How to Make Your Own Louisiana Cajun Spice Blend

If you do a lot of cooking, you probably know about spices. You have those go-to spices you use all the time. And there are some in your spice rack that you rarely use. In Louisiana, we all have some sort of Cajun seasoning in the cabinet. You might use Tony’s or Slap Your Mama. Some like the Zatarain’s variety. They are all pretty good. But I have come up with my own that is exactly what the doctor ordered for my taste buds.

Some of the premade ones have too much of something. Usually, it’s too much salt.

What Are the Key Spices in a Good Cajun Seasoning?

Of course you have to start with cayenne pepper and salt. I use sea salt. I just like it better. Then you start venturing out to other seasonings that suit your liking. My concoction has garlic and onion powder (not garlic salt). I also used thyme, oregano and paprika. I finish it off with some freshly ground black pepper.

How Much of Each Spice Do You Use for Cajun Seasoning?

This is something you will have to experiment with. If I have fresh herbs, I love to use those. You do have to let them thoroughly dry before mixing them into your blend.

Here’s what I use:

2 Tbsp. paprika

2 Tbsp. garlic powder

2 Tbsp. onion powder

2 Tbsp. dried oregano

1 Tbsp. thyme

1 Tbsp. sea salt

2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. cayenne

Mix them all up and put them in an airtight container and use as needed.

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I suggest you experiment and try different amounts and see which one is best for you. I sometime go a little lighter on the salt and add a bit more cayenne to give it a bigger kick. It's a trial and error thing. But once you perfect your blend, it does make a great gift for anyone in your circle. All good cooks like to try new seasoning mixes.