Update your spice cabinet with this Homemade Cajun Seasoning blend! It’s the perfect blend of 6 key spices and will add an instant boost of heat and bold flavor to any dish.
Table of Contents
Learning to make homemade seasonings can be useful when you need a spice blend but don’t want to make another trip to the grocery store. Chances are you have everything you need to make a deliciously bold cajun seasoning in your spice cabinet or spice drawer right now!
As an added bonus, making your own spice blends at home gives you full control over the spice level and sodium content. So skip the store-bought blends and learn to make this homemade recipe from scratch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Smoked paprika: Adds a mild heat and smoky flavor essential in any Cajun seasoning. We highly recommend smoked paprika over regular paprika!
- Salt: Enhances the flavors in the spice mix and overall dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering the other flavors in the spice mix.
- Italian seasoning: Adds herbaceous notes and a slight sweetness that balances the heat and savory spices.
- Cayenne pepper powder: Provides the signature heat and spiciness of Cajun seasoning.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savoriness, adds depth of flavor, and complements the flavor in the garlic powder.
The spice measurements are included in the complete recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Equipment Needed
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Glass storage jar
How to Make Cajun Seasoning at Home
In a small mixing bowl, combine the smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
How to Use Cajun Seasoning
This Cajun spice blend can be added to more than just Cajun food! Try adding it to several dishes for a savory, spicy kick of flavor. Here are a few of our favorite ideas:
- Use it in a classic recipe: This seasoning is a staple in cajun cuisine like a classic Gumbo recipe, Jambalaya, Cajun Pasta, Red Beans and Rice, and modern fusions like this Cajun-Style Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Season your favorite proteins: Use a tablespoon or two as a rub for plant-based proteins like Crispy Tofu, tempeh, vegan burgers, or even our Vegan Fried Chicken and Vegan Chicken Nuggets!
- Season potatoes: Toss any of your favorite roasted potatoes or french fries in a bit of cajun spice for a flavorful side dish.
- Add flavor to veggies: This works with any roasted vegetables. Try broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, asparagus, corn on the cob, even leafy greens!
- Add spice to vegan eggs: Kick up the heat of your morning Tofu Scramble or Chickpea Scramble with a sprinkle of cajun seasoning.
- Make a spicy sauce or dressing: Swap out the red pepper flakes or chipotle peppers in your favorite spicy sauce with this cajun spice for a cajun twist! Give it a try in our Chipotle Sauce or even add it to our Homemade BBQ Sauce for a spin on the classic recipe.
Recipe FAQs
This seasoning blend will keep for several months when stored in an airtight container or jar, such as a mason jar, and kept in a dry, cool place. For the best potency and flavor, use within six months.
These seasonings are similar and can often be used interchangeably, but the two are not exactly the same spice blend.
Cajun seasoning is typically spicier and includes more bold spices like cayenne pepper and smoked paprika. Creole seasoning, on the other hand, is milder and contains more herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano.
Absolutely! If you are watching your salt intake or want to salt to taste, feel free to make this cajun spice blend without salt.
Black pepper or white pepper is a popular ingredient found in many cajun spice blends, including store-bought versions like Slap Your Mama.
Our recipe uses enough cayenne pepper to make this seasoning bold enough without any black pepper. However, if you want a spicier version, feel free to add black pepper or white pepper.
Recipes to Use Cajun Seasoning with:
Make sure you tag us on Instagram @sweetsimplevegan and @consciouschris and hashtag #sweetsimplevegan if you make this recipe. We love to see your photos!
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Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe
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Total Time: 5 minutes -
Yield: 1 2/3 tablespoons -
Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Update your spice cabinet with this Homemade Cajun Seasoning blend! It’s the perfect blend of 6 key spices and will add an instant boost of heat and bold flavor to any dish.
Ingredients
- 1½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Glass storage jar
Instructions
- Add all of the seasoning ingredients to a small bowl and combine.
Notes
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in a dry, cool place for six months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
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