
Hey, Welcome to the Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe. It is a rich, creamy Cajun-style seafood sauce made with mushrooms, garlic, cream, wine, and tender shrimp or crawfish.
If you’ve ever tasted this at Pappadeaux, you already know how luxuriously smooth, savoury, and full of Cajun flavours it is.
I wanted to recreate that same magic at home, and guess what? I finally nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to bring this restaurant-quality sauce right into your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American (Cajun-Inspired)
Category: Sauce
History and Origin
Pappadeaux’s Alexander sauce gets its roots from Cajun and Creole seafood traditions.
Originating from Gulf Coast flavours, it combines butter, cream, mushrooms, spices, and seafood into a luxurious Southern-style sauce.
What does Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce taste like?
This sauce is creamy, buttery, mildly tangy, and filled with tender seafood flavor. Mushrooms add earthiness, while Cajun seasoning brings a warm, balanced kick without overwhelming heat.
By the way, you can also try the Barefoot Contessa Baked French Toast Casserole Recipe.
Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| White vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Sliced mushrooms | ½ cup |
| Cooked shrimp (chopped) | ½ cup |
| Crawfish or crab meat | ½ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cajun seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe:
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
How to Make Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the mushrooms
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms until golden and soft.
Step 2: Add garlic and seasonings
Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until everything smells fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze with wine
Pour in white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.
Step 4: Add cream
Whisk in heavy cream and let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add seafood
Stir in shrimp and crawfish (or crab) and let it warm through.
Step 6: Finish with lemon
Add lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning before turning off the heat.
Recipe Card

Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the mushrooms until golden and soft.

- Stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until everything smells fragrant.

- Pour in white vinegar and let it simmer until reduced by half.

- Whisk in heavy cream and let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.

- Stir in shrimp and crawfish (or crab) and let it warm through.

- Add lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning before turning off the heat.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
You can pour this rich Alexander sauce over blackened fish, grilled salmon, shrimp, chicken, or even pasta for a satisfying meal.
It also tastes amazing spooned over rice or creamy mashed potatoes when you want a comforting restaurant-style seafood dish at home.
Storage Tips
Store your Alexander sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days.
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of cream if it thickens too much. Avoid freezing it, as cream-based sauces may separate.
Variations You Can Try
You can easily switch up this Alexander sauce by adding smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or extra seafood for a richer flavor.
Some people even mix in Parmesan or a splash of hot sauce to create a bolder, creamier, more customized Cajun-style sauce.
Why This Sauce Works So Well
This sauce stands out because it balances creaminess, savory seafood flavor, and Cajun spices perfectly. Every ingredient contributes richness without overpowering the others.
When paired with fish or chicken, it enhances the dish rather than hiding it, creating an irresistible restaurant-quality experience.
Tips to Make It Taste Like the Restaurant
To match Pappadeaux’s signature flavor, use fresh seafood, quality butter, and full-fat cream.
Allow the vinegar to reduce properly, sauté mushrooms until browned, and add seasonings gradually. These steps deepen flavour and help you achieve an authentic, silky, perfectly balanced sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many home cooks rush the simmering process or skip reducing the wine, which leads to thin or bland sauce.
Others overcook the seafood, making it rubbery. Stir gently, simmer patiently, and season carefully to maintain the luxurious texture and savory Cajun flavor.
How to Adjust the Flavor
This Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe adapts wonderfully to your taste preferences. Add more Cajun seasoning for heat, extra lemon for brightness, or additional cream for richness.
If it becomes too thick, a small splash of broth or wine helps restore perfect consistency effortlessly.
Best Dishes to Pair with This Sauce
Alexander sauce shines on seafood like grouper, catfish, redfish, and salmon. It also pairs beautifully with chicken, pasta, and grilled vegetables.
Pour it over mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting Southern-style meal that feels luxurious, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy every time.
Why You Should Make It at Home
Cooking this Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe at home gives you full control over flavour, ingredients, and freshness. It’s budget-friendly, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Plus, you get that iconic restaurant taste without leaving your kitchen, making every homemade dinner feel extra special.
Conclusion
This homemade Pappadeaux Alexander Sauce Recipe brings restaurant-style richness to your everyday meals. If you love creamy seafood recipes, this one will instantly become a favourite.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you enjoyed this recipe, please rate it 5 stars at the conclusion of the FAQs section and share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use crab instead of crawfish?
Yes, crab works perfectly as a substitute and tastes great in this sauce.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes, replace white wine with chicken or seafood broth.
Is this sauce spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can increase or reduce Cajun seasoning.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended because cream sauces may separate after thawing.
What can I serve it with?
It pairs best with fish, pasta, chicken, or rice.
You will also like the Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad Recipe.