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Ready to plan the ultimate Mardi Gras feast? From hearty rice dishes to colorful cakes, these Mardi Gras food ideas are sure to brighten your celebration.
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You don’t need to organize a parade to experience the magic of Mardi Gras—just whip up the most festive dishes in your kitchen.
These recipes offer a way to bring people together and create lasting memories.
Crawfish Fettucine
This pasta is loaded with cheeses, bell peppers, sour cream, cheeses and crawfish.
Every bite feels indulgent yet balanced. Serve it with Caesar salad or warm garlic bread.
Get The Recipe: Crawfish Fettucine
Slow Cooker Hoppin John
Use your slow cooker to make the most delicious Mardi Gras meals. You only need a few ingredients to make this dish!
Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it simmer, and enjoy the aromas filling your home.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Hoppin John
Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Mardi Gras is all about tradition, flavors, and creativity. Check out this Crockpot recipe!
It has a rich, earthy taste and a slightly creamy texture.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot Black Eyed Peas
Akara (Black Eyed Peas Fritters)
These fritters are made by blending soaked black-eyed peas with onions, peppers, and a bit of salt, then frying until golden brown.
Serve them on a platter with a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center.
Get The Recipe: Akara (Black Eyed Peas Fritters)
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Yakamein (New Orleans’ Ol’ Sober)
Yakamein is known for its comforting flavors and satisfying warmth.
It’s a New Orleans classic you’ll want to have again and again. Garnish it with boiled eggs and green onions.
Get The Recipe: Yakamein (New Orleans’ Ol’ Sober)
Mini King Cake with Crescent Rolls
Experiment with bold, festive dishes. This King Cake offers a fun twist on the traditional Mardi Gras dessert.
It’s flaky, buttery, and filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness.
Get The Recipe: Mini King Cake with Crescent Rolls
Vegan Instant Pot Jambalaya
This jambalaya is a plant-based take on a classic Louisiana dish.
The smoky, spicy taste comes from a medley of tomatoes, Cajun spices, rice, and vegan sausage. You can make it in less than an hour.
Get The Recipe: Vegan Instant Pot Jambalaya
Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Nothing says comfort food like a hearty bowl of red beans and rice!
This version is packed with red kidney beans, sausage, yellow onions, bell peppers, and celery.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
Whole30 Chicken Jambalaya (Paleo)
Looking for a lighter take on a Mardi Gras favorite? This dish delivers all the Cajun flavor you crave without grains or dairy.
Don’t forget to add a lemon wedge for a bright, citrusy twist.
Get The Recipe: Whole30 Chicken Jambalaya (Paleo)
Shrimp Creole with Cajun Cream Sauce
Spice up your Mardi Gras menu with this creamy creation.
Main ingredients include shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms, sour cream, and Cajun seasonings.
Get The Recipe: Shrimp Creole with Cajun Cream Sauce
Cajun Orzo
This easy-to-make meal features orzo, shrimp, spicy sausage, kale, and parmesan.
You’ll love how smoky and spicy it is! Enjoy it with sweet tea to balance the flavors.
Get The Recipe: Cajun Orzo
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Skillet Cornbread with Honey-Butter Glaze
Challenge yourself and make your own cornbread! This recipe results in a tender and moist crust.
The honey butter glaze, meanwhile, adds a glossy finish and a touch of sweetness.
Get The Recipe: Skillet Cornbread with Honey-Butter Glaze
Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets with Crispy Breading
These nuggets come together in less than 20 minutes! You only need a few simple ingredients, including Cajun seasoning and fish fry breading.
Pair them with a creamy coleslaw and ice-cold beer.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets with Crispy Breading
Dirty Rice
If you’re craving a bold, hearty dish for Mardi Gras, dirty rice is the way to go.
This dish features ground beef, sausage, chicken liver, onions, and bell peppers. Add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra spice.
Get The Recipe: Dirty Rice
King Cake Pancakes
Turn breakfast into a Mardi Gras celebration with these pancakes.
They are fluffy and flavorful, topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles in traditional Mardi Gras hues.
Get The Recipe: King Cake Pancakes
New Orleans Pralines
Indulge in the sweet and creamy flavors of these pralines.
They’re a must-have Mardi Gras treat, delivering a perfect balance of nuttiness and sweetness.
Get The Recipe: New Orleans Pralines
Gluten-Free King Cake
Include gluten-free dishes in your Mardi Gras menu.
This cake is a must-try, with a delicious filling made with cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. Enjoy it with a colorful fruit salad.
Get The Recipe: Gluten-Free King Cake
Mardi Gras Meringues
Dessert lovers, this recipe is for you. These meringues are light, airy, and perfectly sweet, with vibrant colors to match the festive spirit.
Arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for an elegant presentation.
Get The Recipe: Mardi Gras Meringues
Mardi Gras Puppy Chow
Prepare this puppy chow and add a fun twist to your snack table.
This treat is a colorful blend of Chex cereal, candy melts, and sugar. Layer it in a clear jar to show off the vibrant colors.
Get The Recipe: Mardi Gras Puppy Chow
Jambalaya Pasta (Pastalaya)
This dish is a flavorful fusion of pasta and the bold spices of classic jambalaya.
It’s packed with chicken, shrimp, creole seasoning, bacon and onions. Serve it with cup of gumbo or seafood chowder.
Get The Recipe: Jambalaya Pasta (Pastalaya)
Pancake With Coconut Filling
These treats are soft and fluffy, with a delicious filling made with coconut, sugar, almonds, and raisins.
Prepare the pancakes, spread the filling inside, and roll them up for a fun dish.
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Mardi Gras Jello Shots
Explore recipes that pack a punch in flavor and presentation.
Everyone will love these jello shots! Garnish them with edible glitter or mini Mardi Gras masks.
Get The Recipe: Mardi Gras Jello Shots
Mardi Gras Cookies
These cookies are made with vanilla cake mix, cinnamon, milk, vanilla extract, and sugar.
They’re so easy and colorful that you’ll want to make them anytime—even beyond Mardi Gras.
Get The Recipe: Mardi Gras Cookies
New Orleans-Style Skillet Barbecue Shrimp
Bring the smoky, zesty flavors of New Orleans to your table.
This seafood creation features a buttery sauce made with beer, Worcestershire, garlic, onions, and Cajun spices.
Get The Recipe: New Orleans-Style Skillet Barbecue Shrimp
Muffaletta Sandwich
This sandwich is brimming with layers of bold flavors.
It features ham, salami, mozzarella, provolone, olives, and red peppers. Pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling lemonade.
Get The Recipe: Muffaletta Sandwich
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Experiment with bold flavors and embrace the spirit of the season.
Incorporate shrimp, chicken, or any choice of protein to anchor your dishes, along with grains for a hearty touch.
And don’t forget—ingredients like garlic, onions, and bell peppers, often called the “holy trinity” of flavor, are essential for depth.
22 Mardi Gras Recipes That Taste Like New Orleans With Every Bite
Enjoy a hearty meal or sweet treat with these Mardi Gras recipes. From gumbo and jambalaya to Mardi Gras shots and King Cake, these recipes have a bit of everything.
Read it here: 22 Mardi Gras Recipes That Taste Like New Orleans With Every Bite
25 5 Star Soul Food Recipes That’ll Make You Forget All Other Comfort Foods
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