Homemade Cajun Spice Blend

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Homemade cajun spice blend is a homemade spice blend that is so easy to make at home! It’s the perfect blend of flavors made with spices that you probably already have in your spice drawer.

cajun spice blend in a jar with a spoon on the side

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Mixing your own spice blend at home is a great way to go. Not only do you get to customize the blend to meet your personal preference, but it’s also a budget-friendly option since most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry!

When you make your own seasoning, your favorites will become pantry staples. I always have ranch seasoning and taco seasoning because they are so versatile!

What is cajun spice blend?

Cajun spice blend is a versatile mixture of herbs and spices that originated in Louisiana. The most common ingredients are a combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. There are other variations that might also include basil, bay leaves, salt, or celery salt.

It’s often used to season meats, seafood, and vegetables. It also tastes great in dips, sauces and so much more.

Why you will love this recipe

It’s customizable, adjust the flavors to your taste.
It’s a recipe for a small batch of seasoning, which makes about 3 tablespoons of the spice blend.

a picture of ingredients needed to make cajun spice blend with black pepper, onion powder, oregano, Cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, smoked paprika, thyme

Here is what you will need to make this homemade cajun seasoning recipe

This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this seasoning recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

Smoked paprika
Sea salt
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Onion powder
Oregano
Cayenne pepper
Thyme

🥄Equipment

Measuring spoons
Small mason jar

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How to make the homemade cajun spice blend

a picture of measured spices for cajun blend

STEP 1. Measure all of the spices

STEP 2. Mix all of the spices together and store in a glass jar.

Note: Double the recipe for a larger portion of the spice blend.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

The complete list of ingredients to make this recipe is above. Below are notes about some of the ingredients, along with ideas for substitutes.

Smoked Paprika – Most cajun spice blends call for regular paprika, but I like the smokey flavor of smoked paprika. You can easily swap regular paprika for smoked paprika.

Cayenne Pepper – This adds heat to the spice blend. Use more or less to your taste. If you don’t have cayenne pepper, you can swap it with red pepper flakes.

How to store leftovers

Diy cajun spice mix can last for a few months in your spice cabinet stored in an airtight container such a mason jar or a spice jar. Please note that the exact shelf-life depends on the age of the spices used to make the blend.

Recipe variations

More spices – Try adding any combination of these to your spice blend: bay leaves, basil, white pepper, chili powder or celery salt.

Mild cajun blend – Leave out the cayenne pepper for a mild cajun spice blend.

For tips on adding flavor check out my flavor guide.

cajun spice blend mixed on plate with a spoon

Serving suggestions

Cajun spice blend is not just for cajun food, it tastes great on grilled meat, in sauces, sprinkled on roasted vegetables, roasted potatoes, or anything that you want to add a zesty flavor to. We like it in red beans and rice, spicy cajun shrimp cakes or to add a kick to pork chops.

Is cajun seasoning spicy hot?

The addition of cayenne pepper makes cajun seasoning spicy hot. If you make your own cajun seasoning, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.

What does cajun seasoning taste like?

Cajun seasoning has bold flavor thanks to the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika with a touch of savory notes from the addition of thyme and oregano. The flavor profile can vary depending on the ingredients used to make it.

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