Homemade Cajun Creole Seasoning
This is the one and only Cajun seasoning you will ever need! This recipe beats any store-bought mix by balancing spice levels, omitting the salt and using high-quality ingredients. It only takes 5 minutes to make, keeps for months, and is so tasty you'll want to put it on everything!
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I used to live in Louisiana where they put Cajun seasoning on just about everything. It's used in nearly all of the traditional recipes that you'll find in New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast, but it really is good on so many other things.
It's great as a simple rub for chicken, fish, or steak before flashing on the grill and also delicious on popcorn, French fries, or anywhere else you want a big pop of flavor.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning is Better than Store Bought
This is one of the seasonings I almost always make from scratch since I like it better than most commercial blends. Most Cajun and Creole seasonings on the market are loaded with salt and often have stale spices mixed in.
This recipe allows you to control the salt level of whatever you're putting it on more precisely, but also the spiciness. Cajun seasoning is meant to be spicy by definition, but if you're extra sensitive, you can always dial it back a bit.
Cajun Seasoning vs Creole Seasoning
Cajun and Creole seasoning are often used interchangeably, but there are some slight differences. Still, each seasoning blend can vary since they all contain different amounts and types of herbs and spices.
Creole blends usually contain both dried herbs and spices, while Cajun blends are usually simpler and a bit spicier with more pepper and cayenne.
Dried herbs and celery seed aren't as commonly used in Cajun seasoning, but I think they add another dimension of flavor.
This recipe fits more into the Creole category, but it can be used anywhere Cajun seasoning is called for. If you prefer a more traditional Cajun blend, simply leave out the herbs and add a bit more black pepper and cayenne to taste.
Want more Cajun recipes? Try these crispy Cajun shrimp po boy sandwiches, this zippy Creole remoulade sauce, or these easy Cajun fish cakes.
Why This Recipe Works
- Does not contain salt so you can control the saltiness of your recipes.
- Relies on fresh, high-quality spices for a flavor that will beat out any commercial brand.
- It's a versatile seasoning for meats, seafood, sauces, snacks, or vegetables as well as traditional Cajun and Creole recipes.
- Has a nice balance of spices but can be adjusted to your own taste.
Cajun Seasoning Ingredients
Paprika - Use sweet paprika for a classic, mild flavor, or use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
Onion powder and garlic powder - Make sure they are fresh for the best results.
Black and white pepper - Black pepper gives a fruity, sharp punch, while white pepper is spicier and muskier.
Cayenne - Cayenne pepper builds the main spicy profile of this seasoning. Adapt the quantities to suit your taste.
Dried herbs and celery seed - Dried oregano, basil, thyme, and celery seeds are mixed in and make this recipe more Creole than Cajun. They add an herbal and vegetal layer of flavor, but leave them out if you want a truly Cajun blend.
*Find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below!
Helpful Equipment
- Bowl
- Airtight container
How to Make Cajun Seasoning
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine.
Pro Tip: To tell if your spices are still fresh, rub a pinch between your fingers. If it's super mild or barely smells like anything, it's time to replace them before using.
- Transfer to an airtight container or spice jar and store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Success
- There is purposefully no salt in this recipe so that you can control the salt content more easily in your dishes.
- Lightly roasting the spices before mixing them together can help to create a more vibrant flavor. You can also activate the spice mix before applying it to a recipe by toasting or blooming it in fat.
- Shake or stir the seasoning before using to redistribute the spices, since finer powders tend to settle over time.
Cajun Creole Seasoning Variations
- For a more Cajun style seasoning, omit the herbs and celery seed, and increase the cayenne and black pepper.
- Add other kinds of dried herbs to create a different profile, like dill or sage.
- Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or use hot paprika for an even spicier profile. You can also choose to mix in both for balance.
- Use chipotle powder instead of cayenne for a smokier and earthier flavor with a little less spice.
How to Use Cajun Seasoning
This seasoning is incredibly versatile, it can go on everything from french fries and popcorn to meat, chicken, and seafood.
Use it in this authentic New Orleans BBQ shrimp or on these bite-sized blackened fish sliders. Sprinkle some on top of crispy panko fried shrimp, or add it to the brine for these tangy Louisiana-style pickled shrimp.
You can also use this seasoning blend in place of Old Bay seasoning in nearly every dish it's called for to make it Cajun-style. Try it in this classic crab cake recipe, the best steamed blue crabs, in this velvety cream of crab soup, or on these fun peel and eat shrimp.
How to Store Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Store your seasoning in an airtight container away from heat and light for the best flavor. It will keep well for several months, but the flavor is strongest within the first 2-3 months.
FAQs
Yes, but they have slightly different flavor profiles. You may need to adjust the amount depending on the recipe.
This usually means it's been exposed to moisture. Adding a few grains of rice inside your airtight container can prevent that.
Yes, this recipe has no salt so that you can control the salt content yourself. I think it's best to adjust for the recipe you're using rather than adding salt to the entire batch.
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Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix (No Salt)
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons celery seed
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine.
- Transfer to an airtight container or spice jar and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- To tell if your spices are still fresh, rub a pinch between your fingers. If it's super mild or barely smells like anything, it's time to replace them before using.
- There is purposefully no salt in this recipe so that you can control the salt content more easily in your dishes.
- Lightly roasting the spices before mixing them together can help to create a more vibrant flavor. You can also activate the spice mix before applying it to a recipe by toasting or blooming it in fat.
- Shake or stir the seasoning before using to redistribute the spices, since finer powders tend to settle over time.
