New Orleans is one of the great culinary capitals of the world, thanks in no small part to its unique cultural background. Backed by Creole and Cajun communities, and shaped by generations of different cultures, these iconic New Orleans recipes just could not have been invented anywhere else in the whole world.
So if you’re looking to get a taste of the bayou—no ticket required—check out these 15 famous foods that have the flavor-first spirit that makes New Orleans food so special. Make sure to keep these recipes saved on MyRecipes for any upcoming Mardi Gras celebration, or anytime you’re craving the hearty, flavorful taste of the South.
Jambalaya
“Made it for my husband tonight. Super easy, love the one pot preparation,” said one reviewer. “Aside from the little bit of time it takes to chop everything it comes together super quickly. Hubby stated it was the best jambalaya he’d had since the last time he was in NOLA. So winner, winner jambalaya dinner for me!! Didn’t change a thing except to add a finely chopped jalapeño.”
Louisiana Crawfish Étouffée
“Crawfish étouffée is a Cajun classic,” says Allrecipes member Bonnie, who shared this recipe. “Here in Louisiana, there’s nothing better to make during crawfish season. You can substitute shrimp when crawfish are out of season. It’s even better when served with hot garlic French bread! Start cooking the rice first since this is a quick dish.”
New Orleans Mac and Cheese
Chef John’s New Orleans Mac and Cheese is a beautifully creamy, just-decadent-enough mac and cheese. Hollow bucatini pasta takes on the Cajun-spiced sauce magnificently, and the classic Holy Trinity of vegetables is so good you’ll wonder why you’ve never thought to use it before.
“Another excellent recipe from Chef John,” says one reviewer. “Easy to make and good tasting!! Just enough of a spice hit to make you want more. I think next time I make it I am going to throw in some crab or shrimp to kick it up a notch!!”
Chicken Lazone
Creamy, Cajun-spiced Chicken Lazone is incredibly delicious and seems fancy but needs almost no prep at all. Adapted from the famous New Orleans dish by Chef Lazone Randolph of Brennan’s, it may be one of the easiest chicken dishes we’ve ever posted…