Cajun Seasoning – Downshiftology

Cajun Seasoning - Downshiftology


This homemade Cajun seasoning is the ultimate spice blend that adds an earthy, bold, and Southern spice kick to any dish!

A bowl of cajun seasoning ingredients next to a spoon
Photo: Gayle McLeod

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Seasoning

You can say I’m a huge fan of Cajun seasoning. Whether I use it for classic dishes like jambalaya, Cajun shrimp, and blackened salmon or my own creations like creamy Cajun chicken and Cajun sheet pan sausage and veggies, this seasoning always brings me back to previous New Orleans adventures and the heart and soul of Louisiana comfort food. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • It’s got a spicy kick! And while many assume that all Cajun food is super spicy (though many dishes certainly are!) Cajun seasoning is a blend of moderately spicy, earthy, and bold flavors.
  • You can tweak the heat. Unlike store-bought versions, you can tweak the level of spice and heat to your liking. So if you’d like a more mild seasoning, just reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
  • It stores for a long time. Watch the video below to see how I store my homemade Cajun seasoning in glass jars. Then, I can simply sprinkle or add it to recipes in the future!
Cajun seasoning blend in a bowlCajun seasoning blend in a bowl

Cajun Seasoning Ingredients

  • Paprika & Cayenne Pepper: Most cajun seasonings go heavy on paprika. And the cayenne pepper adds that spicy heat.
  • Garlic & Onion Powder: The power duo for any seasoning base. But I go a bit heavier on garlic powder for this one.
  • Dried Herbs: Oregano and thyme give that herbal depth of flavor and a nod to Creole cooking.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How To Make Cajun Seasoning

Making your own spice blend is as easy as stirring everything together and storing it in my favorite glass spice jars. These jars are perfect for doubling or even quadrupling this recipe — which is honestly the best when you need to amp up a simple chicken or veggie dinner.

How long will this seasoning last? If you use fresh spices and dried herbs, it can last for up to one year!

Cajun seasoning in a jarCajun seasoning in a jar

Ways To Use Cajun Seasoning

Having a bottle of homemade Cajun seasoning might be one of the most versatile spice blends to have. Especially if you love deep, spicy food. Here are a few ways to use it!

  • Coat it on meats and seafood. With all Cajun food, this seasoning is perfect for adding to all sorts of fish (especially shrimp), chicken, or steaks that are pan seared or grilled.
  • Toss with vegetables. This gives roasted vegetables some spicy love. Specifically roasted potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, tomatoes, and squashes.
  • Stir into soups. When you want to add a spiced kick to a simple soup, like my cabbage soup, just add in about one tablespoon.
  • Don’t forget about seafood boils! This southern dish is a Louisiana classic, and it’s not a seafood boil without loads of Cajun seasoning (or Cajun sauce).

More Homemade Seasonings

If you make this Cajun seasoning, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.

Description

Cajun seasoning is the ultimate spice blend that adds an earthy, bold, and southern spice kick to any dish! Watch the video below to see how I make it, store it in a glass jar, and label it for future use.

Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 13988mg | Potassium: 1018mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 12694IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 13mg

Recipe originally published February 2023, but updated to include new information and photos for your benefit!

Scroll to Top