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Super scrumptious Cajun Thanksgiving recipes bring luscious New Orleans flavors to your holiday table, wherever you are. Featuring selections kids love as much as adults, these appetizers, sides, mains, and desserts add authentic South Louisiana flair to your Turkey Day festivities.
1
Beef Sausage Bites
Every Turkey Day gathering needs an easy-to-make appetizer that comes together quickly and keeps well in the slow cooker until the main meal is served. These saucy beef sausage bites are an instant hit with kids and adults alike. One of the simplest Cajun Thanksgiving recipes, it calls for only four ingredients and delivers just the right amount of South Louisiana spice.
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2
Cajun Deviled Eggs
These easy Cajun deviled eggs are a flavor-elevated twist on everyone's favorite Turkey Day appetizer or side. Each luscious bite features teeny bits of crunchiness that perfectly complement the creamy mayo and Creole mustard base.
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3
Cajun Shrimp Dip
An original recipe from this New Orleans area native, my Cajun shrimp dip is overflowing with caramelized veggie bits, seasoned shrimp, artichoke hearts, and pimentos. Evaporated milk, Havarti, and cream cheese round out the ingredient list, creating an ultra-creamy dip that pairs perfectly with crackers or chips.
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4
Cajun Baked Chicken Bites
Hosting a large gathering with lots of small children who may not have developed their taste for turkey yet? Make sure they leave with their bellies full by offering these easy Cajun baked chicken bites. Just chop the breasts, sprinkle on seasoning, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until done.
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5
Pickled Shrimp
These pickled shrimp are one of those Cajun Thanksgiving recipes you didn't know you needed until now, y'all! Poached shrimp are marinated in select spices and pantry essentials until they reach sweet, spicy, tangy perfection. A little lagniappe that your guests will always remember: these also beautify your buffet table with striking colors and textures.
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6
Beef Little Smokies
Another slow cooker appetizer that keeps hunger at bay before your event, these beef little smokies are the perfect pre-Turkey Day dinner treat. They're super easy to whip up, and you can even make a double or triple batch for larger get-togethers.
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7
Cajun Crab Au Gratin
Bring an upscale foodie feel to your Thanksgiving Day bash with this restaurant-quality Cajun crab au gratin. Jump lump crab meat, sharp cheddar, pepper Jack, browned veggies, garlic, and cream come bake together into one super delicious starter that puts the wow factor down on the table.
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8
Honey Mustard Glaze
Give your holiday ham a South Louisiana cuisine upgrade with this Creole mustard-infused honey mustard glaze. Calling for only 4 ingredients, this delectable spread is also good on chicken and pork chops, making it a versatile sauce that'll make your Thanksgiving menu items stand out from all the rest.
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9
Cajun Turkey Breast
Slow-roasted Cajun turkey breast is a surprisingly simple recipe that produces an incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful Thanksgiving main dish. Perfect for more intimate events, this dish is ideal for those who much prefer a low-fuss prep with restaurant-quality results.
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10
Cajun-Spiced Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
Cajun Thanksgiving recipes do not get any easier than this South Louisiana spiced turkey tenderloin, y'all!! All you have to do is prep and season the loins. Then, slide them into the oven for just 30 minutes, until they are perfectly cooked deliciousness that makes your day special with minimal effort.
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11
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Complete your Turkey Day offerings like a local by proudly serving this chicken and sausage gumbo. A feast for the eyes and the lips, this traditional holiday dish is one of the Cajun Thanksgiving recipes you can make the day before and reheat right before your dinner.
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12
Creole Jambalaya
Jam-packed with classic South Louisiana flavors, this Creole jambalaya with chicken, shrimp, and sausage is a Thanksgiving dish they'll never, ever forget, y'all!! The perfect standout rice dish that all your guests will rave about, this is one of the Cajun Thanksgiving recipes you'll likely make again and again throughout the year.
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13
Cajun Potato Salad
Cajun potato salad makes an appearance at just about every single holiday in South Louisiana, y'all!! So, whip up a quick batch for Thanksgiving dinner to stay in line with tradition and treat your guests to the classic creamy salad with pops of regional flavors.
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14
Homemade Cajun Butter
Bring a little something South Louisiana special to your Thanksgiving menu with this homemade Cajun butter. From buttering freshly baked rolls to adding just the right amount of richness to your turkey or roasted veggies, this easy condiment elevates your Turkey Day offerings.
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15
Remoulade Slaw
Add a light, refreshing side that balances the rest of the more substantial Thanksgiving meal with this easy remoulade slaw. Go easy on yourself with a bagged mix, then whip up the remoulade in minutes and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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16
Cajun Ranch
Serving salad? Pour a bit of this Cajun ranch over each serving to add an extra layer of rich, creamy flavor to every delicious bite.
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17
Gluten Free Cornbread
Cast iron skillet cornbread is one of those Thanksgiving dishes that you can serve fresh and hot right out of the oven. This gluten free version is just as tasty and crumbly as the original, making it easy for everyone with varying diets to enjoy the same beloved side at your get-together.
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18
Seafood Dressing
Transform a batch of cornbread into seafood dressing, a melt-in-your-mouth delight featuring seasoned shrimp and crab meat, browned Cajun trinity veggies, broth, and cream soup. Always an instant hit, this make-ahead dish lets you assemble it the night before and slide it into the oven an hour before dinner.
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19
Cajun Rice Dressing
One of the most beloved Cajun Thanksgiving recipes, rice dressing is also one of the easiest to pull off on the first try. Browned trinity veggies, garlic, and seasoned ground beef are tossed with freshly cooked rice for an unbelievably delicious, comforting dish that is usually the first to disappear from the holiday buffet table.
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20
Mirliton Dressing
A New Orleans-area holiday favorite, mirliton dressing with seasoned shrimp and crab meat transforms the humble squash into a hearty casserole that goes great with classic Thanksgiving turkey and side dishes. It takes only a few steps to master, and you're rewarded with an ultra-flavorful dish that's also beautiful to behold.
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21
Cajun Stuffed Bell Peppers
Adding a distinctive South Louisiana touch to your Thanksgiving table is easy with these scrumptious Cajun stuffed bell peppers. Seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, rice, seasonings, charred veggie bits, and melted cheeses inside soft, perfectly baked peppers are always an instant holiday party hit.
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22
Cajun Smothered Green Beans with Sausage
One of the most requested Cajun Thanksgiving recipes, these smothered green beans with sausage are rustic, homey deliciousness, y'all!! With one-of-a-kind flavors and textures that pair perfectly with holiday turkey, this dish is a must-have that kids love as much as adults.
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23
Cajun Corn Maque Choux
Take your corn side dish game to the next level with this easy, amazing Cajun maque choux. Browned, chopped veggies, and corn are tossed with a simple sauce featuring diced tomatoes, green chilies, cream, and fresh herbs. A Turkey Day winner that comes together quickly, this recipe is for you if you want to wow your guests without spending much time in the kitchen.
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24
Cabbage Jambalaya
A modern spin on the classic, cabbage jambalaya with shrimp and sausage is one of those Cajun Thanksgiving recipes your guests will remember for years. One batch goes a long way for holidays, with just a few spoonfuls enough to treat your loved ones to an incredibly delicious dish with authentic local flavors.
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25
Cajun Roasted Potatoes
Cajun roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving turkey and are one of the easiest to whip up right before your dinner, too. Covered in authentic South Louisiana spices, this dish practically cooks itself in the oven with minimal supervision.
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26
Cajun Creamed Spinach
Thoughtful regional touches make each bite of this Cajun creamed spinach super duper flavorful. Pairing perfectly with Thanksgiving turkey, this dish also adds striking color and an upscale feel to your holiday dinner.
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27
Cajun Smothered Cabbage
Cabbage lovers rejoice at this smothered cabbage recipe featuring chicken and sausage. A substantial Thanksgiving side that wows guests upon first bite, this dish doubles as a meal-in-one you'll likely make several times throughout the year.
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28
Louisiana Garlic Stuffed Beef Roast
One of the oldest Cajun Thanksgiving recipes, Louisiana garlic stuffed beef roast is for those who prefer a turkey alternative or double meat portion on their plates. This super easy recipe preps in just minutes and slow-cooks to perfectly seasoned, fall-apart tender deliciousness while you put the finishing touches on the other holiday dishes.
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29
Chicken Stuffed Peppers
One of the Cajun Thanksgiving recipes that just may start a new holiday tradition, these chicken stuffed peppers are a fun, festive addition to your buffet table. Stretch the offerings by baking them on half peppers to give everyone at the event a chance to to sample the South Louisiana-style delicousness.
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30
Cajun Mac and Cheese
If you're hosting kids this year, add this Cajun mac and cheese to your Thanksgiving Day menu. Three cheeses, shrimp, and sausage are the main ingredients in this over-the-top creamy dish that everyone is sure to love upon first bite.
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31
Baked Bananas Foster with Pecans
This super delicious baked Bananas Foster with pecans is a luscious treat that's an ideal choice for your intimate Thanksgiving dinner. Easy to whip up with big, warming flavors, this scrumptious dessert feeds four in less than 15 minutes.
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32
Sweet Potato Cheesecake With Praline Topping
One of the most delectable Cajun Thanksgiving recipes for impressing guests, this sweet potato cheesecake with praline topping is the perfect finish to your holiday meal. It's downright stunning, y'all!! And, the flavors are so delicious and the texture so luscious that this just may be your new family holiday dessert tradition that you'll look forward to year after year!!
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33
Louisiana Blueberry Bread Pudding
Delight your Thanksgiving dinner guests with a silky smooth bread pudding full of soft, ripe berries. An easy recipe that wows upon first sight, this dessert is perfect for the fruit lovers present at the event.
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34
Old Fashioned Cajun Cake
No one knows exactly when this dessert was developed in Louisiana. But, one thing is for sure, and that is this old-fashioned Cajun cake is too incredibly delicious to ever stop making!! The moist cake has a full can of crushed pineapple, and the topping overflows with coconut, pecans, and both white and brown sugar. It's one of those Cajun Thanksgiving recipes you'll be glad you tried, as your guests will rave about it for months after your get-together.
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35
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
The classic New Orleans dessert gets a new spin in this Bananas Foster bread pudding, y'all!! All the flavors of the original sensation are in this modern twist, transformed into a super-delicious meal finish that tastes best warm.
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