Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Basic spice blends can be super helpful when trying to pull together a quick weeknight dinner. They can transform boring meat or vegetables into something new and crave-worthy, and pull you out of your dinner rut. I’ve been asked to create a collection of simple spice blends, and having lived in south Louisiana for 16 years, I knew Homemade Cajun Seasoning had to be on the list! This spice blend is spicy, smoky, full of savory herbs, and will add serious flavor anywhere it’s added. Read on to see how versatile this seasoning blend is below…

How to Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning

How to Use Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is extremely versatile! Try sprinkling this seasoning blend on:

grilled, baked, or pan-seared meat or seafood

roasted vegetables and potatoes

chicken or potato salads

pasta

soup

beans

dips (sour cream based dips, bean dips, or cheese sauces)

It’s such a great all-purpose blend that you can almost add it to anything! Check out how I used it in my One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. I also use a slight variation on this blend to make my Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, Blackened Shrimp Pasta, and Cajun Cabbage and Noodles.

Store Bought vs. Homemade Cajun Seasoning

So when should you mix up your own spice blend vs. buying a pre-mixed bottle from the store? IMHO, if it’s something you don’t use often (less than 2-3 times per month), I don’t suggest buying a bottle pre-mixed. It’s much better to mix it up yourself, as needed, so the remainder doesn’t go to waste. If it’s something I use on a very regular basis, I’m more open to buying a pre-mixed blend because I know it will get used and it saves me time not having to measure out 6-8 spices every time I want to use it.

Salt Content

The other major thing to consider when comparing store bought Cajun Seasoning and this homemade version is the salt content. Some store bought Cajun seasonings contain a lot of salt. I tend to use those more like a seasoning salt, adding them to food at the table or after cooking. Because this homemade blend is much lower in salt, I can add it liberally to food during the cooking process, without accidentally over salting. My blend has just enough salt to help the flavors pop.

Is Cajun Seasoning Spicy?

Traditionally yes, but it doesn’t have to be! Since you’re mixing up your Cajun Seasoning from scratch you can control the heat. Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper up or down to make this blend as spicy or mild as you like.

Print Recipe 4.75 from 4 votes Homemade Cajun Seasoning This homemade Cajun Seasoning is spicy, smoky, and will add TONS of flavor to your meat, vegetables, beans, pasta, and more. Author: Beth - Budget Bytes Prep Time: 5 mins Total Time: 5 mins Servings: 1 recipe Ingredients 2 tsp smoked paprika ($0.20)

1 tsp oregano ($0.10)

1 tsp thyme ($0.10)

1/2 tsp garlic powder ($0.05)

1/2 tsp onion powder ($0.05)

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02)

1/4 tsp black pepper ($0.02)

1/4 tsp salt ($0.02) Instructions Combine all the ingredients and use immediately to season food, or store in an air-tight container, away from sunlight. Notes *This seasoning is moderately spicy. You can control the heat by either adding more or less cayenne pepper. See how we calculate recipe costs here. Tried this recipe? Mention @budgetbytes or tag #budgetbytes on Instagram! Nutrition Serving: 2 Tbsp ・ Calories: 7.75 kcal ・ Carbohydrates: 1.65 g ・ Protein: 0.25 g ・ Fat: 0.1 g ・ Sodium: 415.9 mg ・ Fiber: 0.35 g Nutritional values are estimates only. See our full nutrition disclosure here. The equipment section above contains affiliate links to products we use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

No step by step photos this time, because there is only one step! Mix all the ingredients together and go! 😅