7 Creole Dishes You Have To Try

Visit Louisiana and the first thing that will strike you is how incredible the food is in New Orleans and beyond. Home to Cajun and Creole food, you might thing the two cuisines are similar but there’s vast differences. To make it super simple, Creole cuisine uses tomatoes and proper Cajun food does not! While Cajun food is rustic, Creole dishes are more cosmopolitan.

This cuisine was created in New Orleans with European, African and Native American roots. The French influence is strongest, but hints of Italian, Spanish, German, and even Caribbean can be found in some dishes. The foundation of Creole is in rich sauces, local herbs, red ripe tomatoes, and the prominent use of seafood, which is caught in local waters. Think of rich, roux-based gumbo, shrimp creole, grits and grillades, redfish courtbouillon and more. Yum!

Want to try make some of these dishes at home? We’re sharing some of the best classic Creole dishes. These recipes aren’t just any recipes either, as they have been created by the world’s top food bloggers. The best of the best. Make sure check out the other great dishes on their sites too.

The Best Creole Dishes

1. Chicken And Sausage Gumbo

This is one of the best known recipes in Creole cooking and this version does it real justice. Huge flavours and a simple cooking technique make this a must-try.

Recipe created by Cindy.

2. Shrimp And Grits

This Creole shrimp and grits recipe is super easy yet delicious! Shrimp and grits using quick grits (which cook in 5 minutes) actually make a much creamier version of the southern corn dish.

Recipe created by Melanie.

3. Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Mushrooms

This recipe has a lot going for it. A hearty pasta dish with deliciously seasoned shrimp cooked with creole seasonings and tomatoes in a mushroom cream sauce. This features plump Gulf shrimp and a Creole character.

Recipe created by Sweet Daddy D.

4. Red Beans And Rice

Made with bacon, mirepoix, andouille sausage and spices. This dish is loaded with tons of flavor. Best of all it can be made in less than one hour! Perfect for a busy weeknight.

Recipe created by Kelley.

5. Creole Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a quintessential one pot recipe with chicken, sausage, shrimp and rice. There are two kinds of Jambalaya: Creole and Cajun. This recipe is the tomato-based Creole version.

Recipe by Cafe Delites.

6. Creole Shrimp Deviled Eggs with Bacon

This Creole deviled eggs recipe with crisp bacon and succulent shrimp is a perfect shrimp appetiser. Shrimp Creole taken to a whole new level!

Recipe is by Erica’s Recipes.

7. Bananas Foster

This delicious banana dessert comes from New Orleans. It consists of sliced bananas cooked in a butter and rum sauce, often prepared tableside using a flambé where the rum is set on fire in a dramatic flame.

Recipe is by A Couple Cooks.