Cajun Christmas Dinner Recipes

Discover the flavors of the Bayou this holiday season with our collection of Cajun Christmas dinner recipes. From zesty main courses to delightful desserts, bring the spirit of Louisiana to your festive table. Spice up your Christmas feast with the bold taste of Cajun cuisine.

Cajun Christmas Dinner Recipes

Welcome to a delightful Cajun Christmas celebration! Immerse yourself in the spirit of the Bayou with easy and delectable Cajun Christmas dinner recipes. From flavorful main dishes to delightful desserts, these recipes bring the warmth and joy of Louisiana’s culinary traditions to your holiday table. Whether you’re a fan of Cajun cuisine or want to add some spice to your festivities, these recipes will help you create a memorable Christmas feast. Let the bold flavors of Cajun cooking enhance your holiday season with a unique twist. Get ready to savor the season with an unforgettable Cajun Christmas!

Where is Cajun Food From

Cajun food comes from the Acadian people, French-speaking settlers who were kicked out of Canada’s Maritime provinces by the British in the 18th century. They settled in the swampy, marshy parts of South Louisiana, New Orleans, especially in the Acadiana region. The cuisine is a mix of French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the people who settled there, in cajun country. Cajun food is known for its bold and tasty dishes, often made with ingredients like rice, seafood, and a variety of spices.

What Makes Cajun Recipes So Good

Cajun food is often considered delicious for several reasons:

• Bold Flavors: Cajun cuisine is known for its bold and robust flavors. The use of a variety of spices, including cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion, contributes to a rich and flavorful profile.
• Cultural Fusion: Cajun food is a unique blend of French, African, Spanish, and Native American influences. This fusion of diverse culinary traditions results in a distinctive and varied cuisine.
• Fresh and Local Ingredients: Many Cajun dishes make use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, particularly seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. This emphasis on fresh, high-quality components enhances the overall taste of the dishes.
• Techniques like Blackening: Cajun cooking techniques, such as blackening (cooking seasoned food in a hot cast-iron skillet), contribute to a unique and flavorful crust on meats and seafood. If you love blacken fish, try The Best Blackened Fish Tacos
• Comfort Food Appeal: Cajun cuisine often includes hearty and comforting dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. These dishes are satisfying and evoke a sense of home-cooked comfort.
• Adaptability: Cajun cuisine is adaptable, allowing for variations and personalization. Cooks can adjust spice levels and experiment with different ingredients to suit their preferences.

Overall, the combination of bold flavors, cultural influences, fresh ingredients, and cooking techniques contributes to the widespread appreciation of Cajun food for its delicious and distinctive taste. It is perfect for a simple dinner at home, special occasion, Christmas eve or Christmas day. 

What are Cajun Spices

Cajun spices typically include a blend of flavorful herbs and spices. A common Cajun spice mix might contain:

• Paprika: Adds color and mild heat.
• Cayenne Pepper:Provides a spicy kick.
• Garlic Powder:Adds savory flavor.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the overall taste.
• Thyme: Contributes a subtle earthy note.
• Oregano: Adds a hint of bitterness and warmth.
• Black Pepper: Adds heat and depth.
• White Pepper: Offers a milder heat.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.

These ingredients are combined in varying proportions to create a Cajun spice blend. Adjust the quantities based on personal preference to achieve the desired level of spiciness and flavor.

Cajun Dinner Recipes for Christmas

Sure, here are some simple Cajun Christmas dinner recipes:

Cajun Fried Turkey

We love this Rub for Smoked Turkey but it isn’t quite cajun flavor. You can use this rub and add a little more cajun kick to it.

Ingredients: Turkey, Cajun seasoning, oil for frying.

Instructions: 

1. Thaw the turkey and pat it dry.
2. Rub Cajun seasoning all over the turkey, including inside the cavity.
3. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil, using a long-handled utensil to avoid splashing.
5. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Remove from the oil and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Cajun Shrimp Etouffee

Ingredients: Shrimp, Butter, Onion, Bell pepper, Celery stalk, Garlic, Cajun seasoning, Diced tomatoes.

Instructions:

1. Get the full recipe: Cajun Shrimp Etouffee

Easy Cajun Side Dish Ideas

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Get the Full Recipe for Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Cajun Cornbread Stuffing

Ingredients:  1 package cornbread mix, 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion, diced, 1 bell pepper, diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, 1 cup chicken broth or stock, Cajun seasoning.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare cornbread mix according to package instructions and bake in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Let cornbread cool and then crumble into small pieces.
4. In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat.
5. Add onion, bell pepper and celery, cook until softened.
6. Stir in Cajun seasoning.
7. Pour in chicken broth or stock and bring to a simmer. 
8. Remove from heat and mix in crumbled cornbread until well combined.
9. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until top is golden brown.

Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients:  1 lb red beans, soaked overnight, 2 tbsp butter, 1 onion, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 green bell pepper, diced, 1 celery stalk, diced, Cajun seasoning.

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse soaked red beans.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. 
3. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper and celery, cook until softened.
4. Stir in Cajun seasoning.
5. Add red beans to the pot and enough water to cover them by about 2 inches.
6. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for about 1 ½ hours or until beans are tender. 
7. Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning for added flavor. 
8. Optional: top with sliced green onions or parsley for garnish.

Cajun Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:  2 zucchinis, sliced, 2 bell peppers, cut into strips, 1 onion, halved and sliced, 1 lb small potatoes, halved, 2 cloves garlic, minced, Cajun seasoning.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, toss together zucchinis, bell peppers, onion and potatoes.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic over the vegetables and then sprinkle Cajun seasoning to taste.
4. Spread vegetables out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender and lightly charred.

Cajun Christmas Dessert Ideas

Pecan Pralines

Ingredients:  1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 6 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cups pecan halves, Cajun seasoning.

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and brown sugar.
2. Over medium heat, add heavy cream and stir until sugars are dissolved.
3. Add in butter and continue stirring until mixture comes to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and stir in pecans.
6. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto wax paper or a greased baking sheet.
7. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning onto each praline while still warm for a spicy twist on this classic dessert.
8. Let cool and enjoy your delicious Cajun pecan pralines! 

Spiced Sweet Potato Pie

Ingredients: 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust, 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 3 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground cloves, 1 cup evaporated milk, whipped cream (optional).

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
3. Gradually stir in evaporated milk until mixture is smooth.
4. Pour mixture into unbaked pie crust.
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until center is set.

Bananas Foster

 Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp rum, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon.

Instructions:

1. Peel and slice bananas.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Add in brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Add in sliced bananas and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. 5. Stir in rum, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.
6. 6. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened.
7. Serve over ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream.
8. Enjoy

Cajun Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce

 Ingredients:  1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes, 4 eggs, beaten, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 cup raisins (optional), Whiskey Sauce: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup whiskey or bourbon, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp vanilla extract.

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, beaten eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and raisins (if using). 
3. Stir until bread is evenly coated.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. 
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until pudding is golden and set in the center.
6. While the pudding is baking, prepare the whiskey sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Add in sugar, whiskey or bourbon, water and vanilla extract.****
8. Stir until sugar is dissolved and sauce is heated through.Serve warm over the bread pudding.
9. Enjoy! 

Cajun King Cake- Mardi Gras Cake

Ingredients:  Dough: 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp active dry yeast, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 cup warm milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 2 eggs. Filling: 12 oz cream cheese (softened), 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 egg, 2 tbsp melted butter. Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp milk, purple, green and yellow sprinkles for decoration.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast and salt.
2. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add in warm milk, melted butter and eggs.
3. Stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Knead dough on a floured surface for 5-6 minutes or until smooth and elastic.
5. Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with a towel. Let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and egg for the filling.
7. Roll out dough on a floured surface to form a large rectangle.
8. Spread filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
9. Roll up the dough tightly from one long end to another to form a log shape.
10. Place dough log on a greased baking sheet and form into a ring shape, pinching the ends together to seal.
11. Cover with a towel and let rise for another 30 minutes.
12. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
13. Bake cake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Let cool for 10 minutes before decorating with icing and sprinkles.
15. To make the icing, combine powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
16. Drizzle icing over the cooled cake and decorate with purple, green and yellow sprinkles.

Cajun Praline Cheesecake

Ingredients:  2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 eggs, 1/4 cup heavy cream, Topping: 1 cup chopped pecans, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp butter, 2 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar.
3. Add melted butter and stir until well combined.
4. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
5. Bake crust for 10 minutes and let cool while preparing the filling.
6. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
7. Gradually add in sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
8. Mix in vanilla extract and then add in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
9. Stir in heavy cream until filling is smooth and creamy.
10. Pour filling over crust in the springform pan.
11. In a separate bowl, mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, butter, and Cajun seasoning for the topping.
12. Sprinkle **topping evenly over the cheesecake filling.
13. **Bake for 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set.
14. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan.
15. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.