Recipe

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Blend

A bold, smoky, garlicky Cajun spice mix you can whip up in 5 minutes. Big flavor for chicken, shrimp, potatoes, soups, and any weeknight that needs a little swagger.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.9

A small glass jar filled with homemade Cajun seasoning on a wooden countertop with measuring spoons and scattered spices nearby

Jump to Recipe

If your spice cabinet is anything like mine, it is a mix of optimism and half-used jars. And yet, somehow, the thing I reach for most is the one that disappears fastest: Cajun seasoning. It is the shortcut that makes chicken taste like you tried. It makes roasted potatoes feel like they have a point. It turns a basic pot of beans into something you start guarding with your body.

This homemade Cajun seasoning blend is bright, warm, and a little smoky with a gentle bite. You can keep it mild, make it spicy, or ride the edge of chaos with extra cayenne. The best part is you control the salt, which means no surprise sodium situation when you are seasoning pasta, shrimp, or a whole tray of veggies.

Why It Works

Balanced heat: Paprika brings color and warmth, cayenne adds the kick, and you can scale it to your comfort level.
Flavor that sticks: A mix of garlic, onion, and herbs clings well to meat and vegetables, especially with a little oil.
Better than store-bought control: You decide the salt level and can keep it salt-free for maximum flexibility.
Fast payoff: Five minutes now means dozens of quick meals later.

How to use it tonight: Toss shrimp with oil + Cajun seasoning and sauté. Or coat chicken thighs, roast at 425°F until crisp. Or sprinkle on popcorn and pretend you are a culinary genius.

Storage Tips

This is a dry spice blend, so storage is blissfully low drama.

Container: Store in an airtight jar or spice container, away from heat and sunlight.
Pantry life: Best flavor for about 6 months, still totally usable up to 1 year.
Keep it clump-free: Let freshly measured spices settle before sealing, and keep your measuring spoon dry.
Make two versions: One salt-free for cooking, and one with salt for sprinkling at the table.

If it starts smelling like cardboard instead of like you want to cook immediately, it is time to refresh.

Common Questions

Is Cajun seasoning the same as Creole seasoning?

They are close cousins, not twins. Cajun seasoning is often a bit more rustic and heat-forward, while Creole blends commonly lean a little more herbal and aromatic. Both are delicious. If you love one, you will probably keep the other around too.

Can I make this salt-free?

Yes, and I actually recommend it if you cook a lot. Leave out the salt, then salt your food separately to taste. This prevents accidentally over-salting, especially if you are also using salted broth, soy sauce, or cured meats.

How spicy is this blend?

With 1 teaspoon cayenne in a full batch, it is medium. For mild, use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. For spicy, go up to 2 teaspoons. If you want heat without the sharpness, add more black pepper and smoked paprika first, then adjust cayenne.

What is the best paprika to use?

Smoked paprika gives you that grilled, Louisiana-ish vibe even if your dinner is coming from a sheet pan. Sweet paprika works too, just a little less smoky.

How much Cajun seasoning should I use per pound of meat?

Start with 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound for a light coat, or 1 tablespoon per pound for a bolder crust. If your blend includes salt, start on the lower end.

Can I use this as a blackening seasoning?

Yes. For blackened fish or chicken, use a generous coating, cook in a very hot cast iron skillet with a little oil or butter, and expect smoke. Open a window and accept your choices.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Measuring spoons
Small bowl
Whisk or fork
Airtight spice jar or container
Optional: funnel for tidy jar transfers

The first time I made my own Cajun seasoning, it was not a noble culinary moment. I was halfway through cooking shrimp, realized my store-bought blend was empty, and did what any reasonable person would do: I stared into my spice cabinet like it owed me money. Ten minutes later, I had a homemade mix that tasted fresher, brighter, and way less salty than the jar I had been buying. Now I keep a little container of it on standby for emergencies like boring chicken, sad potatoes, and the very real possibility of surprise guests.