Welcome to the flavorful world of New Orleans cuisine! Known for its vibrant and diverse food culture, this city has a culinary scene that will leave you craving for more.
From spicy jambalaya to mouthwatering beignets, New Orleans offers a wide range of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of the Big Easy.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best New Orleans recipes that you absolutely must try. Whether you are a seafood lover, a fan of hearty gumbo, or have a sweet tooth that craves pralines, there is something for everyone in this gastronomic paradise.
So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the rich flavors and unique ingredients that make New Orleans cuisine so special.
Whether you're planning a trip to the Crescent City or simply want to bring a taste of New Orleans into your home, these recipes will help you recreate the authentic flavors and vibrant spirit of this iconic city.
So, grab your apron and let's get cooking! It's time to savor the best of New Orleans right in your own kitchen.
1. Spicy New Orleans Shrimp
The Spicy New Orleans Shrimp recipe is a hot, bold, and decadent dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Packed with flavors from a blend of spices, butter, and chili sauce, these plump shrimp are a delicious treat.
The marinade adds a smoky and spicy kick, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy bold flavors. Serve with crusty French bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
2. Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a classic New Orleans recipe that brings the flavors of Louisiana to your plate. This dish combines cooked chicken, sausage, onions, celery, green peppers, and garlic with long-grain rice, stock, and Cajun seasoning.
The combination of these ingredients creates a flavorful and hearty meal that is perfect for any occasion. Jambalaya is a must-try for those looking to experience the authentic taste of New Orleans cuisine.
3. New Orleans Hurricane Drink
The New Orleans Hurricane Drink is a quintessential NOLA cocktail that brings a taste of The Big Easy to your home. This fruity and tropical drink is sweet, tangy, and packs a punch with rum.
Served in a hurricane glass, it is the perfect companion to New Orleans' iconic dishes like Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp Po Boys, and Beignets. Highly addictive and refreshing, the Hurricane Drink is a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts.
4. New Orleans Jambalaya
New Orleans Jambalaya is a classic Cajun dish that combines a variety of flavors and ingredients. This one-pot meal features a mix of chicken, shrimp, and smoked sausage, along with colorful bell peppers, onions, and spices.
It's a delicious and easy recipe that allows for more quality time with family, making it perfect for busy households. The combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and hearty dish that captures the essence of New Orleans cuisine.
5. New Orleans Red Beans and Rice
New Orleans Red Beans and Rice is a classic Cajun dish that is deep in flavor and has just the right amount of kick. Made with ingredients like andouille sausage, smoked ham, and aromatic spices, this dish is a true taste of NOLA. It is a comforting and satisfying recipe that is easy to prepare.
The beans are cooked slowly with the sausage mixture, resulting in a creamy and tender texture. Served over steamed white rice and garnished with scallions, this dish is a must-try for anyone craving authentic New Orleans cuisine.
6. New Orleans Creole Butter Smoked Sausage Kolaches
The New Orleans Creole Butter Smoked Sausage Kolaches are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that captures the essence of classic Creole cuisine. The smoked sausage is rolled in creole butter and wrapped in a puff pastry blanket, filled with fresh jalapeno peppers, shredded cheese, and a creamy cream cheese spread.
The use of Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning adds an authentic touch to the dish. These kolaches are a unique twist on the traditional pigs in a blanket, perfect for game day tailgating or any occasion where you want to impress with a taste of New Orleans.
7. Copy Cat Pat O'Brien Hurricane Cocktail
The Copy Cat Pat O'Brien Hurricane Cocktail is a classic New Orleans drink that packs a punch. With its blend of multiple types of rum and sweet fruit juices, it captures the essence of the original recipe created by Pat O'Brien in the 1940s.
Perfect for Mardi Gras or a hot summer afternoon, this cocktail is known for its strong and fruity flavors. Whether enjoyed in the iconic hurricane lamp shaped glass or any tall glass, this drink is sure to transport you to the vibrant streets of New Orleans.
8. Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo
Chicken Andouille Sausage Gumbo is a delicious and authentic New Orleans dish. The smoky andouille sausage, okra, and aromatic vegetables create a flavorful combination that is perfect for sharing.
This recipe showcases classic techniques, such as homemade chicken broth and a traditional roux for thickening. With its rich and hearty broth, this gumbo is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of New Orleans cuisine.
9. New Orleans Style Gumbo
New Orleans Style Gumbo is a must-try dish for anyone craving the flavors of the Big Easy. This recipe captures the essence of New Orleans with its rich and flavorful broth, filled with a variety of meats and vegetables.
It may take some time and patience to prepare, but the end result is worth it. Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras or simply looking to warm up on a cold day, this gumbo is a delicious taste of New Orleans.
10. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a classic Cajun dish that is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. The shrimp are cooked in a delicious sauce made with garlic, beer, Worcestershire, Creole spices, and plenty of butter. It's a crowd-pleasing recipe that can be made as mild or as spicy as you prefer.
The dish is traditionally served with crusty French bread for mopping up the sauce, but it also pairs well with rice, grits, or pasta. Overall, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a must-try recipe that captures the essence of New Orleans cuisine.
11. Hurricane Cocktail
The Hurricane Cocktail is a classic libation from New Orleans, born at the legendary Pat O'Brien's restaurant and bar in the French Quarter.
This refreshing drink combines white and dark rum with lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit juice, simple syrup, and grenadine. Served over ice and garnished with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry, it's a perfect sip for poolside or a fun gathering with friends.
12. Authentic New Orleans Shrimp Po' Boy
The Authentic New Orleans Shrimp Po' Boy is a must-try for seafood lovers. This recipe features crispy Cajun fried shrimp piled on a French baguette and topped with a flavorful Creole-inspired remoulade sauce.
The combination of textures and flavors creates a truly authentic and delicious po' boy experience. Whether you're a fan of New Orleans cuisine or simply looking to try something new, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
13. New Orleans Rémoulade Sauce
New Orleans Rémoulade Sauce is a creamy and spicy condiment traditionally served with seafood. It has a mayonnaise base and is loaded with spices and seasonings, giving it a bold and tangy flavor.
This versatile sauce pairs well with all types of seafood, making it a perfect accompaniment for dishes like Shrimp Po Boys and Lobster Rolls. Whether you're a seafood lover or just looking to add some zing to your meals, New Orleans Rémoulade Sauce is a must-try.
14. New Orleans Shrimp Sausage Gumbo
New Orleans Shrimp Sausage Gumbo is a rich and flavorful stew that combines shrimp, sausage, and okra in a thick, satisfying broth.
The toasted roux, cajun spices, and homemade shrimp stock add depth and complexity to this classic New Orleans dish. Perfect for a weekend project, this gumbo is worth the time and effort for its intense and delicious flavors.
15. Authentic Crawfish Bread
Authentic Crawfish Bread is a delicious New Orleans recipe that combines the flavors of rich crawfish sauce and warm French bread. The cheesy seafood filling is encased in a crispy exterior, creating a heavenly bite.
This recipe can also be made with shrimp as a substitute for crawfish. It is a must-try dish for anyone craving the taste of New Orleans.
16. Cheddars New Orleans Pasta
Cheddars New Orleans Pasta is a flavorful Cajun-style dish featuring a combination of shrimp, chicken, smoked sausage, peppers, onions, and penne pasta.
Tossed in a homemade spicy Alfredo sauce, this pasta is perfect for feeding a crowd. The dish can be modified by omitting shrimp and adding extra sausage or chicken. It reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.
17. Louisiana Sunburst Salad
The Louisiana Sunburst Salad is a standout dish from the Palace Cafe in New Orleans. This salad features soaked cranberries in port wine, crumbled Stilton cheese, toasted almonds, and a tangy raspberry vinaigrette with a hint of hot sauce.
It is a perfect side dish for Cajun or Creole mains, or even alongside grilled steak or BBQ chicken. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad is truly delightful.
18. Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice, a classic Cajun dish from New Orleans, is a flavorful and hearty rice recipe that showcases the rich and diverse flavors of Louisiana cuisine. This golden brown rice dish is made by browning andouille sausage in butter, then simmering it with a trinity of vegetables – bell peppers, celery, and onions – along with garlic and green onions.
Traditional Cajun seasonings like bay leaves, paprika, salt, pepper, dried parsley, and hot pepper sauce add depth and spice to the dish. The rice is cooked in a combination of chicken stock and water, absorbing all the delicious flavors as it simmers. Dirty Rice is a true Louisiana staple, perfect as a main dish or a flavorful side.
19. Classic Louisiana Andouille Sausage
The Classic Louisiana Andouille Sausage is a staple in New Orleans Creole cooking. This pork-based sausage is known for its spicy, garlicky, and smoky flavors. It can be served in a natural casing or as an uncased patty.
The sausage is versatile and can be used in various dishes such as Red Beans and Rice, Shrimp and Andouille Po Boys, gumbo, and more. It is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of New Orleans cuisine.
20. Salmon New Orleans
Salmon New Orleans is a sweet and savory dish that features pan-seared salmon topped with sautéed shrimp in a flavorful cajun butter sauce. This 30-minute meal is a must-try for seafood lovers, delivering a perfect combination of flavors.
The caramelization of the salmon with honey and butter creates a mouthwatering experience. The homemade cajun seasoning adds a kick and enhances the taste of the shrimp. Overall, Salmon New Orleans is a restaurant-quality dish that is simple to make and will leave you wanting more.
21. Real New Orleans Shrimp Étouffée
Real New Orleans Shrimp Étouffée is a classic Louisiana dish that brings the authentic taste of New Orleans to your home. This recipe features smothered shrimp in a thick sauce, made with a roux base and the holy trinity of vegetables.
It is served over plain white rice, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. With basic ingredients and a little patience, you can recreate this southern family favorite and enjoy the rich flavors of New Orleans cuisine.
22. Crawfish Monica
Crawfish Monica is a beloved Creole dish from New Orleans that features succulent crawfish tails cooked in spices and a rich cream sauce, then tossed with pasta. It has quickly become a favorite at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, known for its diverse and delicious food offerings.
The combination of tender crawfish, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a mouthwatering dish that is sure to impress. Whether you're a fan of crawfish or just looking to try something new, Crawfish Monica is a must-try recipe that captures the essence of New Orleans cuisine.
23. New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans-Style BBQ Shrimp is a buttery, spicy, and flavorful dish that features fresh shrimp baked in a sauce infused with garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of spices.
The shrimp are cooked in their shells, which helps to keep them tender and moist while adding extra flavor to the sauce. This dish is best enjoyed with crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It's a must-try for seafood lovers looking to experience the bold and vibrant flavors of New Orleans cuisine.
