New Orleans is known for wild parties, beautiful architecture and some of the most flavorful food in the country. From shrimp to sausage to beignets, here is our list of New Orleans recipes perfect for a Mardi Gras party or any other time you want to let the good times roll.
47 New Orleans-Inspired Recipes for Mardi Gras
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
Seafood Gumbo
Gumbo is one dish that makes Louisiana cuisine so famous. We live across the state line in Texas and can’t seem to get enough of this traditional Cajun dish that features okra, shrimp, spicy seasonings and the “holy trinity”—onions, green peppers and celery. This New Orleans recipe calls for seafood, but you could also use chicken, duck or sausage. —Ruth Aubey, San Antonio, Texas
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Traditional New Orleans King Cake
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
1 cake (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Get in on the fun of traditional king cake by hiding a little toy baby in the cake. Whoever finds it has one year of good luck! —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 321 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Check out these other Fat Tuesday recipes that are so delicious.
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Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
Total Time
3 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of Louisiana red beans and rice. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 1070mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 13g fiber), 24g protein.
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Mini Muffuletta
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
People love these hearty little sandwich wedges. The New Orleans recipe is great for a party and can be made the day before.—Gareth Craner, Minden, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 119 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 537mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
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Crawfish Etouffee
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Cajun sensation when I entertain. Etouffee is typically served with shellfish over rice and is similar to gumbo. This recipe has its roots in New Orleans and the bayou country of Louisiana. —Tamra Duncan, Lincoln, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 251 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
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Beignets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet French doughnuts, inspired by the ones found in Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, are square instead of round and have no hole in the middle. They're a traditional part of breakfast in New Orleans. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 108 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Paczki are another Fat Tuesday tradition.
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Passion Fruit Hurricanes
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 340 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
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Jambalaya
Total Time
4 hours 50 min
Servings
11 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
During chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya: 230 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
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Bourbon Pecan Pralines
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 pound (about 16 pralines)
From the Recipe Creator:
Like authentic pecan pralines found in New Orleans, these treats are sweet, crunchy and rich! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 praline: 183 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
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New Orleans Gumbo
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been making this New Orleans recipe for at least 30 years. I’m originally from New Orleans, and I think it’s a nice taste of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter). Everyone who tastes this gumbo wants the recipe. It’s an old standby for my family, who requests it frequently. —Dolores M. Bridges, Danville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 339 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
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Mardi Gras Cupcakes
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Take these simple Mardi Gras treats to a get-together and watch them disappear. Kids will love to help decorate them with the colorful sprinkles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 276 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
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Quick & Easy New Orleans Shrimp
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve simplified my mom's Shrimp Creole—she made it for us growing up. Now it's effortless comfort food I make for my own family. —Crystal Milne, Urbana, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups with 3/4 cup cooked rice: 371 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 720mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 24g protein.
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The Best Bananas Foster
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests are always impressed when I ignite the rum in this delicious bananas Foster dessert. Use perfectly ripe bananas for best results. —Mary Lou Wayman, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 567 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (72g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
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Pretzel-Crusted Catfish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my books. This combination of flavors just works for me. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and honey. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 610 calories, 31g fat (4g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1579mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.
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Vegan Jambalaya
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful entree won’t leave you hungry since it uses convenient canned beans in place of meat. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 281 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
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Fried Okra
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden brown with a little fresh green showing through, these okra nuggets are crunchy and addictive! My sons like to dip them in ketchup. —Pam Duncan, Summers, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
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Creole Scallop Cakes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 scallop cakes (1-1/2 cups aioli)
Nutrition Facts:
1 scallop cake with 1 tablespoon aioli: 169 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
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Springtime Beignets & Berries
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, trace fiber), 1g protein.
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Blend of the Bayou
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me when I first moved here. It's been handed down in my husband's family for generations. It's quick to prepare, nutritious and flavorful. I've passed it on to my children too.—Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
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Spicy Cajun Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in New Orleans we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest, it has to have a kick! This Cajun potato salad does the trick. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
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Roasted Okra
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you have picky eaters who worry about texture, roasted okra is marvelous. It's OK to crowd the pan. Okra shrinks as it cooks. —Anna Katsoulis, Greenville, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 115 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
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Ragin’ Cajun Eggplant and Shrimp Skillet
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a large summer garden where lots of produce lingers into fall. That’s when we harvest our onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and eggplant—some of the key ingredients of this dish. —Barbara Hahn, Park Hills, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 399 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 28g protein.
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New Orleans-Style Spicy Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have family members who attended college in New Orleans. This shrimp captures their favorite flavors from the Big Easy, with the right touches of spice and heat. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bread): 242 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
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Blackened Catfish with Mango Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings (2 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
A delightful and tasty rub makes this quick recipe fantastic. While the fish is sitting to allow the flavors to blend, you can easily assemble the salsa. My family loves this! —Laura Fisher, Westfield, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/2 cup salsa: 376 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 80mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Gulf Coast Jambalaya Rice
Total Time
3 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As the stew of the South, jambalaya is a definite staple. For ages, home cooks have been making their own tweaks on the traditional recipe. This rendition is my favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 395 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 861mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
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Cajun Shrimp
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you'd like, depending on your family's tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. —Donna Thomason, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked shrimp: 131 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
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Andouille Sausage and Peppers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty sheet-pan dinner has built a reputation for being tasty. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 257 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
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Black-Eyed Peas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 14g fiber), 20g protein.
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Shrimp Creole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An authentic Cajun dish, this tastes even better if refrigerated overnight to allow all the flavors to blend.
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 358 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 224mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
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Best Ever Beans and Sausage
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my wife asks what she should make for a gathering, she's always told to bring this—and a couple of copies of the recipe! — Robert Saulnier, Clarksburg, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 316 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
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Corn Pudding
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food! —P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 435 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
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Southern Pimiento Cheese Spread
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
A classic southern comfort food, this spread is used as an appetizer with crackers, corn chips or celery. It is also smeared between two slices of white bread for sandwiches and as a topping for hamburgers and hot dogs. —Eileen Balmer, South Bend, Indiana.
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 116 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
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Southern Collard Greens
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made the best southern collard greens recipe in the world. Eating them with a slice of buttermilk cornbread is pure bliss. —Sherri Williams, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 204 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 849mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 10g protein.
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Sweet Tea Barbecued Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinades sometimes use coffee or espresso, and that inspired me to try tea and apple juice to perk up this sauce. —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 374 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 608mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
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Cheddar Corn Biscuits
Total Time
40 min
Servings
16 biscuits
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone asks for these cheesy corn biscuits, especially when I serve soup. If you're lucky and have leftovers, rewarm them and pass the butter and jam. —Susan Braun, Swift Current, Saskatchewan
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscuit: 270 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
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Peach Cobbler Recipe
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother received this peach cobbler recipe from a friend of hers many years ago, and fortunately she shared it with me. Boise is situated right between two large fruit-producing areas in our state, so peaches are plentiful in the summer. —Ruby Ewart, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 224 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (33g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
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Cajun Boil on the Grill
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The packets steam up inside, so open them carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 509 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
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Skillet Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a change of pace, you can substitute fresh or frozen peach slices for the pineapple in this old-fashioned New Orleans recipe. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 380 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 59g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
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Bananas Foster Sundaes
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans, and as a dietitian, wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sundae: 233 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
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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 this New Orleans 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.
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Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my fiance first made this chocolate bourbon pecan pie for me, I declared it to be the best pie ever! Creamy chocolate combines with crunchy nuts in a great, gooey filling. We can’t get enough of this recipe inspired by New Orleans flavors. —Tanya Taylor, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 676 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 490mg sodium, 89g carbohydrate (70g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
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Red Beans and Sausage
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup (calculated without rice): 212 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
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Grandma’s Cajun Chicken & Spaghetti
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m originally from Louisiana, where my grandma spoke Cajun French as she taught me her spicy chicken spaghetti. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup chicken mixture with 3/4 cup spaghetti: 550 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 917mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
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Cajun Corn Soup
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I found this New Orleans 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.
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Cornbread Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since my husband likes spicy foods, I frequently sprinkle chopped jalapeno peppers over half of this casserole just for him. I often double the recipe when entertaining and always end up with empty pans. It is that good! —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 311 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
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Muffuletta Cheesecake
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I needed a party appetizer and couldn’t find a recipe I liked, I created my own inspired by New Orleans. This savory spread boasts the flavors of a classic muffuletta sandwich. —Helen Flamm, Dayton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice (calculated without crackers): 267 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 526mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
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Shrimp and Grits
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A southern specialty sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or any time company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup grits with 1/2 cup shrimp mixture: 699 calories, 44g fat (22g saturated fat), 240mg cholesterol, 1835mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
