What Louisiana meat pie, associated with Natchitoches, is the state’s official meat pie?

Natchitoches meat pie is Louisiana’s official meat pie and is associated with the city of Natchitoches.

The snack consists of a savory filling, traditionally ground beef and pork seasoned with onions, peppers, and spices, enclosed in a half-moon-shaped pastry. It is commonly fried, although baked versions also exist.

Natchitoches, in central Louisiana, is one of the state’s oldest settlements and a major center of Louisiana Creole culture. The pie became closely linked with the city through local home cooks, vendors, and restaurants, helping it spread beyond the region.

It is often confused with the larger family of meat pies found across the world, including British pasties and Jamaican patties. Natchitoches meat pie is specifically Louisiana’s crescent-shaped, seasoned pastry associated with Natchitoches; it is not the same dish as boudin, which is a sausage made with meat, rice, and seasonings.