Acadian Kitchens recipe

Homemade Cajun Seasoning Recipe: A Flexible Louisiana-Style Blend

Homemade Cajun seasoning is easy to mix with paprika, garlic, onion, dried herbs, black pepper, and cayenne. This flexible version lets you control the salt and heat. It is a common home-kitchen formula, not the proprietary recipe used for any Ragin' Cajun product.

By Acadian KitchensPublished
Homemade Cajun seasoning in a small bowl with paprika, herbs and spices nearby
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
0 minutes
Total
5 minutes
Yield
About 6 tablespoons

Make the recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or less for a milder blend
  • 1 teaspoon fine salt, optional

Method

How to make homemade Cajun seasoning

  1. Add all spices and the optional salt to a small bowl.
  2. Whisk until the color and texture look even and no clumps remain.
  3. Test the blend on a bite of cooked potato, rice, or egg.
  4. Adjust heat, paprika, or salt a little at a time.
  5. Transfer to a clean, dry jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Food-safety note Use a clean, dry jar and utensil. Replace the blend if moisture enters the jar or it develops an off smell. Culinary approval required.

Adjust the blend for the food

Ways to adjust this homemade blend
If you want... Make this change What to expect
Less heat Reduce or omit the cayenne; use sweet paprika Savory garlic, onion, herb, and pepper flavor with less chile heat
More heat Add cayenne in small pinches A warmer blend without changing the full batch too quickly
No added salt Leave out the salt and season the dish separately More control around broth, sausage, cheese, and prepared sauces
More smoke Replace part of the paprika with smoked paprika A smokier result that is different from the base blend

Where to use it

  • Season chicken, pork, shrimp, or fish before cooking.
  • Toss it with potatoes or vegetables before roasting.
  • Shake it over fries while they are hot.
  • Add a small amount to rice, beans, soup, or stew.
  • Stir it into mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt for a quick dip.

For measured starting points, use How Much Cajun Seasoning Should You Use? For a broader introduction, visit the Cajun Seasoning guide.

Storage

Keep the seasoning in a clean, dry, airtight jar in a cool cabinet away from heat and direct light. Use a dry spoon. Replace the blend if moisture gets inside, it develops an off smell, or its aroma has faded.

Common questions

Is this the recipe for Ragin' Cajun seasoning?

No. It is a general home-kitchen formula made from common pantry spices. It is not the proprietary recipe for any Ragin' Cajun product.

Can I make Cajun seasoning without cayenne?

Yes. Reduce or omit the cayenne. Paprika, garlic, onion, herbs, and black pepper still form a savory blend.

Can I leave out the salt?

Yes. Leaving it out lets you season the finished food separately, which is useful when broth, sausage, cheese, or sauce already supplies salt.

Evidence

Sources and review notes

  1. Ragin' Cajun y'ALL Purpose Seasoning 8 ozAcadian Kitchens¡Accessed July 20, 2026Supports: Current product name, milder everyday positioning, and ingredient language.
  2. Ragin' Cajun "The ORIGINAL" Cajun Seasoning 8 ozAcadian Kitchens¡Accessed July 20, 2026Supports: Current product name, ingredient label, positioning, and suggested-use language.

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