Add a touch of the bayou to your cooking with Louisiana Cajun seasoning. The vibrant kick of spices infuses the warmth and Cajun soul cooking into dips, chicken, rice side dishes, and so much more.
From gumbo to jambalaya, this blend is your passport to authentic Cajun taste.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
In less than 15 minutes you can make a custom batch of Louisiana Cajun seasoning to rival any of the store bought brands. Since you're not adding anti caking agents, it's a gluten free Cajun seasoning blend also!
Best of all, it's low sodium, and if you like it super spicy, or prefer a mild Cajun seasoning blend, you can simply adjust the cayenne added to this recipe.
What is Cajun Seasoning?
Typical Cajun seasonings are a blend of finely ground pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked or regular paprika, and ground cayenne.
Store bought versions are often at least 50% salt. Heat is regulated by the level and type of chilies and pepper.
Cajun Seasoning vs Creole Seasoning
So, what is the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning? Cajun seasoning is mostly ground spices, powdery, and perfect for mixing with salt and sprinkling on fries, meats, and veggies as an all purpose seasoning sprinkle, as well as a spice ingredient for recipes.
The same ground spices are used in Creole seasoning, with the addition of a heavy herbal component that includes crushed thyme leaves, oregano, basil, and sometimes a smidge of finely cut rosemary. It's 'fluffier' from the dry herb leaves. Creole seasoning is used more as an ingredient in a dish, and not so much as a sprinkling spice.
Ingredients You'll Need
You can purchase bulk spices from Atlantic Spice Company, or from Amazon usually. I used to run a spice company, so I enjoy blending my own spice blends. They taste fresher, I can limit salt, and there are no anti caking agents.
- Smoked Paprika - or regular sweet Hungarian (which is still spicy!).
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper - fine ground white pepper, not coarse cracked.
- White Pepper - even though white pepper smells like dirty gym socks (lol!) it adds fabulous flavor to this spice blend.
- Cayenne Pepper - use half as much in the recipe for a Mild Cajun Seasoning blend.
- Oregano - cut very fine.
- Salt - Fine sea salt or non iodized table salt is best.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Louisiana Cajun Seasoning
Since you are working with pepper and chili pepper, please wear Nitrile gloves when handling them. Your lips, nose, and eyes will thank you. This will protect mucus membranes like your eyes and lips. ANY residue transferred to these tender spots will burn for hours if you don't wear gloves.
Measure Spices
- Wear nitrile gloves and the mask to protect eyes, nose, and mouth from powdered pepper and chili. It gets in the air you breathe!
- If using leafy Oregano, use the spice mill to grind it fine.
Mix Spices in a Bowl
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until blended.
Fill Spice Jar and Label
- Fill spice jars with mixture and attach the shaker top.
Store In A Cool, Dark Location
- Store in a cupboard away from light and heat for up to 12 months.
Serving Suggestions
Louisiana Cajun seasoning is a versatile blend of spices that can add a flavorful kick to a wide range of dishes. Whether you're grilling chicken, seasoning seafood, or spicing up your favorite vegetables, this iconic seasoning can elevate your culinary creations.
From classic gumbo and jambalaya to everyday meals like tacos and stir-fries, Cajun seasoning is a must-have for any home cook looking to add a touch of Southern flair to their dishes.
Tips for Success
- Wear a facial mask when grinding or blending.
- Wear nitrile gloves when handling powdered garlic, onion, pepper, paprika, and ground chili peppers.
- Custom Spice blends make amazing Holiday gifts!
Substitutions and Variations
- Smoked paprika adds the most authentic flavor, but you can also use a sweet domestic paprika or a sweet Hungarian paprika.
- Hungarian paprika is all hot, but the sweet Hungarian is a much milder hot.
- You can also add some ground cumin or coriander for slightly different variation of your Louisiana Cajun seasoning.
Storage Options
- Store this Louisiana Cajun seasoning recipe in a cool, dry pantry. Spices benefit being in a cupboard out of the light more than on your counter top.
- Shelf life on ground spices is typically 12 to 18 months, so only prepare what you need. Whole spices have a much longer shelf life when stored properly (out of the light).
Related Recipes
- Cajun Fried Corn
- Chinese Five Spice Mix
- Chicken Taco Seasoning
- Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven Jambalaya
- Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
- Cajun Cornbread
- Cajun Salmon Alfredo
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making this Cajun spice blend.
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- Spice Grinder - turns herbs into a powder.
- Spice Mill - turns spices and herbs into coarse to fine powder.
- Spice Jars and Labels set - to store your spice blends.
- Nitrile Gloves - to prevent transfer by your fingers to eyes, lips, etc.
- Face Mask - This full face mask protects your eyes, nose, and lips from burning when handling powder spice mixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cajun seasoning is mostly all ground spices and and is used as a sprinkling seasoning as well as a recipe ingredient. Creole seasoning is more of an herbal blend with the addition to many of the Cajun spices as well.
Yes, use as little or none of the salt in this Louisiana Cajun seasoning recipe, it is optional. You can add salt when seasoning your food.
To use as jambalaya seasoning, add 2 teaspoons of Louisiana Cajun Seasoning plus ½ teaspoon each of thyme, basil, and oregano.
More Delish Ideas
Louisiana Cajun Seasoning
Equipment
- Nitrile Gloves to protect your hands from absorbing oil and transfer to mucus membranes later.
- Full Face Mask to protect eyes, nose, and mouth from spice powder.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon Smoked paprika or a sweet domestic or Hungarian paprika
- 2 tablespoon Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon Onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Black pepper finely ground
- 1 tablespoon White pepper finely ground
- 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper more or less for milder or hotter
- 2 teaspoon Oregano ground, or milled very fine
- 2 tablespoon Salt (optional for a salt free Cajun seasoning)
Instructions
- Wear nitrile gloves and the mask to protect eyes, nose, and mouth from powdered pepper and chili. It gets in the air you breathe!
- If using leafy Oregano, use the spice mill to grind it fine.
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until blended.3 tablespoon Smoked paprika, 2 tablespoon Garlic powder, 2 tablespoon Onion powder, 1 tablespoon Black pepper, 1 tablespoon White pepper, 2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoon Oregano, 2 tablespoon Salt
- Fill spice jars with mixture and attach the shaker top.
- Store in a cupboard away from light and heat for up to 12 months.
Notes
- Wear a facial mask when grinding or blending.
- Wear nitrile gloves when handling powdered garlic, onion, pepper, paprika, and ground chili peppers.
- Custom Spice blends make amazing Holiday gifts!
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