The Best Recipes from Louisiana

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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