New Orleans is a city that lives and breathes food. Here, every bite tells a story, blending Creole, Cajun, and Southern flavors into something truly special. And when it comes to weddings, the food isn’t just a detail, it’s part of the celebration. The appetizers? They set the stage for the night ahead.
Whether you’re planning a small and intimate wedding reception or a huge party everyone will be at, these five must-have appetizers at New Orleans weddings, handpicked from our menu, are guaranteed to wow your guests and leave a lasting impression.
Here are five unforgettable appetizers that bring the bold flavors (and flair!) of New Orleans to your wedding table.
1. Mini Crawfish Pies
What Are Mini Crawfish Pies?
Mini crawfish pies are flaky, golden pastries, filled with a rich mixture of crawfish tails, the “Holy Trinity” (onions, peppers, and celery). They deliver rich, savory Louisiana flavors in one elegant bite, giving guests a perfect taste of New Orleans in a bite-sized package. At Elysian Events Catering, we pair ours with a charred green onion vinaigrette that is to die for!
Why They Belong at a New Orleans Wedding
- Authentic Cajun Flavor: Crawfish is a Louisiana staple, and this dish highlights it perfectly.
- Perfect Portion Size: Easy to eat while mingling—no mess, just deliciousness.
- Crispy & Comforting: The buttery crust and savory filling are irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange on a rustic wooden board with a drizzle of vinaigrette for dipping. You can include these as part of an hors d’oeuvres platter or fill a tray and walk them around to mingling guests.
2. Crab Cakes
What Is a Crab Cake?
A crab cake is a beloved Louisiana appetizer that showcases the Gulf’s finest seafood. It features fresh, sweet crabmeat formed into golden, pan-seared patties. This delicious bite highlights the natural flavors of Gulf crab, enhanced with aromatic seasonings like green onions, peppers, and a hint of Creole spice. The crispy exterior gives way to a tender, flaky interior that melts in your mouth!
Traditional Louisiana crab cakes celebrate the region’s abundant seafood heritage, where time-honored cooking techniques bring out the best in local Gulf Coast ingredients. These appetizers are perfect for New Orleans weddings! They give guests a taste of Louisiana’s coast in a refined format that allows for easy conversation.
A crab cake is also one of the many ways you could include locally-sourced seafood for your wedding catering!
Why It Belongs as a New Orleans Wedding Appetizer
- Approachable and Delicious: Combines luxury (crab) with a comforting sauce (roasted poblano aioli).
- Sweet & Spicy Balance: At Elysian Events Catering, we pair our crab cakes with a roasted poblano aioli! The roasted poblano adds a pop of flavor that keeps guests coming back.
- Beautiful Presentation: The mini crab cakes look stunning on a passed tray.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation is so important for wedding catering, so taking the time to plate and dress your appetizers up is always a great place to start! You could decorate with microgreens and use wooden platters.
3. Blackened Shrimp
What Is Blackened Shrimp?
Blackened shrimp is a popular cooking technique from New Orleans. Fresh Gulf shrimp are coated in a blend of bold Cajun and Creole spices, which usually includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. Then, they are seared in a hot cast-iron skillet until the spices form a dark, flavorful crust.
The “blackened” look comes from the caramelized spices instead of burning, creating a dish that is both eye-catching and full of the complex flavors that make New Orleans food unique.
Why It Belongs at a New Orleans Wedding
- Bold & Flavorful: The blackening technique is a New Orleans classic.
- Textural Contrast: The crispy shrimp is delicious! At Elysian Events Catering, we pair ours with smooth aioli, and pickled turnips.
- Locally Sourced: Gulf shrimp are a must for any NOLA celebration.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve on small skewers or spoons for easy handling. Blackened shrimp also looks great served on small plates for seated events!
4. Muffuletta Canapé
What Is a Muffuletta Canapé?
The muffuletta was first made at Central Grocery in the French Quarter over a hundred years ago, and it has become a key and beloved part of the local cuisine.
A muffuletta canapé is a bite-sized version of New Orleans’ famous muffuletta sandwich. It makes for a perfect New Orleans wedding appetizer! Instead of using the traditional sesame seed loaf, this version is served on a small round of toasted bread. You can add layers of Italian cold cuts like salami, and mortadella, along with provolone cheese and olives, giving you the familiar flavor of a classic in a new, convenient format.
Why It Belongs as a New Orleans Wedding Appetizer
- Instant Recognition: The muffuletta is a New Orleans legend.
- Savory & Tangy: The olive cuts through the richness of the meats and cheese.
- No-Fuss Finger Food: Guests can grab and go without missing a beat on the dance floor.
Serving Suggestions
You can stack on a tiered tray for a dramatic display or plate and serve!
5. Boudin Balls
What Are Boudin Balls?
Boudin balls are a popular Louisiana appetizer. They are made by taking traditional boudin, which is a tasty Cajun sausage made with pork, rice, onions, peppers, celery, and spices. The sausage is removed from its casing, rolled into bite-sized spheres, and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. This process turns the classic sausage into a perfect party food. What you have then is the crunchy outside and a warm, seasoned mixture of rice and meat inside.
Boudin has deep ties to Acadian tradition, brought to Louisiana by French settlers. Over generations, it has been adapted to include local ingredients and flavors, showcasing Cajun culture and cuisine. The balls are usually served hot with various dipping sauces, including tangy remoulade and spicy Creole mustard. At Elysian Events Catering, we use a delicious satsuma creole mustard glaze!
Why They Belong at a New Orleans Wedding
- Deep Cajun Roots: Boudin is a Louisiana treasure.
- Sweet & Spicy Finish: Options for dipping sauces add a bright, citrusy note.
- Addictively Crunchy: Perfect for snacking between cocktails.
Serving Suggestions
Serve in mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic touch! You can always plate and serve as well, however.
Planning Your New Orleans Wedding Appetizers
These five appetizers bring a little bit of New Orleans to your wedding to make it bold, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether you go for the rich Mini Crawfish Pies, the elegant Crab Crakes, the fiery Blackened Shrimp, the iconic Muffuletta Canapé, or the crispy Boudin Balls, your guests will experience the best of Louisiana’s culinary heritage.
No matter which dishes you choose, your wedding will be a feast to remember. If you are looking for expert New Orleans wedding caterers, contact Elysian Events Catering for some of the best appetizers in the city!
