The best homemade spicy or mild Cajun seasoning recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Cajun spice mix made of? ›

What Is In Cajun Spice Mix? Typical Cajun seasonings (including store-bought like Slap Ya Mama and Tony Chachere's) are made with black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. For different flavors, some Cajun spice mixes include salt, mustard powder, chile peppers, or cumin.

Cajun seasoning, also known as Cajun spice or spice mix, is a fragrant blend of dried herbs and ground spices originating from Louisiana, home of Cajun cuisine. The spice blend is typically made of spices that are common to Cajun cuisine, such as paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

In very general terms, Creole Food is not that "hot" - though it is usually rather "spicy," but with layers of spicy flavors, and not THAT much heat. Cajun Food can have a bit more heat, but again, it's more spicy, than hot, per se.

By the way, there is also a trinity of Cajun spices, namely, cayenne, black pepper and white pepper; as well as a trinity of herbs, consisting of oregano, bay leaf and parsley.

Similarly, in Creole and Cajun cuisine, the onion, celery, and green bell pepper are three parts of a single flavorful base. The Holy Trinity in cooking is also often called The Cajun Trinity or The Holy Trinity of Cajun Cooking. That said, it is often used in both Creole and Cajun dishes.

While very similar, the primary difference between Cajun and Creole seasonings is this: Cajun seasoning contains a combination of ground peppers—cayenne, black, white, etc. —while Creole seasoning is heavy on the herbs—paprika, oregano, thyme, etc.

Chili powder + dried thyme + cayenne pepper

If you really don't have many ingredients in your pantry, you can pull together a basic substitute for Cajun seasoning using 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/4- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

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.

So What Makes Them Different? The main difference between Cajun and Creole cuisine is that Cajun cuisine is typically spicier than Creole cuisine. This is because Cajun cuisine uses more spices, such as cayenne pepper and paprika. Creole cuisine, on the other hand, is typically milder.

Why is Cajun seasoning so spicy? ›

The spicy heat comes from the cayenne pepper, while other flavors come from bell pepper, paprika, green onions, parsley and more.

Paprika has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, while Cajun seasoning is spicier and has a more robust flavor.

As to the difference in the cuisines, Creole can be defined as “city cooking” with influences from Spain, Africa, Germany, Italy and the West Indies combined with native ingredients. Cajun cooking is more of a home cooked style that is rich with the ingredients at hand in the new world the Acadians settled into.

Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices that originated in Louisiana (which is why it's also sometimes known as Louisiana cajun seasoning). It typically contains a mix of peppers (paprika, cayenne, black pepper) and garlic powder.

Cajun seasoning may be your best option if you enjoy a spicy kick of heat in your food. For a more mild, savory flavor, Old Bay could be your cup of tea. Whichever you choose, make sure to grab the napkins — you're in for a mouth-watering treat.

Creole Seasonings and Cajun seasonings are two of the most popular seasonings in Louisiana cuisine. Creole condiment is a blend of spices that includes paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper. Cajun Seasonings is a blend of spices that includes chili powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

Both go well on similar dishes, and contain similar flavor profiles in many ways. The main difference is the spice factor present in the Cajun seasoning, which makes Creole seasoning a great alternative for someone hoping to try their hand at shrimp étouffée, but can't handle the heat.

While very similar, the primary difference between Cajun and Creole seasonings is this: Cajun seasoning contains a combination of ground peppers—cayenne, black, white, etc. —while Creole seasoning is heavy on the herbs—paprika, oregano, thyme, etc.