Mix Up Your Own Spicy Homemade Cajun Seasoning with Pantry Spices (2024)

If you come across a recipe that calls for Cajunseasoning, there is no need to buy it. If you have a semi-well-stocked pantry, it's likely that you already have all of the ingredients on hand already. By making Cajun seasoning home, you avoid additives and preservatives, and—even better—you can dial in the spices to really make this mix your own.

For those who like to kick things up a notch, as Emeril would say, add a little more cayenne to this spice mixture. And if you are on a low sodium diet, feel free to omit or reduce the salt. Then sprinkle it on fish, chicken, vegetables like corn, and much more. This recipe makes just over 3/4 of a cup of seasoning, which is 36 teaspoons or 18 servings if you use 2 teaspoons per recipe. However, it's easily halved or doubled if you need less or more seasoning.

What Is Cajun Seasoning Made Of?

Cajun seasoning is a classic mix of dried herbs and spices. Many brands make versions of Cajun Seasoning, including Louisiana outfits such as Slap Ya MamaandLouisiana Fish Fry Products. Blends vary but typically include easy-to-find spices like paprika, onion powder, and oregano, and get a kick from cayenne pepper.

Is Cajun Seasoning the Same as Old Bay?

In a word: No. While Cajun seasoning comes in many varieties, Old Bay is a specific brand, though you can make our Old Bay copycat recipe at home. Most Cajun seasoning blends are spicier than Old Bay, and Old Bay contains ingredients like bay leaf, celery salt, and mustard that aren't usually in Cajun spice blends.

What's the Best Substitute for Cajun Seasoning?

11 Great Things to Do with Cajun Seasoning

Once you've mixed up your batch of Cajun seasoning, you'll want to use it on just about anything that needs a flavor kick. It's perfect on fresh slices of juicy tomatoes, ripe cantaloupe, or even a bagel with cream cheese. Here are just a few more ideas, below. Share your favorite uses in the comments!

• Rub it on chicken, fish, or any other protein before grilling, baking, broiling or sautéing.
• Mix it with mayo and chopped leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, and chopped herbs or scallions for the perfect creamy salad for sandwiches.
• Mix the Cajun seasoning together with mayonnaise and sour cream for a tangy dip or sauce for veggies, wings, or anything else.
• Mix it into your favorite deviled egg mixture. For an added kick, dust the top of the prepared deviled eggs with the Cajun seasoning.
• Stir it into creamy pasta dishes.
• Sprinkle it on popcorn.
• Use it to season corn on the cob.
• Sprinkle it onto broccoli or other vegetables before roasting.
• Add it to shrimp sautéed in butter.
• Sprinkle it on french fries.
• Use it in a marinade for beef, pork, or chicken.