Cajun seasoning is a bold Louisiana spice blend with smoky paprika, garlic, cayenne pepper, and savory herbs. This easy homemade seasoning adds incredible flavor to chicken, shrimp, fish, vegetables, fries, and more. If you enjoy homemade spice blends, you’ll also love my Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix and Taco Seasoning Mix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better than store-bought
• Ready in 5 minutes
• Easy to customize
• Perfect for chicken, seafood, vegetables, and fries
• Great for meal prep
• Budget-friendly

What is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a bold Louisiana spice blend made with paprika, garlic, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne, and other savory spices. It’s known for its smoky, peppery flavor and is commonly used on chicken, seafood, beef, vegetables, fries, and classic Louisiana dishes like jambalaya and gumbo.

Ingredients to Gather

• Granulated garlic – Adds a rich, savory depth to Cajun seasoning, enhancing its bold flavor with a hint of aromatic warmth that complements the heat from spices like cayenne and paprika.
• Kosher salt – Enhances the seasoning flavors by helping to balance the heat and spices while improving the texture and adhesion of the seasoning to meats and vegetables.
• Paprika – Lends a warm, smoky sweetness to Cajun seasoning, adding depth of flavor and a vibrant red hue that enhances the dishes’ taste and appearance.
• Onion powder – Brings subtle sweetness and savory richness to Cajun seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor and complementing the bold spices.
• Ground black pepper – Adds a sharp, earthy heat to Cajun seasoning, enhancing its boldness and providing a subtle bite that balances the blend’s savory and smoky flavors.
• Cayenne pepper – Adds the seasoning’s signature fiery heat, delivering a spicy kick that intensifies the flavor.
• Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to Cajun seasoning, balancing the heat from the spices.
• Ground celery seed – Brings an earthy depth and subtle bitterness to the Cajun spice mix.
• Ground basil – Lends a subtle earthy bitterness and aromatic depth to Cajun seasoning, enhancing its savory complexity.
• Oregano – Brings herbal warmth to the seasoning blend.

Tools Used

• Mortar and Pestle or Spice Grinder – Using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder allows you to freshly grind spices, enhancing their aroma and flavor.
• Spice Jars – Storing your freshly ground spices in cute spice jars not only keeps them fresh but also adds a charming, personal touch to your kitchen.

How to Make It

Note: The recipe card below contains the full list of ingredients, exact measurements, and complete step-by-step instructions.

Step 1: Blend together the granulated garlic, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, sugar, celery seed, basil, and oregano in a bowl until combined. Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.

Pro Tips

• If you prefer milder seasoning, reduce the cayenne pepper.
• Add more cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Smoked paprika instead of regular paprika gives a deeper, smoky flavor. A pinch of ground cumin can add even more smokiness.
• If you want a smooth texture, use a spice grinder or mortar and pestle to blend everything evenly.
• More Seasoning Mix Recipes: The Best BBQ Rub, Homemade Poultry Seasoning, Nashville Hot Chicken Spice Mix, Easy Creole Seasoning Mix, DIY Herb Salt Recipe, The Best DIY Seasoning Mixes, and more!

How to Use Cajun Seasoning

• Sprinkle on chicken, shrimp, fish, or steak before grilling or pan-frying.
• Stir into soups, gumbo, or jambalaya for extra depth.
• Toss with fries, roasted potatoes, or popcorn for a flavorful kick.
• Mix into mayo or sour cream for a spicy dip.

Storage Tips

Homemade Cajun seasoning stays fresh for about 6-12 months in an airtight container stored in a cool, dark pantry. For the boldest flavor, use it within the first six months and label the jar with the date you made it.

How to Make a Cajun Gift Basket

A Cajun gift basket is a fun, flavorful way to share Louisiana’s bold and spicy taste with friends and family. Whether for a holiday, birthday or just because, here’s how to assemble an authentic Cajun-themed gift basket.

• Choose a Rustic Basket or Container – A wicker basket, wooden crate, or even a cast iron skillet makes a great base. Line the basket with red and white checkered cloth, burlap, or shredded paper.
• Include Cajun Seasoning – Package homemade seasoning in a glass jar with a label. For variety, you can add a Creole seasoning mix.
• Specialty Louisiana Ingredients – Add hot sauces like Louisiana hot sauce, Cajun roux or gumbo base, canned or dried beans, rice mixes, and cornmeal or grits.
• Classic Cajun Snacks – Include snacks like cracklins, pork rinds, pralines, beignet mix, or chicory coffee.
• Cooking Essentials – Mini cast iron skillet, perfect for blackening fish or making cornbread, wooden spoon or roux spoon, essential for stirring gumbo, or a kitchen towel with Cajun sayings or Louisiana map, adds a personal touch.
• Cajun Cookbook – Include a Cajun cookbook with classic recipes.
• Fun Extras – Add a Louisiana-themed magnet or ornament.

This gift basket is perfect for food lovers and brings a taste of Louisiana right to their kitchen.

Save the pin above to your favorite Pinterest board so you’ll always have this Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe handy whenever you’re ready to make it again.

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I found this recipe through Cody and Sam Carroll, who starred on Cajun Aces.

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