Cajun seasoning is a fantastic herb and spice blend to keep on hand for quick and easy dinners. Use as much or as little as you'd like to add warm Cajun flavor to your next dish of chicken, seafood, or veggies.
Cajun seasoning is a must-have seasoning blend to keep in your spice cabinet. It has a little warmth and a complex, savory flavor that's perfect for adding to your favorite protein, veggies, or pasta.
I like to use Cajun seasoning to make Cajun chicken alfredo or shrimp and grits. It can even be added to roasted vegetables, gravies, or deviled eggs.
If you'd like a more flavorful seasoning blend than the ones you can find at the grocery store, give this recipe a try. The best part is that it's not filled with salt or sugar (like many store bought brands), so the seasoning blend adds a concentrated flavor to your meal.
Ingredients
- Paprika - Adds a sweet and peppery flavor to the spice blend. If desired, use a smoked paprika to add a bit of smoky flavor. Paprika can lose its flavor quickly, so I recommend buying fresh ground paprika before adding it to a spice blend.
- Cayenne pepper - Adds a little warmth and spice to the seasoning blend. While this recipe makes a mild to medium spice level of seasoning, the cayenne can be cut in half for a truly mild flavor.
- Black pepper - Adds an earthy warmth.
- Oregano - Adds an aromatic, earthy flavor.
- Onion powder - Adds a zesty, concentrated onion flavor.
- Garlic powder - Adds pungent, garlicky flavor.
- Thyme - Adds mild, woody, savory flavor.
Tips and tricks
Use new herbs and spices - I recommend buying new herbs and spices before assembling a spice blend like Cajun seasoning. Ground herbs and spices taste best within the first six months, and continually lose their flavor over time.
Only make what you'll use in six months - If you don't cook with Cajun seasoning frequently, I recommend making a smaller batch of seasoning. To reduce the measurements in the recipe card, hover over the serving size and use the sliding bar.
Recipes with Cajun seasoning
This seasoning blend is versatile and can be added to practically any dish. My favorite uses include chicken, shrimp, and roasted vegetables. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that call for Cajun seasoning:
- Shrimp and grits
- Cajun chicken alfredo
- Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet
- Sweet potato wedges
- Cajun chicken and cheesy grits
- Grits with roasted vegetables
- Cajun deviled eggs
Frequently asked questions
Cajun seasoning can vary based on the recipe you're following or brand of seasoning you can find at the store. This Cajun seasoning is made with paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme.
While my recipe below does not call for salt, some store bought brands can contain salt. Keep this in mind when seasoning a recipe that calls for salt and Cajun seasoning - you may want to cut back on the salt if it's included in your seasoning blend.
Some store bought brands can include sugar in their seasoning blends. Sugar can make seasoning blends taste better, but can also dilute the flavor of the spices and herbs used. I don't like to add sugar to any of my seasoning blends for this reason.
Ground herbs and spices are best used within the first six months (ideally 3 months) for best flavor, but will keep for 2 to 3 years in airtight containers. I recommend making a quantity of Cajun seasoning that you think you'll use within about 6 months. This recipe can easily be scaled down by hovering over the servings in the recipe card and using the sliding bar.
Here's an article with more helpful information:
USDA: Will spices used beyond their shelf life be safe?
Just about any meat goes well with Cajun seasoning, seafood, chicken, pork, and beef can all be seasoned with Cajun seasoning.
Cajun seasoning, despite popular belief, isn't incredibly spicy. It's mostly used for adding complex savory flavor to foods and has a mild to medium spice level depending on how much you're adding to the recipe. To make your Cajun seasoning milder, cut the cayenne pepper in half.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons thyme
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- Spice blend will keep for 1 year or more in a sealed container. Flavor is best if used within six months when made with new spices and herbs.
- To make your Cajun seasoning milder, cut the cayenne pepper in half.
- This seasoning can be used in any recipe that calls for Cajun seasoning as an ingredient. Keep in mind that some store bought blends add salt or sugar, so this blend may have a more concentrated flavor.
Excellent mix and sometimes I add Cumin and substitute Chipotle for cayenne pepper.