We found the best Louisiana recipes, all shared by local home cooks. In this collection, you’ll find flavors and dishes—like Creole, Cajun and Southern fare—that made the Pelican State famous.
The Best Recipes from Louisiana
New Orleans Beignets
These sweet, square and holeless French doughnuts are known as beignets. NOLA’s traditional breakfast always includes a few of these powdered sugar delicacies. These are one of my favorite New Orleans-inspired recipes. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
1/28
2/28
Creole Cornbread
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread is a staple of Cajun and Creole cuisine. This version is an old favorite, and it really tastes wonderful. I found the recipe in the bottom of my recipe drawer. —Enid Hebert, Lafayette, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 272 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 551mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
3/28
Classic Red Beans N Rice
Total Time
2 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After living where Cajun cooking is common, we rely on this staple dish. Even If you’ve never tried red beans and rice, you’ll like this recipe! —Jackie Turnage, New Iberia, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 309 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
4/28
Old-Time Buttermilk Pie
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is older than I am…and I was born in 1919! My mother and grandmother made this pie with buttermilk and eggs from our farm and set it on the tables at church meetings and social gatherings. I did the same and now our children make this Lousiana recipe, too! —Kate Mathews, Shreveport, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 448 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (42g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/28
Creole Jambalaya
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Jambalaya is a traditional Louisiana dish, coming from our Spanish and French culture. Rice is the main ingredient, with different meats or seafood mixed in. I particularly like this variation with shrimp and ham. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 270 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 974mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/28
Hearty Muffuletta
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Famous in Louisiana, a muffuletta is a combo of cold cuts, cheese and olive salad layered into an Italian bread shell. I was happy when a friend and co-worker gave me this recipe so I could make it myself. More than a meal, it’s a dining experience! —Ruth Hayward, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 378 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 1103mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
7/28
Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is still tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 557 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 358mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
8/28
Creole Pork Tenderloin with Vegetables
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh summer vegetables are paired with lean pork and tasty Greek olives for a healthy and quick dinner that's great for family or friends. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1 cup vegetables: 247 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 575mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/28
Grandmother’s Southern Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings
Total Time
1 hour 55 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a child, my grandmother could feed our entire large family with a single chicken—and lots of dumplings in this Southern chicken and dumplings recipe. —Cathy Carroll, Bossier City, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 310 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
10/28
Crawfish Fettuccine
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy cooking Cajun dishes, especially those with seafood. Served alongside a green salad and garlic bread, this dish
is great for family gatherings. The recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group. If you’d like it less spicy, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before chopping it. —Carolyn Lejeune, Welsh, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 590 calories, 41g fat (25g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
11/28
Beef and Black Bean Spaghetti Squash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been working on developing healthier recipes that still taste fabulous—and keep me satisfied. This squash tossed with beef, beans and kale has so much flavor it's easy to forget it's good for you! —Charlotte Cravins, Opelousas, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 312 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 8g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/28
Caramel Apple Muffins
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These muffins are perfect for anyone who loves caramel apples. They are particularly good with breakfast or during a coffee break. —Therese Puckett, Shreveport, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 muffin: 245 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
13/28
Andouille-Shrimp Cream Soup
Total Time
50 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a variation on a creamy southern Louisiana corn stew. The bold flavor of andouille sausage blends beautifully with the shrimp and subtle spices. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 390 calories, 27g fat (15g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
14/28
Contest-Winning Cajun Cabbage
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a different treatment for cabbage? Try this spicy cheese-topped Cajun cabbage that I adapted from a friend's recipe. I added a little of this and that until it tasted the way I wanted. Not only do my husband and kids like it, but I also get rave reviews when I make it for company or church functions. —Bobbie Soileau, Opelousas, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 235 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
15/28
Chewy Pecan Pie Bars
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This treat is one of my husband's favorites. I've been making these bars for many years, and we still can't get enough. I never mind making this recipe—it's about as easy as baking can be! —Judy Taylor, Shreveport, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 180 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
16/28
Brisket Sandwich
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don't let the number of ingredients in this brisket sandwich recipe scare you; you probably have most of them in your pantry already. The sauce is what makes this dish so special. It's hard not to like ketchup, brown sugar and a little butter drizzled over tender beef brisket. —Jane Guilbeau, New Orleans, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 405 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
17/28
Banana Cream Eclairs
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To surprise my banana-loving family, I made this dessert for a reunion, where it stood out among the usual fare. I also make these as a Mardi Gras dessert. These special treats are something to look at and mouthwateringly delicious. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 eclair: 323 calories, 25g fat (14g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
18/28
Shrimp Chowder
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 745mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
19/28
Buttermilk Pound Cake
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Now that I've retired from teaching, I have more time to bake. This buttermilk pound cake is the one I make most often. It is a truly southern recipe, and one I think can't be topped—once people taste it, they won't go back to their other recipes with buttermilk. —Gracie Hanchey, De Ridder, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 334 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
20/28
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A real southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 361 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 15g protein.
21/28
Pecan Tassies
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pecan tassies are very good for parties and special occasions. You'll probably want to double the recipe, because they'll disappear in a hurry! —Joy Corie, Ruston, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 242 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 131mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/28
Cajun Corn Soup
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this recipe years ago and substituted Cajun stewed tomatoes for a bolder taste. Now I prepare this dish for out-of-state guests who want to taste some Cajun food. Everyone who tries it gives it high marks. Plus, it's easy to prepare. —Sue Fontenot, Kinder, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 396 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 1011mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 18g protein.
23/28
Coconut Fudge Cake
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A big piece of this moist cake is a chocolate and coconut devotee’s dream. You should see my husband, children and grandkids smile when I serve it. — Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 540 calories, 29g fat (8g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
24/28
Homemade Cajun Seasoning
Total Time
5 min
Servings
about 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We in Louisiana love seasoned foods. I use Cajun seasoning recipe in gravy, over meats and with salads. A sprinkle of this turns any dish into a Lousiana recipe! —Onietta Loewer, Branch, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 teaspoon: 1 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 433mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
25/28
Spicy French Dip
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If I’m cooking for a party or family get-together, I can put this beef in the slow cooker in the morning and then concentrate on other preparations. It’s a timesaver that never fails to get rave reviews. —Ginny Koeppen, Winnfield, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
26/28
Andouille-Stuffed Pork Loin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This andouille-stuffed and bacon-wrapped pork loin is full of bold flavors and simple to prepare. It is a faculty potluck favorite. This recipe may be prepared ahead, covered, refrigerated and baked before the faculty meeting or potluck to provide a wonderful, warm entree.—Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked meat: 332 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 842mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 39g protein.
27/28
Jezebel Chicken Thighs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This easy-to-prepare, sweet and spicy chicken dish is a quick favorite that we make throughout the year. Tender and moist, it’s a filling dish for busy weeknights. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisana
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons sauce: 380 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
28/28
Hearty Rice Dressing
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
50 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This satisfying dressing has always been received well at church socials and family reunions. The recipe feeds a crowd—I cut back if I’m serving a smaller group. —Ruth Hayward, Lake Charles, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 153 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.