22 Mardi Gras Party Food Ideas to Light Up Your Table

Check out these delicious Mardi Gras party food ideas, from spicy bites to sweet treats. They will bring the spirit of New Orleans to your table!

Mardi Gras is a vibrant and festive celebration, full of traditions, colorful parades, and importantly, delicious food!

These dishes are known for their bold flavors and rich history. So, why not try creating your own homemade Mardi Gras feast?

These meals are shareable, irresistible, and easy to make!

Cajun Salmon Sliders with Remoulade

Kick off your Mardi Gras party with these zesty salmon sliders! They’re a delightful mix of spicy and savory, featuring salmon seasoned with Cajun spices.

They are also topped with a tangy, creamy remoulade sauce that perfectly complements the spiciness of the salmon.

Get The Recipe: Cajun Salmon Sliders with Remoulade

Cajun Shrimp Salad

This shrimp salad is not only delicious but also healthy, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a lighter option.

It includes vibrant veggies like bell peppers, green onions, and cherry tomatoes. Grilled corn adds a smoky sweetness, rounding out the flavors!

Get The Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Salad

Jambalaya

Prepare this classic and hearty Jambalaya for your Mardi Gras party!

It’s a one-pot wonder featuring tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage, and succulent shrimp. It also includes aromatic onions, bell peppers, and celery – the ‘holy trinity’ of Cajun cuisine.

Get The Recipe: Jambalaya

Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice

Experience the heart and soul of New Orleans with this comforting dish.

It’s a simple meal that combines creamy red beans, spicy andouille sausage, and a blend of traditional Creole seasonings. Serve it with white rice for a more delicious, heartier meal.

Get The Recipe: Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice

Seafood & Andouille Gumbo

This flavorful stew includes a variety of seafood, including shrimp and crab, with spicy andouille sausage.

It’s thickened with a dark roux, okra, and filé powder, creating a complex flavor! Serve this gumbo over rice for a traditional and satisfying Mardi Gras dish.

Get The Recipe: Seafood & Andouille Gumbo

Cajun Crab Cakes

Make your Mardi Gras party memorable with cajun crab cakes. This dish combines crab meat with Cajun seasoning and vegetables.

It offers a great blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors! Serve them with a spicy sauce for an extra kick.

Get The Recipe: Cajun Crab Cakes

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

This dish features tasty shrimp over smooth grits, all covered in a savory Cajun gravy.

It’s a warm, slightly spicy, and completely satisfying Southern classic! It takes four hours to make but definitely worth the time.

Get The Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

King Cake

The king cake is an iconic Mardi Gras dessert that symbolizes the joy and festivity of the season.

It’s a sweet cake twisted into a ring and then filled with cinnamon and brown sugar. Once baked, it’s adorned with icing and sprinkled with purple, green, and gold sugar.

Get The Recipe: King Cake

Sous Vide Scallops with Cajun Cream Sauce

Elevate your Mardi Gras menu with these exquisite scallops. The scallops are cooked to tender perfection and then seared for a golden crust.

This recipe is a luxurious choice for those who want to impress their guests with a gourmet culinary experience.

Get The Recipe: Sous Vide Scallops with Cajun Cream Sauce

Mardi Gras Puppy Chow

Try these colorful, sweet snacks at your Mardi Gras party.

It’s made by coating Rice Chex cereal in purple, green, and gold candy melts, reflecting the traditional Mardi Gras colors. The cereal is then tossed in powdered sugar for more sweetness!

Get The Recipe: Mardi Gras Puppy Chow

Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls

These Cajun boudin egg rolls are delicious appetizers, offering a mix of Southern flavors and a satisfying crunch.

Just fill the egg roll wrappers with a mix of pork, chicken liver, rice, and Cajun spices, then deep fry them. Serve them with a homemade remoulade sauce for dipping.

Get The Recipe: Cajun Boudin Egg Rolls

Mardi Gras Meringues

Let these Mardi Gras meringues bring a festive touch to your dessert table.

They’re made with a simple meringue mixture, colored in the vibrant purple, green, and yellow of Mardi Gras. Bake them until they’re light and crispy.

Get The Recipe: Mardi Gras Meringues

Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets

Looking for another way to enjoy your favorite hazelnut spread? Try this recipe. Make a simple dough, stuff it with Nutella, and then cook it in an air fryer.

These beignets are a healthier alternative to deep-fried ones, but they still have a delicious and gooey center.

Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Nutella Stuffed Beignets

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

This New Orleans BBQ shrimp is a rich and flavorful dish.

It involves cooking shrimp in a buttery, spicy sauce made with Creole seasonings. You can also sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch.

Get The Recipe: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Copycat Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Cocktail

This cocktail is a Mardi Gras favorite, known for its sweet, fruity flavor and vibrant color.

Serve it with light snacks or salty nibbles to balance the sweetness. This drink really captures the festive spirit of Mardi Gras!

Get The Recipe: Copycat Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Cocktail

Cajun Shrimp Dip

This Mardi Gras dish is so rich and flavorful, perfect with crackers, bread, or veggies. For a heartier meal, try it with grilled chicken breasts.

This dip adds a festive seafood touch to your party spread. It’s known for its creamy texture and spicy kick.

Get The Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Dip

Sourdough Beignets

These beignets are a twist on the New Orleans classic, using a sourdough starter for a unique flavor. Mix the starter with flour, sugar, and eggs.

Then, fry until golden. They’re light and airy with a subtle tang, dusted with powdered sugar. Serve it with coffee or fruit jams.

Get The Recipe: Sourdough Beignets

French Quarter Pecan Cheese Spread

This spread is a delightful combination of cream cheese and pecan praline sauce. It’s a hit for Mardi Gras with its unique blend of sweet and savory.

Serve it with crackers or as a topping for meats. It’s simple to make and brings a taste of New Orleans to any gathering.

Get The Recipe: French Quarter Pecan Cheese Spread

Cajun Crawfish Etouffee

This Cajun crawfish etouffee, with its hearty and spicy flavors, is a great choice for Mardi Gras. To make it, cook a light roux, then add onions, bell peppers, and celery.

Mix in Cajun spices and crawfish, and then let them simmer. Serve it over rice or with a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Get The Recipe: Cajun Crawfish Etouffee

Oysters Bienville

This oyster bienville is a fancy appetizer perfect for special occasions.

Just bake fresh oysters with a creamy sauce made from mushrooms, shallots, and a bit of wine or brandy. Then, serve them with white wine or on a seafood platter.

Get The Recipe: Oysters Bienville

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

This dish is packed with chicken, smoked sausage, and veggies, thickened with a roux.

It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that captures the essence of traditional gumbo. Pair it with warm, buttery cornbread for a comforting and filling meal.

Get The Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch

This New Orleans milk punch is a creamy cocktail made with brandy, homemade vanilla bean simple syrup, milk, and heavy cream.

It’s a fun drink to start your Mardi Gras party on the right note. Offer it as part of a Mardi Gras brunch menu for a more exciting celebration.

Get The Recipe: New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch

Mardi Gras party food ideas are all about bold flavors and family-style meals. Go for dishes that can be easily enjoyed while mingling, like finger foods or one-pot meals.

Also, incorporating a variety of textures and tastes can make the meals more exciting. Think of adding a spicy dish, something creamy, and a sweet treat to balance it all.