Jambalaya, gumbo, beignets… Louisiana sure knows how to cook up some incredible dishes. From Oysters Rockefeller to the famous po’boy, Louisiana has invented countless dishes that bring people from all over the world hoping to sample a taste of our culinary creations.

You’ve probably eaten Louisiana’s iconic Bananas Foster once or twice in your life, but did you know the history of this delectable dessert? It was invented not too long ago in a kitchen of one of New Orleans’ most famous restaurants, and while it’s been duplicated countless times, there’s only one true Bananas Foster, and that’s found at Brennan’s. Let’s take a closer look at the history of this iconic dessert.

It might seem strange, but bananas weren’t even introduced to North America until after the Civil War.

24oranges.nl/Flickr It took a few decades for them to catch on, but once they did, they became a staple in most Americans’ kitchens.

Shortly after they were introduced, New Orleans became a major center for banana imports from Central and South America.

Ginny/Flickr With so many bananas coming through the city, it seemed like a no-brainer that some type of banana dish should be invented.

Owen Brennan, founder of the historic Brennan’s Restaurant in New Orleans, knew that there was something to these delicious yellow fruits, and challenged his head chef to make a dish featuring them.

Brennan’s/Google Chef Paul Blangé got to work, and in 1951, Bananas Foster was born.

Made table-side right before your eyes, it’s the most frequently ordered dish at Brennan’s.

Brennan’s/Facebook And we can see why.

Made with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, banana liqueur, aged rum, and bananas, this is one dessert you’ll want to make sure you save room for.

Brennan’s/Facebook Or just eat it as your meal. Treat yourself!

While many have attempted to duplicate the iconic dish, to get the real deal, you have to go to where it all started.

Brennan’s/Facebook Luckily, Brennan’s is still open for business and ready to serve you one of the most iconic dishes in Louisiana.

You can also make this dish at home!

Brennan’s/Facebook Brennan’s has included their recipe on their website!

For more information, be sure to check out Brennan’s website and give them a follow on Facebook.

24oranges.nl/Flickr

It took a few decades for them to catch on, but once they did, they became a staple in most Americans’ kitchens.

Ginny/Flickr

With so many bananas coming through the city, it seemed like a no-brainer that some type of banana dish should be invented.

Brennan’s/Google

Chef Paul Blangé got to work, and in 1951, Bananas Foster was born.

Brennan’s/Facebook

And we can see why.

Or just eat it as your meal. Treat yourself!

Luckily, Brennan’s is still open for business and ready to serve you one of the most iconic dishes in Louisiana.

Brennan’s has included their recipe on their website!

Have you ever tried the Bananas Foster at Brennan’s? Let us know in the comments below!

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