Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe

A simple yet explosively flavorful homemade cajun seasoning perfect for spicing up your recipes and adding authentic creole inspired flavor. Try in this Dirty Rice, Cajun Honey Butter Salmon, Cajun Salmon Alfredo, and Cajun Stuffed Chicken.

Cajun spice on everything!  That’s my motto. I love the flexibility and flavor associated with this recipe.  And it couldn’t be easier. When making your own homemade cajun seasoning recipe, it is important that you follow this recipe as a guideline.  Later on, you can make changes as you see fit.

What Are Some Cajun Seasoning Uses?

This recipe is a great base to get you started.  Whether you want to add a dash to my cajun red beans and rice or a bit to this Shrimp Etouffee recipe, you can really jazz things up with your own spice blend.  You can also sprinkle this on a plain chicken breast and immediately have something fantastic for dinner.

What’s in Cajun Spice?

To make this cajun spice, you will need several different herbs and essence that will combine in a lovely flavor.  I love the addition of the dried thyme which really gives it a beautiful herby flavor without being too much.  

Spices like paprika and cayenne are seriously necessary for that heat kick that we love in a good cajun spice.  Cajun cuisine is known for that kick so it is crucial that your spice includes it.  The recipe also includes two peppers: black pepper and white pepper.  I love this addition.

Finally one thing I would add if you want it later on is a sweet kick.  You could add a bit of brown sugar to this recipe if you prefer and really get that hot with the sweet essence.

Homemade Cajun Spice Ingredients

• Pepper: What most don’t know is that the secret to great cajun seasoning is adding both black and white pepper! It might be more difficult to locate white pepper but definitely try if you want to use this a lot in recipes.
• Garlic & onion powder: Both garlic and onion powder provide wonderful roasted and savory flavors.
• Cayenne powder: For cajun seasoning, you must crank up the heat.
• Paprika: I personally prefer smoked paprika since it adds more flavor and complexity.
• Thyme: Here dried thyme provides earthiness and really balances everything.
• Mustard powder: That hint of mustard powder provides tanginess to the mix.

How to Store

I like to store my cajun spices in jars in my spice drawer.  Because you are already using spices that are preserved, they tend to last a super long time.  It’s best to check the expiration dates on the individual flavors that you purchase to get a pretty good idea of how long this spice blend or any additional spice blends you make will last.