18 New Orleans Inspired Recipes For a Taste of the Big Easy

Here are 18 New Orleans Inspired Recipes For a Taste of the Big Easy that are all easy, delicious, and will have you saying “laissez le bon temps rouler!” From classic Shrimp Creole and jambalaya to beignets and red beans and rice, these recipes capture the vibrant flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, bringing the spirit of Mardi Gras to your table any time of year.

Graphic for 18 New Orleans Inspired Recipes For A Taste of the Big Easy with four photos.

These are some of the best and most inspired recipes that celebrate New Orleans!  From appetizers such as Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade to main dish classics such as Shrimp Creole and healthy and flavorful Low Carb Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage, these 18 New Orleans Inspired Recipes are the perfect way to celebrate Mardi Gras!

Appetizers

Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade
Big Easy-inspired Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade are super easy and will be the hit of any get-together!  Sweet crab and artichokes with a buttermilk batter fry up crisp and golden on the outside and tender and delicious on the inside.  They pair perfectly with a spicy remoulade!
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Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade - Overhead shot of beignets in white pan
Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with Sriracha Remoulade
Shrimp Cocktail with Sriracha Remoulade is an updated, spicy twist on the classic New Orleans favorite for a summer appetizer everyone will love! You'll also love this remoulade with crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, fried pickles, roasted potato wedges and so much more!
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Photo of Sriracha Shrimp Remoulade Cocktail with lettuce, celery leaves, avocado wedge and lemon wedge.
Deviled Crab-Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms
Deviled Crab Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms are a divine twist on a classic dish made into an easy elegant appetizer!
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Deviled Crab Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms - Close-up straight-on shot on white platter
Shrimp Cocktail Louis
Shrimp Cocktail Louis harkens back to an era when shrimp cocktail was the ultimate in elegance!  This modern twist which includes Sriracha hot sauce is the perfect party food!
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Shrimp Cocktail Louis on white platter with sauce garnished with lemon wedges.

Soups

Slow Cooker Cajun 15-Bean Soup with Andouille, Ham and Bacon
Slow Cooker Cajun 15-Bean Soup with Andouille, Ham and Bacon is hearty comfort food that’s easy and perfect for a winter night!
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Slow Cooker Cajun 15 Bean Soup with Andouille Ham and Bacon in bright blue bowl with copper soup spoon.

Main Dishes

Buttery Blackened Steak Bites with Gorgonzola
Buttery Blackened Steak Bites with Gorgonzola is perfect for an easy, casual dinner or make a fun appetizer!  Tender, succulent pieces of steak are tossed in a flavorful blackening mix, seared to perfection then glazed with melted butter and Gorgonzola cheese!
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Buttery Blackened Steak Bites with Gorgonzola - Overhead shot of steak bites in cast iron skillet
Cajun-Smothered Pork Medallions
Cajun-Smothered Pork Medallions are the delicious Big Easy way to spice up the night with your loved one!  Lean pork tenderloin is cut into "medallions" for quick, even cooking, rubbed with Cajun seasoning then smothered in a spicy sauce!
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Cajun-Smothered Pork Medallions - Close-up shot in cast iron skillet with thyme sprigs
Easy Red Beans and Rice Recipe
Traditionally a dish that takes all day, this simplified version of the Louisiana classic can be ready in a little over an hour. Easy Red Beans and Rice is the ultimate budget, pantry and freezer-friendly dish that really satisfies!
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Easy Red Beans and Rice in white bowl on light blue background with fork scooping beans out.
Blackened Halibut with Mango and Avocado Salsa
Try this Blackened Halibut recipe for a healthy dinner idea for two with a tropical twist! Mild, fresh halibut is coated in a homemade blackening spice mixture, seared to form a lightly charred crust, then topped with a lively mango and avocado salsa.
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Blackened Halibut with Mango - Avocado Salsa on white plate with fork garnished with cilantro and lime wedge with a piece removed to show the inside of the fish.
Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeno Remoulade
Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeno Remoulade are a tasty New Orleans-inspired alternative to traditional beef burgers.  A jalapeno remoulade is the perfect, delicious accompaniment!
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Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese
Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese is the South's perfect comfort food. Here, it's made into an easy-to-make and make-ahead casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The creamy grits, Gouda cheese, and a kick of heat make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking for a new comfort dish to enjoy, this casserole hits all the right notes!
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Spicy Shrimp and Grits Casserole with Gouda Cheese in a round white baking dish with a wooden spoon scooping some out.
Smothered Shrimp with Andouille Sausage and Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Grits
Smothered Shrimp and Andouille Sausage with Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Grits is decadent, delicious and the perfect way to enjoy a New Orleans-inspired dinner at home!  The Cajun seasoning, fire-roasted tomatoes and Andouille sausage give this smothered shrimp dish an amazing depth of flavor without having to make a time-consuming roux.
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Smothered Shrimp with Andouille Sausage in cast iron skillet.
Cheesy Cauliflower Grits with Blackened Shrimp
Cheesy Cauliflower Grits with Blackened Shrimp is a low-carb update to traditional shrimp and grits that doesn’t leave out any of the comfort!
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Cauliflower Gouda Grits and Blackened Shrimp in earthenware bow.
Baked Catfish Pecan Meuniere with Spicy Sauteed Greens
Baked Catfish Pecan Meuniere is my healthy interpretation of the Palace Cafe classic.  Spicy Sauteed Greens make the perfect side dish!
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Baked Catfish Pecan Meuniere with butter being drizzled over a piece.
The Best Shrimp Creole Recipe
This beloved New Orleans dish is super easy to make, doesn't require a roux, and can be on the table in about 45 minutes for a taste of the Big Easy any night!
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Finished Best Shrimp Creole in white enamel cast iron skillet with serving spoon.
Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad
Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad with Sourdough Croutons is a combination of two of the best ideas any chef ever had: Caesar salad and blackening!
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Sliced Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad on white plate with fork digging into one of the slices.
Low Carb Jambalaya with Chicken Shrimp and Sausage
Low Carb Jambalaya with Chicken, Shrimp and Sausage is a healthful and nutritious twist on the New Orleans classic that's made with cauliflower "rice."
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Low-Carb Jambalaya with Chicken Shrimp and Sausage with serving utensils garnished with fresh parsley.

Sides

Sauteed Kale with Andouille Sausage
Sauteed Kale with Andouille Sausage is a modern twist on a Southern classic that's quick and easy to make! 
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Spicy Sautéed Kale with Andouille Sausage in cast iron skillet.

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