New Orleans cuisine thrives on fresh, local ingredients, deeply connected to the timing of seasonal harvests and Gulf waters. From crisp spring greens to savory seafood, incorporating seasonal ingredients into catering menus enhances both flavor and authenticity. Whether planning a spring wedding, a summer festival, or a cozy winter gathering, understanding seasonal availability ensures a menu that delights guests while celebrating the region’s culinary heritage.
Continue reading to learn more about how we use the best seasonal ingredients for catering menus in New Orleans.
Spring: Fresh Beginnings for Catering Menus
As temperatures warm, spring brings a wealth of fresh ingredients, making it a fantastic season for light yet flavorful catering options.
Louisiana Strawberries
Local strawberries peak in spring, offering sweet freshness that complements both sweet and savory dishes. A signature catering option is our Louisiana strawberry and baby arugula salad with pepper jelly vinaigrette—an elegant starter that perfectly balances sweet, peppery, and tangy flavors.
Spring Savories
Spring brings delightful flavors to our menu selections:
- Bruschetta, tomato jam, olive tapenade, fresh basil
- Spicy kale slaw, carrot, sweet peppers, toasted pecans
- Fresh Gulf oysters for raw bars
- Louisiana strawberry & buttermilk tart, port caramel
Spring Seafood
Spring marks the perfect time for Gulf oysters, making them ideal for raw bars or chargrilled presentations. These seasonal oysters are delicate and briny, adding a luxurious touch to any catering menu. Our Louisiana crabmeat ravigote with crispy shallots offers a bright spring flavor that guests love.
Spring Seasonal Menu Inspiration
- Appetizers: Louisiana strawberry and baby arugula salad with pepper jelly vinaigrette
- Louisiana crabmeat ravigote with crispy shallots
- Main Courses: Crawfish étouffée, Gulf shrimp and grits with charred tomato cream
- Sides: Grilled Farmer’s Market vegetables
- Raw Bar: Fresh Gulf oysters on ice with classic accompaniments
- Spring menus enhance outdoor celebrations, weddings, and daytime events with bright colors and fresh tastes.
Summer: Peak Season for Local Flavors
Summer in New Orleans is all about bold, sun-ripened flavors. Seasonal seafood is at its best, making it a prime time for catering menus that feature freshness and bright tastes.
Summer Selections
The summer heat brings out the best in our signature dishes:
- Roasted oyster mushroom sauce piquant
- Shrimp creole with roasted poblano peppers
Gulf Seafood Specialties
Summer is an excellent time for fresh seafood selections:
- Gulf shrimp, perfect for our classic shrimp and grits with charred tomato cream
- Fresh Louisiana crab, featured in our signature crab cakes
- Our seafood gumbo, rich with Gulf shrimp, crab & oyster
- Chargrilled Gulf oysters, roasted garlic, herb & grana padano butter
Summer Seasonal Menu Inspiration
- Appetizers: Chilled Gulf shrimp cocktail, mini Louisiana crab cakes with remoulade
- Main Courses: Seafood gumbo with local Gulf catches, shrimp and grits
- Sides: Roasted seasonal vegetables with fresh herbs
- Raw Bar: Premium Gulf oysters with mignonette
- Summer menus bring cooling flavors perfect for evening garden parties and indoor receptions.
Fall: Rich, Savory Flavors for Seasonal Catering
As temperatures cool, fall ingredients bring a depth of flavor perfect for both elegant and rustic catering events.
Fall Menu Highlights
Our fall menu features hearty, satisfying options:
- Roasted fall squash salad with baby arugula, toasted pecans, Grana Padano, and a citrus-herb vinaigrette
- Cheese Board: assortment of selected cheeses, fresh fruit, seasonal jam, toasted pecans, artisanal breads and crackers
- Mini Louisiana crab cakes, roasted poblano aioli
- Daube: beef roast braised in red wine & tomato
- Smoked duck, cherry-pecan compote
Fall Seafood Specialties
As the waters cool, fall brings another prime season for seafood:
- Chargrilled Gulf oysters, roasted garlic, herb & grana padano butter
- Gulf seafood ceviche: citrus marinated Gulf shrimp & fish, fresh tomato, jalapeño, cilantro
- Spicy crab & corn dip
- NOLA style BBQ shrimp and grits
Fall Seasonal Menu Inspiration
- Appetizers: Louisiana crabmeat ravigote
- Main Courses: Shrimp étouffée, chargrilled oysters with compound butter
- Sides: Herb-roasted carrots & fennel
- Raw Bar: Fresh Gulf oysters with traditional garnishes
- Fall menus offer warming comfort perfect for both casual gatherings and formal events.
Winter: Traditional Seasonal Ingredients
Winter menus focus on hearty, comforting flavors, making them perfect for festive holiday events and cozy gatherings.
Winter Warmers
Our winter menu brings comfort and satisfaction:
- Chicken & andouille jambalaya
- Cochon de lait, pistolettes, roasted garlic mayo, pickled turnips
- Blackened hangar steak, blue cheese, Louisiana fig
- Seared duck, spoonbread, port & roasted shallot glaze
Seafood Excellence in Winter
Winter is peak oyster season, making it the best time for our raw and chargrilled oyster dishes. Other seafood favorites include:
- Blackened tuna, bourbon soaked cherries
- Catfish courtbouillon
- Shrimp and andouille gumbo, roasted okra
- Mini Poboy Station: Blackened Louisiana catfish, roasted garlic mayo, pickled turnips
Winter Seasonal Menu Inspiration
- Appetizers: Hot crab cakes with house-made remoulade
- Main Courses: Rich seafood gumbo, Gulf shrimp and grits with charred tomato cream
- Sides: Roasted sweet potatoes and chili crisp
- Raw Bar: Premium oysters at their peak season
- Winter menus bring satisfying warmth to holiday celebrations and evening events.
Creating Seasonal Catering Menus in New Orleans
When designing a catering menu around seasonal ingredients, it’s important to match flavors with the event’s atmosphere. Here are some expert tips:
For Spring Events:
- Feature fresh Louisiana strawberries in our signature salads
- Include raw oyster bars to celebrate peak oyster season
- Offer our Louisiana crabmeat ravigote
- Present our shrimp and grits with spring herbs
For Summer Gatherings:
- Include light seafood dishes, such as our crab cakes and grilled shrimp
- Feature our signature shrimp and grits
- Offer chargrilled oysters for a summer treat
- Serve Louisiana crabmeat ravigote with fresh herbs
For Fall Celebrations:
- Include autumn seafood specialties, like our shrimp étouffée
- Feature our cornmeal crusted crispy oyster
- Offer both raw and chargrilled oyster options
- Present our creole eggplant stuffed mini peppers
For Winter Parties:
- Serve warming dishes like our seafood gumbo
- Feature our shrimp and grits
- Celebrate peak oyster season with raw or chargrilled options
- Offer andouille sausage en croute
Menu Planning Tips for Seasonal Catering
To maximize the use of seasonal ingredients:
- Discuss seasonal availability with your caterer in advance
- Select menu items based on what’s at peak freshness
- Consider temperature-appropriate dishes, ensuring balance in flavors
- Pair menus with local beverages from our bar service
Working with a Professional Caterer
A skilled caterer understands how to craft menus that celebrate each season’s best ingredients. They can:
- Recommend the freshest seasonal specialties
- Suggest ideal preparations for optimal flavor
- Adjust portions based on seasonal ingredient availability
- Offer creative alternatives if certain ingredients are out of season
Making the Best Seasonal Choices for Your Event
When planning a catering menu, consider:
- The specific timing within each season
- Local availability that affects ingredient options
- Special seasonal preparations that enhance traditional flavors
- Temperature considerations, ensuring dishes are suited to the season
- Guest preferences, balancing tradition with modern tastes
Plan Your Seasonal Catering Menu Today!
While using seasonal ingredients can quickly give you a lot to think about, we’ve catered thousands of events during all seasons in New Orleans.
Embracing seasonal ingredients ensures that your catering menu is fresh, flavorful, and in tune with New Orleans’ culinary traditions. Whether you’re hosting a summer wedding, a fall festival, or a cozy winter soirée, working with a professional caterer ensures a menu that features the best of what each season offers.
Ready to create a menu tailored to your event? Contact us to discuss your seasonal catering options today!
