Name: Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp salt; 2 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp white pepper; 1 tbsp onion powder; 2 tbsp dried oregano; 2 tsp cayenne; 1 tsp dried thyme

This homemade Cajun seasoning is quick to make, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for seasoning just about anything—from meats and veggies to soups, dips, and roasted nuts. It’s a flavorful blend of spices that adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick to your favorite recipes.

The best part? It takes only 5 minutes to prepare and uses pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Skip the store-bought blends loaded with fillers and preservatives—this DIY version is fresh, customizable, and much more affordable.

Homemade low-carb Cajun spice blend with paprika, garlic, and onion powder on a spoon.

I prefer to make my own seasonings at home because it gives me full control over the flavor, spice level, and ingredients—no fillers, additives, or hidden sugars like you often find in store-bought blends.

Once you try this homemade Cajun seasoning (or any DIY spice mix), you’ll see just how much freshness and flavor it adds to your dishes. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to mix together, and you can tweak it to suit your taste perfectly.

After one batch, you’ll never want to go back to pre-made spice blends again!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Is Cajun Seasoning Keto-Friendly?
2 Why You’re Going to Love This Cajun Seasoning Recipe
3 Ingredients for This Homemade Cajun Seasoning
4 How to Make This Cajun Seasoning
5 How Can I Use This Homemade Cajun Seasoning?
6 Storing Ideas
7 Frequently Asked Questions
8 More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
9 Homemade Cajun Seasoning

Is Cajun Seasoning Keto-Friendly?

Yes, it absolutely is!
Homemade Cajun seasoning is keto-friendly, typically containing 0 net carbs per serving. It’s made with simple, low-carb spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper—no sugars or starches needed.

However, be cautious with store-bought Cajun blends. Many pre-packaged versions contain added sugars, cornstarch, or preservatives that can raise the carb count. Always check the nutrition label and ingredients list to make sure you’re getting a truly keto-friendly option.

That’s why making it at home is the best choice—you get bold, fresh flavor without any hidden carbs or unwanted additives.

Homemade Cajun blend in a jar with spoon, showing coarse and finely ground spices.

Why You’re Going to Love This Cajun Seasoning Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make – You can mix this spice blend together in just 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients—no prep, no cooking, just measure and stir.
Incredibly Versatile – This seasoning goes with almost anything! Use it on eggs, roasted veggies, grilled chicken, shrimp, fish, burgers, dips, or even homemade fries. It instantly adds bold, smoky flavor to your meals.
Budget-Friendly – Homemade Cajun seasoning is much more affordable than store-bought versions, especially when you make a larger batch using spices you already have.
Made with Clean Ingredients – No fillers, starches, preservatives, or added sugars—just real, wholesome spices that are naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
Fully Customizable – Adjust the heat level, saltiness, or even swap in smoked paprika or extra garlic to suit your taste perfectly. You’re in total control.
No Hidden Ingredients – When you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s going in—great for anyone with allergies, dietary restrictions, or just looking to eat cleaner.
Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch, store it in a spice jar or airtight container, and you’ll always have a go-to seasoning on hand.

Ingredients for This Homemade Cajun Seasoning

You’ll only need a few common pantry spices to make this bold and flavorful Cajun seasoning blend. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Paprika – Use regular or smoked paprika, depending on your flavor preference. Smoked paprika adds a deeper, woodsy taste, while plain paprika gives a classic earthy kick.
Salt – I recommend kosher salt for a clean, balanced flavor—plus it blends more evenly into spice mixes.
Garlic Powder – A must-have for adding depth and savory flavor.
Black and White Pepper – A mix of both brings a more complex heat. Use freshly ground pepper for the best aroma and intensity.
Onion Powder – Adds a mild, slightly sweet base and rounds out the overall flavor of the seasoning.
Dried Oregano – Contributes a herby, earthy flavor that complements proteins and vegetables.
Cayenne – This is where the heat comes in. Add more if you like it spicy, or reduce/omit it for a milder blend.
Dried Thyme – Offers a slightly minty, peppery finish that balances out the smoky and spicy notes in the mix.

How to Make This Cajun Seasoning

Making your own Cajun seasoning blend at home couldn’t be easier—and once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought mixes again.

Measure and Mix
In a small bowl, combine all the spices: paprika, salt, garlic powder, black and white pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, cayenne, and thyme.

Stir to Combine
Use a spoon or small whisk to mix everything thoroughly until well blended.

Store or Use Immediately
Transfer the seasoning to a glass spice jar or airtight container. Label it and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Rustic flat lay of a jar of Cajun seasoning with a wooden-handled spoon on dark background.

How Can I Use This Homemade Cajun Seasoning?

This bold and flavorful Cajun seasoning is incredibly versatile—and once you make a batch, you’ll find yourself reaching for it all the time. Here are some of the best ways to use it:

As a Marinade – Combine the seasoning with olive oil and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to make a quick and flavorful marinade. It’s perfect for: Chicken thighs, Shrimp, Crawfish, Skirt steak or flank steak.
Let the protein marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor), then grill, pan-fry, or roast.
Roasted Veggies – Toss chopped cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Roast in the oven until golden and tender for a spicy, smoky side dish.
Eggs and Breakfast Dishes – Add a pinch to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast casseroles for a flavor boost without extra carbs.
Seafood and Fish – Rub onto salmon fillets, tilapia, or grilled shrimp before cooking for an easy Cajun-style dinner.
Soups and Stews – Stir a spoonful into soups, gumbo, or chili for added depth, warmth, and spice.

Storing Ideas

To keep your homemade Cajun seasoning fresh and flavorful:

Store in an airtight container—a small glass spice jar or sealed container works best.
Keep it in a cool, dark place like a pantry or spice drawer, away from heat and direct sunlight.
When stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to 1 year, and in many cases, up to 2 years without losing its aroma or potency.

Tip: Label your container with the date you made it so you always know how fresh it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Cajun Seasoning Taste Like?

The cayenne and paprika in Cajun Seasoning give it a robust spicy flavor with a slight earthiness (provided by the garlic, onion, and herbs). It’s the all-purpose seasoning of the gods and the spice blend I can’t live without.

Is Cajun Seasoning Spicy?

This seasoning has a touch of spiciness to it. This recipe is delicious as is, and my family agrees. If you are sensitive to spicy things, cut the cayenne pepper in half, and add some red pepper flakes if you love that spicy flavor.

Where Can I Find Cajun Seasoning?

It’s fine if you don’t have all of the ingredients for Cajun Seasoning or don’t want to make it at home. This seasoning can be found in practically any grocery in your area. You can also get it from Amazon if you don’t need it now.

Are There Any Replacements For This Cajun Seasoning?

You’ll be happy to know that there is an alternative for cajun seasoning if you don’t like it so much. Although it does not include the same components, it is the only one that tastes similar from afar:

Creole seasoning is a fantastic alternative. However, because Creole doesn’t have that spicy component, you may combine it with a touch of spice, such as red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Garlic, oregano, and cumin are popular ingredients in adobo seasoning, which is another great substitute for this cajun seasoning.

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes