Almost all of us enjoy serving classic barbecue party fare, such as grilled juicy burgers and hot dogs, or grilled chicken or steak, served with potato salad and coleslaw. However, it's also fun to excite your guests' palates with unexpected flavors.

For a nice change, we love the idea of bringing the bayou to the barbecue–with an assortment of foods and flavorings associated with Louisiana cooking.

Here are several easy recipes for a delicious, Louisiana-inspired barbecue party menu.crab-dip.jpg

Louisiana crab dip with assorted crudités

Makes about 3 cups dip.

1 (8-oz.) package regular or lite cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup regular, lite, or fat-free sour cream
3 Tbs. prepared horseradish
2 Tbs. chopped parsley
1 Tbs. coarse mustard
2 tsp. hot sauce
1 cup lump crabmeat
Assorted fresh vegetables, such as: Baby carrots, green beans, celery sticks, blanched asparagus spears, and red or green peppers, cored and cut into strips

  1. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, horseradish, parsley, mustard, and hot sauce in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Stir in crabmeat.
  3. Arrange vegetables on a large platter. Serve with crab dip.

Sources: Recipe adapted from TABASCO; image source: ucook