packs the heat.
Use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for mild heat, 1 teaspoon for medium heat, and 1 1/2 teaspoons for a hot kick in the mouth. If you find black pepper spicy, you can skip the cayenne pepper altogether to eliminate the spice.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Homemade seasoning blends are fresher, have more flavor, and less salt (generally). You can also adjust homemade blends to accommodate your preferences.
It depends how much cayenne pepper is in the Cajun seasoning blend. For the particular recipe, you can decide the level of spice you want. Use 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a mild heat, 1 teaspoon for medium heat, and 1 1/2 teaspoons for a good kick of spice.
Spices should be kept in a cool, dark, and dry place. A dry cabinet, drawer, or dark pantry area are best for storage. I personally store my spices in a drawer.
Spices should not be kept anywhere near heat or moisture. Avoid storing them anywhere above the stove or sink. Also keep them away from slow cookers and instant pots in use as they can create a lot of moisture.
It depends! Glass containers are the best containers to store spices if they are kept in a dark place like a drawer or cabinet. They create an airtight seal and keep dried herbs and spices freshest longest.
If you store spices out in the open on the counter or a wall, you will want to use fully opaque containers (like stainless steal) to protect the spices from light. Light will diminish the quality and flavor of your spices.
A very efficient and effective way to store spices is alphabetically in in a drawer in a single layer. This helps eliminate duplicates and waste because you are able to see all the spices you have. 
Spices and seasonings that are kept in air tight containers in a dry cool place last 1-3 years. Spices don’t “go bad” in the traditional sense but instead lose flavor and color over time.
Homemade Spice Blends
How to Make Cajun Seasoning
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Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 Tbsp dried thyme
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 – 1 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, (see note 1)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container in a cool and dark place.
