Skip the store-bought spice mix and make your own Cajun Seasoning at home!
I first shared this recipe in The Weeknight Dinner Cookbook several years ago. This seasoning mix has been a staple in my spice cabinet ever since.
I use it at least twice a week and I figure it is long past time to share it here so that I can more easily link to it for you in other recipes.
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices used to add a kick to dishes running the gamut from popcorn to veggies to meat! Most of your favorite Cajun-style recipes likely call for Cajun seasoning mix.
The signature reddish brown color of Cajun seasoning comes courtesy of a hearty helping of smoked paprika. The peppery flavor is heightened with garlic, onion, and dried herbs.
No blend of Cajun spices is complete without a little cayenne pepper. It adds the final note of heat that livens up any recipe you add it to.
Spice Mixes
As you might be well aware if you’ve poked around this site, I’m a huge proponent of homemade spice blends. Why buy a store-bought spice mix when you can make it yourself just as easily?
For years, I’ve kept my spice cabinet stocked with Homemade Taco Seasoning, Crazy Salt, and Pumpkin Pie Spice, along with these Cajun spices. Lately, I’ve been all about homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning mix, too!
I find my homemade spice mixes are far more flavorful than the bottles that come from the grocery store. I also love that I can endlessly customize my spice mixes based on my family’s tastes!
From adjusting the heat levels in our taco spices to playing with ratios of herbs in Homemade Italian Seasoning, I get to have everything just the way I like it.
This homemade Cajun seasoning is no different. Filled with smoky spicy flavor, this easy homemade mix is yet another staple spice mix I never want to be without.
Cajun Seasoning Recipe
Way back when, I first made my own blend of Cajun spices when a recipe I was following called for Cajun seasoning. While I didn’t have any on hand, I realized I did have every single one of the spices that goes into the mix.
So, I set out to make my own. A little tasting and tweaking later, I ended up with a Cajun seasoning blend that’s so much better than the ones I was buying from the baking aisle.
If you have a decently stocked spice cupboard, I bet you have everything you need to make this spice mix right now!
Use it as a rub for meat, sprinkle it over grilled fish, or use it to add a little pizzazz to a bowl of plain white rice. It’s also a deliciously easy way to season veggies, popcorn, and eggs.
Soon, I’ll also be sharing a recipe for using this spice mixture in a delicious pasta dish.
Once you taste this easy blend of Cajun Spices, you’ll be ready to kiss the store-bought spice mixes goodbye forever!
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Cajun Spice Mix
Yield: about 3/4 cupSavePinPrintReviewPrep Time: 5 minsTotal Time: 5 minsCourse: CondimentCuisine: AmericanServings: 17 (1) tbsp servings
Ingredients
- ▢3 tablespoons smoked paprika or plain paprika
- ▢3 tablespoons granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ▢2 tablespoons kosher salt
- ▢2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
- ▢2 tablespoons granulated onion or onion powder
- ▢2 tablespoons crushed oregano
- ▢2 tablespoons crushed thyme
- ▢1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Stir the spices together in a small jar or seal with a lid and shake to combine. Enjoy!
