Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (1)

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Table Of Contents hide

  • What Is Cajun Seasoning?
  • Why This Is The Best Cajun Seasoning Recipe
  • What Is In Cajun Seasoning?
  • How To Make Cajun Seasoning
  • Storage Instructions
  • Ways To Use Cajun Seasoning
  • More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
  • Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)

I’ve been making variations of this homemade Cajun seasoning recipe for a few years now, starting with the Cajun keto onion rings I used it for first. But when I made low carb jambalaya recently, I thought it would be helpful to share how to make cajun seasoning mix for it as well, in its own post.

This blend can be used in so many different ways in your cooking (sharing plenty of ideas below, from main dishes andmeats to sides and pasta), and adds a balanced bit of savory and spice flavor to just about anything. From my experience, it has authentic flavor without being too complicated — that makes it the best Cajun seasoning in my book!

What Is Cajun Seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices and dried herbs, originating in Louisiana. Cajun cuisine often includes bell peppers, onions, and celery as well. You can buy the spice mix, but it’s super easy to make at home.

Cajun seasoning is similar to Creole seasoning (a mix with oregano, basil, bay leaves, garlic powder and paprika as main ingredients), but with more spice.

Why This Is The Best Cajun Seasoning Recipe

  • Spicy, bold taste
  • 8 simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry
  • Takes just 5 minutes
  • Easy to store for a long time
  • Perfect as a dry rub or seasoning for so many dishes
Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (2)

What Is In Cajun Seasoning?

This section explains how to choose the best cajun seasoning ingredients, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

  • Paprika – You could also use smoked paprika if you prefer.
  • Garlic Powder – So important in any Cajun spice blend.
  • Sea Salt – Most Cajun seasoning recipes contain salt already added, so this one does as well. Since the salt makes up 1/8 of the recipe, you may need to reduce the amount used if you omit the salt, if you want the same flavor intensity.The difference is slight (technically you’d use 7/8 teaspoon of salt-free cajun seasoning for each full teaspoon of salted), so the simpler way is to use ascantteaspoon measuring spoon instead. Alternatively, you can use the same amount of kosher salt or a salt substituteinstead of sea salt.
  • Herbs – You will need dried oregano and dried thyme leaves, or just use one or the other.
  • Onion Powder – Onion powder adds a complex yet mild flavor, but you can substitute more garlic powder or chives for a similar taste.
  • Cayenne Pepper – Red pepper flakes, hot paprika, or chili powder will also work in place of cayenne pepper.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – You can substitute other spices such as black pepper, paprika or chili powder for similar heat and flavor.

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (3)

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Yes, Cajun seasoning is somewhat spicy. It has a bold and unique flavor that will add a kick to any dish.

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (4)

How To Make Cajun Seasoning

Mix Cajun seasoning ingredients in a bowl. Place the mixture in a sealed container or jar.

If you want a powdery texture, you can grind the spices in a coffee grinder, food processor or blender. Alternatively, use a mortar and pestle to mash the spices.

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (5)

Storage Instructions

Thishomemade Cajun seasoning recipe will last for 2-3 years in the pantry, but is best within 1 year. Make a large batch and store in an airtight container, such as spice jars with lids, smallmulti purpose jars, orspice organizers.

Ways To Use Cajun Seasoning

You can use this perfect blend in so many different ways:

  • Cajun Classics – Jambalaya and gumbo are some of the most iconic ways to use homemade Cajun seasoning mix! Try my healthy jambalaya recipe or keto gumbo for a lighter twist on these classic Louisina dishes.
  • Chicken – Obviously, you’ll need it for Cajun chicken. But, you can swap out the seasonings in baked chicken breast, easy Instant Pot shredded chicken, or my chicken drumsticks recipe to make a spicy chicken dish. You can also season baked chicken wings (or baked whole chicken wings) with it for a spicy appetizer.
  • Seafood – Try adding it to air fryer shrimp or simple baked salmon, or use it for Cajun grilled cod.
  • Fries – Sprinkle the seasoning mix over potato fries, rutabaga fries, or zucchini fries. SO good!
  • Noodles – Toss it with your favorite pasta recipe. I usually choosezucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
  • Rice & Potatoes – Season your favorite rice (mine is cauliflower rice!) or sprinkle over golden roasted potatoes or roasted rutabaga.
  • Beef – Use this blend in my juicy burger recipe, or as a dry rub for sirloin steak, or even mixed into a chili recipe.

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Making your own seasoning mixes delivers fresh flavor with easy ingredients! Here are some more homemade seasonings to explore:

Taco Seasoning

Fajita Seasoning

Jerk Seasoning

Blackened Seasoning

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Recipe Card

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (11)

5 from 16 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

Cajun Seasoning Recipe (5 Minutes!)

Learn how to make Cajun seasoning mix in just 5 minutes! This simple homemade Cajun seasoning recipe uses spices you probably already have.

Cook: 5 minutes

Total: 5 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 24 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Stir all ingredients together. Store in a small airtight jar.

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Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 tsp

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories6.3

Fat0.1g

Protein0.3g

Total Carbs1.3g

Net Carbs0.8g

Fiber0.5g

Sugar0.1g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Condiment

Cuisine:American

Keywords:best cajun seasoning, cajun seasoning mix, cajun seasoning recipe, homemade cajun seasoning, how to make cajun seasoning

Calories: 6.3 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

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FAQs

What is the difference between Creole seasoning and Cajun seasoning? ›

While very similar, the primary difference between Cajun and Creole seasonings is this: Cajun seasoning contains a combination of ground peppers—cayenne, black, white, etc. —while Creole seasoning is heavy on the herbs—paprika, oregano, thyme, etc.

What is cajun seasoning made of? ›

Typical Cajun seasonings (including store-bought like Slap Ya Mama and Tony Chachere's) are made with black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. For different flavors, some Cajun spice mixes include salt, mustard powder, chile peppers, or cumin.

Is cajun seasoning healthy? ›

Furthermore, cajun seasoning is a treasure trove of antioxidant-rich ingredients. Paprika, for example, contains high levels of antioxidants like beta-carotene, while herbs like thyme and oregano boast anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

What is the closest seasoning to Cajun seasoning? ›

Other alternatives to Cajun seasoning
  • Creole Seasoning. Creole seasoning is often interchanged with Cajun seasoning since the flavor profiles are so similar. ...
  • Old Bay Seasoning. ...
  • Adobo Seasoning. ...
  • Chili powder + dried thyme + cayenne pepper.
Mar 23, 2022

Which is hotter, Cajun or Creole? ›

So What Makes Them Different? The main difference between Cajun and Creole cuisine is that Cajun cuisine is typically spicier than Creole cuisine. This is because Cajun cuisine uses more spices, such as cayenne pepper and paprika. Creole cuisine, on the other hand, is typically milder.

Which is hotter, Cajun or Creole seasoning? ›

While spicy dishes are found in both cuisines, every dish isn't necessarily spicy…it all depends on how much cayenne pepper is used in the recipe. Cajun dishes tend to be a bit hotter than Creole.

Can old bay be used as Cajun seasoning? ›

Old Bay and Cajun seasoning do have differences, but in many cases they can be used interchangeably. The ingredients in the foundation of each spice make them easy to incorporate into various recipes.

Is Cajun seasoning different from Old Bay? ›

Most Cajun seasoning blends are spicier than Old Bay, and Old Bay contains ingredients like bay leaf, celery salt, and mustard that aren't usually in Cajun spice blends.

What are the three ingredients of Cajun? ›

The "holy trinity" in Cajun cuisine and Louisiana Creole cuisine is the base for several dishes in the regional cuisines of Louisiana and consists of onions, bell peppers and celery. The preparation of Cajun/Creole dishes such as crawfish étouffée, gumbo, and jambalaya all start from this base.

What spice suppresses your appetite? ›

Ginger helps suppress appetite and regulates blood sugar levels, both of which aid weight loss. It also aids in the reduction of fat absorption.

What is the shelf life of Cajun seasoning? ›

Storage: McCormick Culinary® Cajun Seasoning has a shelf life of 720 days when tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place to protect against flavor loss and moisture.

What can I use instead of cayenne pepper in Cajun seasoning? ›

Jalapeno powder

If you're looking for a mild spice to replace cayenne pepper, you can opt for jalapeno powder. This spice is on the sweeter side but very aromatic. Enjoy this seasoning in Cajun food for Mardi Gras, Mexican cuisine or any other favorite recipe.

What seasoning is in "Slap Your Mama"? ›

Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning recipe gives your dishes a world famous zesty kick, as it contains black pepper, chili flakes, smoky paprika and cayenne pepper. Due to the presence of cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning consists an orange reddish tint.

Can you use jerk seasoning instead of Cajun? ›

Is jerk seasoning the same as Cajun? No, it isn't. Cajun seasoning is mainly herbs and hot pepper. Jerk seasoning enjoys spices such as allspice, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg that you won't find in Cajun mixes.

Can I substitute Cajun seasoning for Creole seasoning? ›

The only thing that can be substituted for a Creole seasoning blend is a Cajun seasoning blend since both have the same mix of spice and herbs. Are Creole and Cajun seasoning the same? The difference between Creole and Cajun seasoning is absolutely nothing.

Can I substitute Cajun for Creole seasoning? ›

So can you replace Cajun seasoning with Creole seasoning? The short answer is yes, MasterClass explains, as they feature many of the same ingredients. However, with Cajun seasoning being spicier and Creole more earthy, there will be a slight difference in flavor.

Can you use Creole seasoning as Cajun seasoning? ›

Both Creole and Cajun cooking terms are used interchangeably. BUT, technically, Cajun and Creole seasoning are different. Cajun seasoning typically only has garlic powder, onion, black pepper, and Cayenne pepper. Creole seasoning will add more herbs such as paprika, oregano, and thyme.

Is Creole seasoning the same as Old Bay? ›

A: No, Creole seasoning and Old Bay seasoning are different. Creole seasoning is a blend of spices that originated in Louisiana and includes peppers, onions, and garlic. Old Bay seasoning is a Chesapeake Bay blend that includes celery salt, paprika, and black pepper.

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