Homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning Recipe

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This homemade Louisiana Cajun Seasoning recipe is a delicious spice blend I often add to some of my favorite dishes. I love the bold flavors and spicy heat tones of smoky Paprika, Cayenne pepper, and black pepper melded together with earthy herbs such as garlic, onion, oregano, and thyme all coming together to make one delicious all-purpose seasoning.

This spice blend elevates common foods like chicken, sausage, seafood, and the “holy trinity” of celery, onions, and bell peppers to create something “out of this world” scrumptious.

What is Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning was developed over time by the French, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures coming together over many generations in the swamp bayous of what is now Louisiana. It’s an eclectic blend of spices that is both savory and smoky that’s a little on the warm side of the heat scale depending on how sensitive your taste buds are.

Cajun seasoning is essential to everything food in Louisiana. It’s made this region a culinary mecca for food lovers like me and that’s why cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge are known as the home of delicious Cajun cuisine.

Benefits of Making Homemade Spice Blends

• Homemade spice blends are more economical than already-made, store-bought mixes.
• They are totally customizable to fit personal dietary needs and taste bud tolerance making it easy to create a blend of spices that’s just right for you.
• The best part of making homemade spice mixes is they are healthier than store-bought. No MSG, anti-caking agents like corn starch or gluten-based substances, and other unrecognizable chemical ingredients.

Spices You Need for This Recipe

• Smoked Paprika – smoky with a hint of subtle heat. 
• Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne pepper adds the majority of the heat in this spice mix. If this mix is too hot then cut the cayenne pepper in half.
• Salt – reduce the amount or omit the salt altogether if you’re on a salt-restricted diet.
• Black Pepper – black pepper in a large amount is very spicy but essential in this seasoning mix.
• Garlic Powder – earthy, subtle, garlic flavor and is more pungent than fresh garlic. 
• Onion Powder – onion powder, just like garlic powder, is a must in this recipe. It’s earthy and flavorful and makes everything delicious.
• Dried Oregano – a basic herb used in most Cajun dishes.
• Dried Thyme – fresh, savory flavor straight from the heavens. Thyme is my favorite herb to cook with. 

How to Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning

• Step 1: Measure all seasonings and place them in a mixing bowl.
• Step 2: Stir with a spoon or wire whisk until well blended.
• Step 3: Store in a glass mason jar with a lid, plastic tub, or heavy zip lock baggie. 

Cajun Seasoning Substitutions and Additions

Make it your own by changing ingredient ratios or adding a few extra savory spices to this delicious spice mix.

• white pepper
• red pepper flakes
• chili powder
• cumin
• dried rosemary

Favorite Store-Bought Cajun Seasoning Blends

I think I’ve tried almost all the Cajun spice mixes sold in grocery stores like Tony Chachere’s (green cardboard shaker), Louisiana Fish Fry Cajun Seasoning (yellow bag), and Slap Ya Mama (yellow cardboard shaker) and hands down Slap Ya Mama’s is by far my favorite.

Uses for Cajun Seasoning

• Fish Fry-add some spice to the flour used to fry fish or chicken
• Shrimp Boil-add this Cajun seasoning to the water for a spicy kick 
• Red Beans and Rice-Cajun spices are mandatory for this classic Louisiana dish
• Chicken, Shrimp, and Sausage Gumbo-again, Cajun seasoning is a main ingredient for this southern staple
• Cajun Dirty Rice – it isn’t dirty if this spice mix isn’t included

How To Store Homemade Spice Blends

Use an airtight container like a clear glass mason jar with a metal lid. Plastic containers and plastic baggies also work well.

Cajun Food Recipes You’ll Love

Best Southern Chicken Sausage Gumbo with Shrimp

Easy Cajun Crockpot Red Beans and Rice

Spicy Jalapeno Pimento Cheese Spread…great party snack that feeds a crowd

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