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

By Carol

Published Feb 28, 2025

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read My Disclosure

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.

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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!

Table of Contents

Appetizers

Crab and Artichoke Beignets with Jalapeno Remoulade - Overhead shot of beignets in white pan
5 from 4 votes

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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Photo of Sriracha Shrimp Remoulade Cocktail with lettuce, celery leaves, avocado wedge and lemon wedge.
4.67 from 3 votes

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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Deviled Crab Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms on white platter.
4.75 from 12 votes

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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Shrimp Cocktail Louis on white platter with sauce garnished with lemon wedges.
4.69 from 32 votes

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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Soups

Slow Cooker Cajun 15 Bean Soup with Andouille Ham and Bacon in bright blue bowl with copper soup spoon.
4.52 from 27 votes

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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Main Dishes

Buttery Blackened Steak Bites with Gorgonzola - Overhead shot of steak bites in cast iron skillet
4.86 from 7 votes

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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Cajun-Smothered Pork Medallions - Close-up shot in cast iron skillet with thyme sprigs
4.74 from 15 votes

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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Easy Red Beans and Rice in white bowl on light blue background with fork scooping beans out.
4.66 from 52 votes

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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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.
4.52 from 37 votes

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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Shrimp Burgers with Jalapeno Remoulade and sweet potato fries on white plate.
5 from 1 vote

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 in a round white baking dish with a wooden spoon scooping some out.
4.62 from 450 votes

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!
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Smothered Shrimp with Andouille Sausage in cast iron skillet.
4.64 from 202 votes

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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Cauliflower Gouda Grits and Blackened Shrimp in earthenware bow.
4.41 from 27 votes

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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Baked Catfish Pecan Meuniere with butter being drizzled over a piece.
4.72 from 7 votes

Baked Catfish Pecan Meuniere and Spicy Sauteed Greens

Baked Catfish Pecan Meuniere combines the comforting flavors of the South with a touch of elegance. This delightful recipe takes tender catfish fillets, coats them in a crunchy pecan crust, and bakes them to golden perfection—all while keeping things light and flavorful. Inspired by the classic French meuniere style, with a buttery, lemony sauce.
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Finished Best Shrimp Creole in white enamel cast iron skillet with serving spoon.
4.53 from 202 votes

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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Sliced Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad on white plate with fork digging into one of the slices.
4.80 from 5 votes

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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Low-Carb Jambalaya with Chicken Shrimp and Sausage with serving utensils garnished with fresh parsley.
4.54 from 129 votes

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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Sides

Spicy Sautéed Kale with Andouille Sausage in cast iron skillet.
5 from 7 votes

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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About Carol

Carol is a personal chef with 22 years of experience cooking food people want to eat! Here, you'll find expert techniques, time-saving tips, and flavor-packed dishes you'll be proud to serve family and friends.

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4 Comments

  1. Robin says:

    I am from New Orleans and these all look really delicious. Will definitely try. Robin

    Reply
    1. Carol says:

      Hi, Robin, Thanks so very much and sure hope you do! I do say they’re “inspired,” but I’d love to know what you think! Thanks again and hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Janet Sluder says:

    All your recipes look delicious. I can’t wait to try all of them!

    Reply
    1. Carol says:

      Hi, Janet, Thanks so very much and I hope you do!

      Reply