Cajun Seasoning

Here’s how to make Cajun seasoning! This homemade seasoning mix is all natural, easy to make, and adds the very best flavor.

Love Cajun cuisine? Then you know that the very best flavor comes from homemade Cajun seasoning. Cajun cooking uses lots of spices, so the store-bought blend was created as a shortcut for home cooks. It’s great for ease of use, but sometimes it’s got additives and preservatives. Make up a batch of this homemade Cajun seasoning, and it’s full of a huge punch of flavor! Plus it’s all natural and you can customize the spice level and salt content to your liking. Here’s how to make it.

How to make Cajun seasoning

There’s no official definition of Cajun seasoning. Every Cajun chef has their own special blend. But research further and you’ll start to notice the heavy hitters in Cajun cuisine: paprika, garlic, onion, cumin, and of course, cayenne for the heat! Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make it, which you may already have on hand:

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Thyme
• Fennel seed (optional)
• Cumin
• Cayenne
• Salt and black pepper

The secret ingredient: fennel seeds!

You won’t see fennel seeds in every chef’s version of Cajun seasoning. But we came across it a few times in our research. We loved the idea, because fennel seeds add intrigue and a meaty flavor. They’re a main seasoning in sausage, so often your brain associates it with meat. (So much so, that we use fennel seeds to make our Vegan Biscuits and Gravy and many more vegan recipes.)

The fennel seed is optional, but we highly recommend it! It adds just the right uniqueness that makes this a knock-out homemade Cajun seasoning mix.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Heck yes! Cajun seasoning as a rule is very spicy. For this homemade Cajun seasoning, you can customize the heat based on your spice tolerance. Start with ½ teaspoon cayenne for a spicy blend, and 1 teaspoon to knock your socks off.

How long to store homemade Cajun seasoning

You can store your homemade Cajun seasoning mix in an airtight container for 6 months to 1 year. Of course, it’s best when it’s the freshest. Spices generally last in a cool, dry place for 8 months to 1 year. You can use this spice blend to add new life to spices that you’ve had for a while.

Need spice organization tips? If your spice cabinet is always getting messy and overcrowded (like ours!), go to How to Organize Your Spices…the Minimalist Way. It’s a helpful way to keep tabs on your spices.

Ways to use Cajun seasoning

There are so many ways to use Cajun seasoning, outside the obvious ways. Here are a few ideas for where to start:

1. Grilled Shrimp: Sprinkle it onto shrimp and it’s over-the-top good.
2. Cajun Shrimp Pasta: Add pasta and make it a meal: restaurant quality good!
3. Baked Salmon: Add to oven baked salmon for a kick.
4. Dirty Rice: Dirty rice is a traditional Cajun or Creole dish that uses this spice blend.
5. Grilled Peppers or Grilled Peppers & Onion: Adds the perfect punch to grilled peppers!
6. Baked Potatoes or Baked Sweet Potato: Add new life to baked potatoes.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle with a little Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay. Perfection!
8. Stovetop Popcorn: Like your popcorn spicy? Give it a little kick.
9. Sweet Potato Hash Browns: Sprinkle onto hash browns for a Cajun flair.
10. Baked Fries: It goes without saying that Cajun fries are full of intense flavor.

This Cajun seasoning recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, naturally sweet, refined sugar free, low carb, and keto.

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More seasoning blends

Making DIY seasoning mixes at home is so easy! They taste incredible—much better than storebought—and are fun gifts, too. Try all our seasoning blends (listed by style):

• Mexican: Fajita Seasoning, Taco Seasoning
• Mediterranean: Greek Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Herbes de Provence
• Cajun: Blackened Seasoning
• American: Old Bay Seasoning, Chili Seasoning, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Ranch Seasoning
• All Purpose: Seasoned Salt, Seafood Seasoning