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Home » Recipe Index » Seasoning and Marinade Recipes

Cajun Seasoning

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight Jessica Randhawa
June 28, 2024
5 from 3 votes


Last Updated April 29, 2025 | 0 Comments

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This Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe is a versatile blend of smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors made from everyday spices you probably already have on hand. It’s the perfect addition to meats, pasta, stews, and more!

Spoon set inside a small clear glass cup filled with mixed together homemade Cajun spice blend.

About This Recipe

Cajun seasoning is my go-to seasoning blend for just about everything—but especially chicken. It’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to deliver a pleasant, though punchy, “kick” to the tastebuds.

So why should you mix your own Cajun seasoning blend vs. buying a pre-mixed bottle from the store? For me, this comes down to two main reasons: control over the overall salt content as well as the heat level. Store-bought Cajun seasoning tends to be super high in salt – a problem for anyone following a low-sodium diet or sensitive to salty meals. Making your own seasoning blend allows you to control both the salt that is added and cayenne powder, making it as spicy or mild as you’d like.

All of the ingredients for homemade Cajun seasoning presented in individual measuring cups and ramekins.

Key Ingredients

Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

This homemade Cajun seasoning blend is moderately spicy. You can make it more or less spicy by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper added to the blend—less for less spicy and more for more spicy.

  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Black pepper
  • Celery Salt
  • Dried Thyme
  • Salt (as needed)
Shallow white plate filled with individual piles of herbs and seasoning for homemade Cajun seasoning including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, celery salt, and ground thyme.
Shallow white plate filled with fully combined mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, celery salt, and ground thyme.

How to Make Cajun Seasoning

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne powder, black pepper, ground celery salt, and dried thyme. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

Yield: This recipe makes approximately 1/3 cup of Cajun seasoning.

How to Use Homemade Cajun Seasoning

You can use this recipe in so many ways. It’s a must-have in my jambalaya recipe, dirty rice recipe, gumbo, and red beans and rice, but it can also be used on and in:

  • Meats: Make simple Cajun chicken, fish, shellfish, steak, or pork.
  • Veggies: It’s especially good sprinkled over roasted veggies like zucchini, roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, fried okra, broccoli, etc.
  • Dips and Sauces: Use it to flavor your favorite sauces like this Cajun remoulade sauce.
  • Pasta and Rice: Add flavor to your favorite creamy Cajun pasta or rice bake.
Shallow white plate filled with partially combined mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, celery salt, and ground thyme.

RECIPE CARD

Spoon set inside a small clear glass cup filled with mixed together homemade Cajun spice blend.

Cajun Seasoning Recipe

5 from 3 votes
AuthorAuthor: Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlightJessica Randhawa
This Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe is a versatile blend of smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors made from everyday spices you probably already have on hand. It’s the perfect addition to meats, pasta, stews, and more!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course How-to, Seasoning
Cuisine American, Cajun
Servings 0.3 cups (approx)
Calories 281 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • salt - to taste
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Instructions
 

  • Whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl. Keep stored in an airtight container, away from direct sunlight, and at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Jessica’s Notes

  • As written, this recipe is moderately spicy. Control the overall heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper, to taste.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 7.806mg | Potassium: 1.332mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 14.43IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 271mg | Iron: 13mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.
Small clear glass cup filled with mixed together homemade Cajun spice blend.

Cajun vs. Creole Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is bold, rustic, and spicy, with a focus on spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, black and white pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, and salt. It tends to be spicier than Creole seasoning and is commonly used in hearty, rural dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and blackened chicken or fish.

Creole seasoning offers a more balanced flavor, incorporating a wider array of herbs and spices, such as basil, bay leaf, celery seed, and parsley, in addition to the core ingredients found in Cajun seasoning. This seasoning is less spicy and more aromatic and is often used in dishes such as étouffée, shrimp Creole, and various soups and stews. It plays a key role in Creole cooking, which blends French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences to create rich, flavorful dishes that highlight both fresh herbs and bold spices.


Looking for more homemade spice blends to try next? Try my Taco Seasoning Recipe, Homemade Italian Seasoning Recipe, and this Homemade Poultry Seasoning Recipe.

About Jessica

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

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Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

About Jessica Randhawa

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

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Recipe Rating




5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Welcome to The Forked Spoon! I’m Chef Jessica Randhawa, and for over 14 years, I’ve been crafting and sharing more than 1200 recipes, blending delicious flavors with practical kitchen tips and expert culinary advice to elevate your everyday cooking. Learn more about me→

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