Make this Cajun Seasoning Substitute when a recipe calls for Cajun seasoning and you don’t have any at home. It is a versatile seasoning that can be used to season chicken, fish, beef, pork, and even veggies. This seasoning comes together in 5 minutes, and you can add it to pasta dishes, sauces, and much more!

This versatile spice blend is full of unique flavors! It has a pleasant spicy kick from the variety of spices and the Italian seasoning used. By making your own Cajun spice mix, you can create all sorts of great recipes with delicious flavor profiles. Use the blend of spices to create super spicy dishes, or add just a pinch to give subtle cajun hints.

I personally love using it with traditional Cajun recipes, but you don’t have to limit using it to only that cuisine. It’s a great way to spice up that plate of nachos or pile of fries or give different flavors to vegetables that are typically pretty mild in flavor. This is the best Cajun seasoning to add to your spice rack.

Personally, it is the best thing that has happened to me! I no longer have to worry about purchasing the Cajun blends from the grocery store.

It saves money, is a great substitute, and I can customize it how I like. The fact that it’s made with common ingredients is just the icing on the cake. If you like making your own seasoning and spice mixtures, you can also check out my Green Seasoning Recipe, Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, or my Best Seasoning for French Fries. 

Cajun Seasoning Substitute

You might wonder, “So, what exactly are cajun seasoning blends made of? How are they different than Creole seasoning?”

You’re not alone if you don’t know the differences between creole seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and Louisiana seasoning. In short, both creole and Cajun seasoning blends are types of Louisiana seasonings that have many similarities.

Both Creole and Cajun cuisine have roots in Louisiana. During the 1700s, individuals of various backgrounds, including African, French, and Spanish, were referred to as Creole people.

The term distinguished them from newcomers to the region. Creole cuisine featured Louisiana-native ingredients and imported food from Africa and other places, and it was influenced by Native American people in the region, too.

Meanwhile, the Cajun people, who also made their way to the area around the same time, are descendants of French Canadians. They were known for their frugal and inventive use of affordable staples like rice and seafood, leading to the Cajun dishes we know now. 

Overall, these two well-known cuisines have many similarities. And the popular spice blends are very alike too. The primary difference is that Cajun seasoning blends often have a variety of spices for a bold spicy flavor, while creole spices have some of the same components but lean heavier on the herby, earthy flavors.

One type of store-bought Cajun seasoning you might recognize is Slap Ya Mama, crafted in Ville Platte, a few hours from New Orleans. If you like the flavor of Slap Ya Mama, you can use this Cajun seasoning substitute in place of it. I promise once you start making your own Cajun seasoning, you’ll never go back to store-bought! So, let’s take a look at how you can make it!

Ingredients Needed

This homemade Cajun seasoning recipe calls for common pantry spices, so open your spice drawer because you likely already have everything you need!

Here are some notes about the ingredients:

• Paprika: Offers warmth and a sweet yet smoky flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: This ingredient offers a blend of herbs, making it easier than if you rounded up several different individual herbs.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the seasoning blend with its garlicky, umami flavor.
• Onion Powder: Onion pairs with the garlic and the herbs in the blend.
• Cayenne Pepper: This is where the heat comes from! You definitely don’t want to skip out on it.

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page to see the exact quantities needed.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to adjust the main seasonings of this Cajun Seasoning Substitute recipe to create different spice blends or variations. Here are some ideas:

• Old Bay Replacement: Although Old Bay isn’t technically a Cajun seasoning, this recipe has many overlapping ingredients and you can add some bay leaves and celery salt to make it more like Old Bay!
• Ground Pepper: Feel free to add some black pepper or white pepper to the blend. It would be extra delicious is you used fresh black pepper ground with a spice grinder.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more cayenne or use hot paprika or smoked paprika (Spanish paprika) instead of regular to make it spicier. Or, if you don’t prefer much heat, you can use less cayenne.
• Turn it into Adobo Seasoning: Focus on the sweeter flavors with less spice. You can add less cayenne and include cumin, turmeric, and use oregano instead of Italian seasoning. The onion and garlic can stay the same!

Substitutions 

• Italian Seasoning Substitute: use dried basil, oregano, dried thyme, and parsley instead.
• Cayenne Substitute: If you don’t have cayenne, consider using red pepper flakes, chili flakes (chili pepper flakes), or 1-2 teaspoons chili powder instead. Although they provide a different type of spiciness, it can work if you have no other options.
• Garlic or Onion Powder: A good substitute would be the dried granules, which have a coarser texture but provide essentially the same flavor.

How To Make Cajun Seasoning Substitute

Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir to combine. Use in your favorite dishes and store any extra for later!

Tips For Perfect Cajun Seasoning Substitute

• Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container, such as a jar, at room temperature. Ideally, it should be in a cool place (and dry place!), such as the pantry.
• You can mix the seasoning blend with some olive oil and use it as a marinade for chicken and other meat. You can also add some fresh lemon or lime juice. Allow the meat to rest with the seasoned oil in the fridge for a bit to absorb the flavors.
• You can easily double the recipe if you want a larger supply of this seasoning blend!
• After each use, make sure to tightly secure the lid of the container so the spices will remain fresh.

Foods you can season with this Cajun Seasoning Substitute:

• Cajun chicken
• Sweet potatoes or french fries
• Seafood boils or stews
• Burgers and steaks
• Shrimp or fish
• Pasta and rice dishes
• Tofu
• Pork…and the list goes on and on!

Recipes To Make With Cajun Seasoning Substitute

You can use this homemade Cajun seasoning to make the following recipes:

Baked Cajun Salmon

Cajun Pasta With Salmon

Seafood Gumbo

Mango Shrimp Salad

If you make this recipe please leave a star rating below. Your rating helps others find the recipe plus I love hearing from you! Thank you!