Best New Orleans Style Meals

What are the best New Orleans-style meals to try? We’ve curated a list of 10 easy-to-make, flavorful dishes that bring the authentic tastes of the Big Easy right to your table.

New Orleans is famous for its bold flavors and hearty meals. From spicy jambalaya to creamy Alfredo, these dishes bring the Big Easy to your table. Whether you’re a busy family or a food lover, there’s something here for everyone.

We’ve picked the best New Orleans-style meals that are easy to make and packed with flavor. Get ready to enjoy authentic tastes without the fuss. Let’s dive in!

List of Top 10 New Orleans Style Meals

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Zatarain's Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 8 oz Zatarain’s Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 8 oz

This Zatarain’s Rice Mix is perfect for busy families who want a quick, tasty meal. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, so you can enjoy a New Orleans-style dish in less than 30 minutes.

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MARIE CALLENDERS Marie Callender's New Orleans Style Chicken Alfredo Bowl, 11 OZ MARIE CALLENDERS Marie Callender’s New Orleans Style Chicken Alfredo Bowl, 11 OZ

This frozen meal is perfect for busy people who want a quick, tasty dinner. It’s great for anyone looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal without artificial ingredients.

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Zatarain's New Orleans Style Creole Seasoning, 8 oz Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Creole Seasoning, 8 oz

Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Creole Seasoning is perfect for anyone who loves bold, exciting flavors. Whether you’re cooking meats, soups, seafood, or salads, this low-calorie, low-fat seasoning adds a deliciously different twist to your meals.

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Zatarain's Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Family Size, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 12 oz Zatarain’s Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Family Size, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 12 oz

This Zatarain’s Rice Mix is perfect for busy families who love bold, New Orleans flavors. It’s easy to make and feeds everyone with its family size.

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That Pickle Guy New Orleans Style Classic Olive Muffalata, Gluten, Sugar-Free, All Natural, Vegan, Best with any Deli, Rich in Flavor; USA Made, 24-oz That Pickle Guy New Orleans Style Classic Olive Muffalata, Gluten, Sugar-Free, All Natural, Vegan, Best with any Deli, Rich in Flavor; USA Made, 24-oz

That Pickle Guy New Orleans Style Classic Olive Muffalata is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. It’s great for those who want a healthy, versatile option to spice up meals.

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The Best of New Orleans Cookbook: 50 Classic Cajun and Creole Recipes from the Big Easy The Best of New Orleans Cookbook: 50 Classic Cajun and Creole Recipes from the Big Easy

This cookbook is perfect for anyone who loves bold, flavorful food. Whether you’re a home cook or a food enthusiast, you’ll enjoy these 50 classic Cajun and Creole recipes.

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Miss Olive’s Creole Style Chicken with Brown Rice – Shelf-Stable Microwavable Ready Meals, Lower Sodium (3 Pack, 7 oz Each) – Fully Cooked Healthy Heat & Eat Meals Miss Olive’s Creole Style Chicken with Brown Rice – Shelf-Stable Microwavable Ready Meals, Lower Sodium (3 Pack, 7 oz Each) – Fully Cooked Healthy Heat & Eat Meals

Miss Olive’s Creole Style Chicken is perfect for busy people who want a quick, healthy meal. It’s great for those watching sodium but still love bold flavors.

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Zatarain's Cajun Style Chicken Carbonara, Frozen Meal, 10.5 oz Zatarain’s Cajun Style Chicken Carbonara, Frozen Meal, 10.5 oz

This frozen meal is perfect for busy people who want a quick, tasty dinner. It’s easy to heat and ready in 5 minutes, with no cleanup needed.

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Detailed Reviews

Discover the best New Orleans style meals in our top picks, chosen for bold flavors and easy prep. From quick rice mixes to hearty frozen meals, these options bring authentic taste to your table. Find the perfect match for your busy lifestyle and enjoy a taste of New Orleans anytime.

1. Zatarain’s Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 8 oz

Zatarain's Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 8 oz

Zatarain’s Jambalaya Rice Mix brings New Orleans flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. Just add meat or shrimp for a quick, tasty meal.

Made with real vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and garlic, this mix is gluten-free and has no added MSG. It’s a feel-good choice for busy families.

Easy to prep, bold in taste, and ready in a flash. Perfect for any night of the week!

Pros Cons
  • Quick and easy meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Real vegetables and bold spices for authentic flavor.
  • Gluten-free and no added MSG, family-friendly.
  • Versatile—add meat, chicken, or shrimp your way.
  • Needs extra meat, adding cost and prep time.
  • Spicy kick may be too hot for some.
  • Small size (8 oz) serves few people.

Perfect For:

This Zatarain’s Rice Mix is perfect for busy families who want a quick, tasty meal. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, so you can enjoy a New Orleans-style dish in less than 30 minutes.

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2. MARIE CALLENDERS Marie Callender’s New Orleans Style Chicken Alfredo Bowl, 11 OZ

MARIE CALLENDERS Marie Callender's New Orleans Style Chicken Alfredo Bowl, 11 OZ

Enjoy a flavorful and hearty meal with Marie Callender’s New Orleans Style Chicken Alfredo Bowl. This 11 oz frozen meal is packed with creamy blackened Alfredo pasta, tender chicken breast, and red bell peppers.

It’s easy to prepare, high in protein, and made without artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Perfect for a quick, wholesome meal anytime.

Pros Cons
  • 23g protein per serving for a filling meal.
  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
  • Quick microwave prep for convenient comfort food.
  • Wholesome and flavorful with blackened Alfredo pasta.
  • High in calories, may not fit diet plans.
  • Limited portion size, might leave you still hungry.
  • Microwave heating can make pasta soggy.

Perfect For:

This frozen meal is perfect for busy people who want a quick, tasty dinner. It’s great for anyone looking for a hearty, protein-packed meal without artificial ingredients.

Ready to Purchase?

3. Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Creole Seasoning, 8 oz

Zatarain's New Orleans Style Creole Seasoning, 8 oz

Zatarain’s Creole Seasoning brings bold New Orleans flavor to your kitchen. This 8 oz blend mixes red pepper and paprika for a unique taste.

Shake it on meats, soups, seafood, or salads. It’s low calorie, low fat, and low cholesterol. Spice up your meals with ease!

Pros Cons
  • Bold New Orleans flavor in every shake.
  • Low calorie, low fat, healthy choice.
  • Versatile use on meats, soups, seafood, and salads.
  • Unique blend with red pepper and paprika.
  • Not for mild tastes – Spicy kick may be too bold for some.
  • Limited uses – Best for Creole dishes, not all cuisines.
  • Strong flavor – Overuse can overpower your meal.

Perfect For:

Zatarain’s New Orleans Style Creole Seasoning is perfect for anyone who loves bold, exciting flavors. Whether you’re cooking meats, soups, seafood, or salads, this low-calorie, low-fat seasoning adds a deliciously different twist to your meals.

Ready to Purchase?

4. Zatarain’s Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Family Size, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 12 oz

Zatarain's Rice Mix, Jambalaya, Family Size, Long Grain Rice with Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic, Paprika, and Red Peppers, Just Add Meat for Easy-Prep, New Orleans Style Rice Meal, 12 oz

Zatarain’s Jambalaya Rice Mix brings New Orleans flavor to your table in under 30 minutes. Just add meat or shrimp for a quick, tasty meal.

Made with real vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and garlic, this mix is gluten-free and has no added MSG. It’s a family-size pack, perfect for eight servings.

Easy to prep, bold in taste, and feel-good flavor. Perfect for busy families.

Pros Cons
  • Quick, easy jambalaya in under 30 minutes with real vegetables.
  • Family-sized, serves eight with 50% more than regular packs.
  • Gluten-free, no added MSG, feel-good flavor for all.
  • New Orleans tradition since 1889, authentic Creole taste.
  • Not a complete meal – Requires adding meat for a full dish.
  • Spicy kick – Contains paprika and red peppers, may be too hot for some.
  • Large sizeFamily-sized portion may be too much for smaller households.

Perfect For:

This Zatarain’s Rice Mix is perfect for busy families who love bold, New Orleans flavors. It’s easy to make and feeds everyone with its family size.

Ready to Purchase?

5. That Pickle Guy New Orleans Style Classic Olive Muffalata, Gluten, Sugar-Free, All Natural, Vegan, Best with any Deli, Rich in Flavor; USA Made, 24-oz

That Pickle Guy New Orleans Style Classic Olive Muffalata, Gluten, Sugar-Free, All Natural, Vegan, Best with any Deli, Rich in Flavor; USA Made, 24-oz

That Pickle Guy’s New Orleans Style Olive Muffalata is a flavor-packed blend of green and black olives with fresh garden vegetables. It’s gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan, making it a healthy choice for everyone. Enjoy it on sandwiches, pasta, or as a snack for a taste of New Orleans.

This all-natural spread is made in the USA and rich in flavor. It’s perfect for spicing up any dish and is Kosher-certified, so it fits many diets.

Pros Cons
  • Bold flavors from New Orleans, gluten-free, and vegan.
  • Versatile—great on sandwiches, pasta, pizza, and more.
  • All-natural, kosher, and eco-friendly—healthy and guilt-free.
  • Rich, zippy, and addictively delicious—every bite excites.
  • Strong olive flavor may not suit everyone’s taste.
  • Limited availability in some regions, hard to find.
  • Price might be higher compared to similar products.

Perfect For:

That Pickle Guy New Orleans Style Classic Olive Muffalata is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors. It’s great for those who want a healthy, versatile option to spice up meals.

Ready to Purchase?

6. The Best of New Orleans Cookbook: 50 Classic Cajun and Creole Recipes from the Big Easy

The Best of New Orleans Cookbook: 50 Classic Cajun and Creole Recipes from the Big Easy

The Best of New Orleans Cookbook brings 50 classic Cajun and Creole recipes to your kitchen. Author Ryan Boudreaux shares authentic flavors from the Big Easy.

This 130-page paperback is easy to follow and perfect for all cooks. It was published in 2020 and measures 9.25 x 7.5 inches.

Recipes are simple and delicious. English language makes it accessible. Great for anyone who loves New Orleans food.

Pros Cons
  • 50 classic Cajun and Creole recipes from New Orleans.
  • Easy-to-follow instructions for delicious dishes.
  • Compact paperback, perfect for any kitchen.
  • Authentic flavors from the Big Easy.
  • Limited to 50 recipes, may not satisfy avid cooks.
  • No photos, makes it hard to visualize dishes.
  • Paperback, might wear out with frequent use.

Perfect For:

This cookbook is perfect for anyone who loves bold, flavorful food. Whether you’re a home cook or a food enthusiast, you’ll enjoy these 50 classic Cajun and Creole recipes.

Ready to Purchase?

7. Miss Olive’s Creole Style Chicken with Brown Rice – Shelf-Stable Microwavable Ready Meals, Lower Sodium (3 Pack, 7 oz Each) – Fully Cooked Healthy Heat & Eat Meals

Miss Olive’s Creole Style Chicken with Brown Rice – Shelf-Stable Microwavable Ready Meals, Lower Sodium (3 Pack, 7 oz Each) – Fully Cooked Healthy Heat & Eat Meals

Miss Olive’s Creole Style Chicken with Brown Rice is a bold and satisfying meal. It features tender chicken and brown rice in a rich, flavorful sauce. Each pack is fully cooked and ready in minutes.

This meal is lower in sodium, making it a healthy choice for anyone. It’s easy to prepare—just vent, microwave, and enjoy.

The shelf-stable design means no fridge needed. It’s perfect for quick meals or on-the-go. Each pack includes three 7 oz meals, great for smaller households or trying the flavor.

Pros Cons
  • Bold Creole flavor with tender chicken and brown rice.
  • Lower sodium, healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
  • Ready in minutes, just microwave and enjoy.
  • No fridge needed, perfect for pantry or travel.
  • Three meals, ideal for small households or quick bites.
  • Small portions may not satisfy bigger appetites or growing teens.
  • Limited pack size—only three meals, not ideal for larger families.
  • Microwave only—no oven or stovetop option for texture variety.

Perfect For:

Miss Olive’s Creole Style Chicken is perfect for busy people who want a quick, healthy meal. It’s great for those watching sodium but still love bold flavors.

Ready to Purchase?

8. Zatarain’s Cajun Style Chicken Carbonara, Frozen Meal, 10.5 oz

Zatarain's Cajun Style Chicken Carbonara, Frozen Meal, 10.5 oz

Zatarain’s Cajun Style Chicken Carbonara is a frozen meal that brings bold flavors to your table. It’s a quick and easy dinner ready in just 5 minutes.

This microwavable bowl comes with chicken and linguine in a Cajun-style carbonara sauce. It has 21 grams of protein and 0 grams trans fat. No cleanup is needed after enjoying this convenient meal.

Find it in the frozen food aisle with other frozen dinners. Zatarain’s has been a leader in New Orleans flavor since 1889. Jazz up your meals with their frozen dishes, spices, and more.

Pros Cons
  • Quick 5-minute reheat for a hot, tasty meal.
  • No cleanup needed with its own microwavable bowl.
  • 21 grams protein, 0 trans fat for a healthy choice.
  • Authentic New Orleans flavor from trusted Zatarain’s.
  • High sodium content may not suit everyone’s diet.
  • Limited portion size might leave some still hungry.
  • Microwave-only reheating restricts cooking options.

Perfect For:

This frozen meal is perfect for busy people who want a quick, tasty dinner. It’s easy to heat and ready in 5 minutes, with no cleanup needed.

Ready to Purchase?

Buying Guide

New Orleans meals bring bold flavors and hearty tastes to your table. These dishes are easy to make and perfect for busy families or food lovers. Let’s find the best options for you!

Factors to Consider When Buying:
Flavor Authenticity: Look for meals with real spices and New Orleans-inspired ingredients like paprika, garlic, and bell peppers. This ensures a true taste of the Big Easy.
Ease of Preparation: Choose quick-prep options like rice mixes or frozen meals. They save time and are perfect for busy days.
Dietary Needs: Check for gluten-free, low-sodium, or vegan choices if you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
Serving Size: Pick family-size packs for larger groups or single-serve meals for quick, individual portions.
Ingredient Quality: Opt for products with real vegetables, no added MSG, and no artificial flavors for a healthier option.
Versatility: Consider seasonings or spreads that can be used in multiple dishes to spice up your cooking.
Shelf Life: Choose shelf-stable meals for long-term storage or frozen options for quick, ready-to-eat convenience.

Enjoy authentic New Orleans flavors without the fuss!