Cajun Spice Blend
This homemade Cajun Spice Blend is smoky, savory, and easy to bring together with everyday pantry ingredients. Use this Cajun spice mix to season seafood, vegetables, gumbo, and more.
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A good Cajun spice blend is an instant way to bring the complex Louisiana flavors into your kitchen. If you don’t have a store-bought jar, this homemade Cajun spice mix comes together in about 5 minutes with common pantry spices and seasonings you might already have on hand.
This blend can be used in everyday cooking, and it’s especially nice to have on hand to sprinkle some instant flavor into seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffée, or shrimp and grits.
Spending a few years living in Louisiana gave me a lifelong love for Cajun and Creole cooking. The flavors are layered but approachable, built around spices that enhance ingredients rather than overpower them. Plus, many of the dishes are naturally made pescatarian with an abundance of seafood from the Gulf Coast.
Keeping a jar of homemade Cajun spice blend on hand makes it easy to bring those signature Southern flavors into everyday cooking.
Why Make YOur Own Cajun Spice Mix
Making your own Cajun spice mix gives you complete control over the flavor and heat level. Store-bought blends can vary widely in salt content and freshness, while homemade seasoning ensures a balanced blend every time.
This Cajun spice blend is built on paprika for its rich color and mild smokiness, balanced with garlic powder and onion powder for depth. Dried oregano and dried thyme add an earthy backbone, while cayenne pepper delivers the signature warmth familiar to Cajun seasoning.
Kosher salt and black pepper round everything out as essential seasonings for any cooking. Best of all, this takes less than 5 minutes to mix together.
How to Store for Freshness
Store your homemade Cajun spice blend in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dry place. When properly stored, it will maintain its best flavor for up to 6 months.
For the freshest taste, make smaller batches and refill as needed. Start with a 1 teaspoon measuring device, which will yield about ¼ cup.
Whether you’re planning a Mardi Gras feast or just want to have that quintessential Cajun flavor to reach for in a single jar, this is the easiest way to add boldness to your everyday meals.
Cajun Spice Blend
Ingredients
- 3 parts paprika
- 2 parts kosher salt
- 2 parts garlic powder
- 1 part black pepper
- 1 part onion powder
- 1 part dried oregano
- 1 part cayenne pepper
- ½ part dried thyme
Instructions
- Add all spices to a jar.
- Secure the lid and shake to combine. If there are any lumps, use a fork or whisk to break up and evenly distribute.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Notes
- Choose the size for parts measuring based on how often you cook. Using a teaspoon as the measuring device will yield about ¼ cup of Cajun spice blend.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control heat level.
- Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months for best freshness.
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