10+ Mardi Gras Recipes to Celebrate in Style

Mardi Gras is a vibrant celebration filled with lively music, colorful parades, and, of course, delicious food.

Exploring Mardi Gras recipes will bring the festive spirit of New Orleans right into your kitchen. From traditional dishes to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this special time.

Whether you are hosting a large gathering or having a small family dinner, these recipes can make your celebration memorable.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with flavors that capture the essence of this exciting festival.

1) Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a classic dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations. It combines rice, meat, and spices into a delicious one-pot meal.

You can use shrimp, chicken, or sausage, making it a versatile choice.

To make it, start by sautéing onions, bell peppers, and celery in oil. Then, add your chosen meat and cook until browned.

Next, stir in spices like Cajun seasoning, along with rice, and broth.

Let everything simmer until the rice is tender. The combination of flavors makes this dish great for any gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 ounces shrimp (or chicken and sausage)
• 1 cup rice
• 3 cups broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until soft.
3. Add meat and brown it.
4. Stir in rice and Cajun seasoning.
5. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is done, about 20 minutes.

2) Gumbo

Gumbo is a classic dish that brings warmth and flavor to your Mardi Gras celebrations. It’s a rich stew made with a variety of ingredients, usually including meat, seafood, and vegetables. The combination creates a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

You can use ingredients like andouille sausage, shrimp, or chicken. Add in onions, bell peppers, and spices to give it that signature kick. The secret to a great gumbo is the roux, which thickens the stew and adds depth to the flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 cup diced celery
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• Spices (like cayenne pepper, thyme, and bay leaves)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add flour to make a roux, stirring constantly until it’s brown.
3. Stir in onions, bell peppers, and celery. Cook until soft.
4. Add sausage and cook for a few minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Add shrimp and spices, then simmer for 30 minutes.

3) Beignets

Beignets are a delicious treat that is perfect for Mardi Gras. These fluffy, deep-fried pastries are often dusted with powdered sugar. They come from New Orleans and are a beloved part of the celebration.

You can enjoy them plain or filled with sweet cream. Making beignets at home is a fun way to bring the festive spirit to your kitchen. They are best served warm and fresh.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 packet rapid rise dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1½ teaspoons table salt
• 1¼ cups whole milk (warm)
• 2 large eggs
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, eggs, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes.
4. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
5. Roll out the dough and cut into squares.
6. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pot.
7. Fry the squares until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per side.
8. Drain on paper towels, then dust with powdered sugar.

4) Shrimp Étouffée

Shrimp étouffée is a classic dish from Louisiana. It combines shrimp with spices and vegetables to create a flavorful stew. This dish is perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations.

You will love how simple it is to make at home. The recipe includes a rich roux, which thickens the stew and adds depth to the flavors. The Holy Trinity of vegetables—onions, celery, and bell peppers—gives it that Southern charm.

To make your étouffée even better, serve it over rice. This will soak up all the delicious sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup flour
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or shrimp stock
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour to make a roux and cook until it’s a dark brown.
3. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened.
4. Mix in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
5. Pour in the stock and add the Cajun seasoning. Stir well.
6. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice.

5) King Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

King Cake is a delightful treat often enjoyed during Mardi Gras. This version features a creamy filling that makes it extra special. You’ll love how the soft dough pairs with the rich cream cheese.

To start, prepare your favorite dough recipe. Many people use sweet dough that has a hint of cinnamon. Then, mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla for the filling. Spread this mixture over the rolled dough.

After rolling it up, shape the dough into a circle. Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown. Once cooled, add colorful icing and festive sprinkles. This cake not only tastes great but looks beautiful on your table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 packet yeast
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
2. Warm milk and butter until melted. Cool slightly.
3. Add milk and egg to flour mixture, knead until smooth.
4. Let dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
5. Roll dough flat and spread cream cheese filling evenly.
6. Roll up the dough and shape into a circle.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.
8. Cool, then top with icing and sprinkles.

6) Muffuletta Sandwich

The Muffuletta is a classic sandwich that brings the flavors of New Orleans to your table. This hearty treat features layers of meats and cheeses, topped with a delicious olive salad.

You can customize your Muffuletta with your favorite ingredients. Common choices include Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, and provolone cheese. The olive spread adds a tangy kick that makes it unique.

To make it a hit, press the sandwich down and let it sit for a bit. This helps the flavors blend together beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 round loaf of bread (Muffuletta or Italian)
• 4 ounces Genoa salami
• 4 ounces mortadella
• 4 ounces Capicola
• 4 ounces provolone cheese
• 1 cup olive salad (or mixed olives with spices)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the bread in half and hollow out some of the inside.
2. Layer the salami, mortadella, Capicola, and provolone on the bottom half.
3. Spread the olive salad on top of the cheeses.
4. Place the top half of the bread back on and press down gently.
5. Wrap the sandwich tightly and let it sit for at least an hour before slicing.

7) Crawfish Boil

A crawfish boil is a fun tradition, especially during Mardi Gras. This dish brings together great flavors and good company. You’ll enjoy the mix of spices and fresh seafood.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need crawfish, potatoes, corn, sausage, and your favorite seasonings. Don’t forget some lemons for a fresh touch.

For cooking, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add your spices and the seafood. Let everything cook until the crawfish are bright red and the vegetables are tender.

Serve it all on a table covered with newspaper for a true Cajun experience. Enjoy your delicious creation with friends and family!

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds of crawfish
• 2-3 pounds of potatoes
• 4 ears of corn, cut in halves
• 1 pound of andouille sausage
• 1/4 cup of seasoning mix
• 2-3 lemons, halved

Cooking Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil (212°F / 100°C).
2. Add seasoning and stir.
3. Add crawfish, potatoes, corn, and sausage.
4. Boil for about 5-10 minutes until crawfish are red.
5. Drain and serve with lemon wedges.

8) Bananas Foster

Bananas Foster is a classic dessert that originated in New Orleans. It’s a delicious treat made from ripe bananas, brown sugar, butter, and rum. This warm dish is often served over vanilla ice cream, making it a favorite during Mardi Gras.

To make this dessert, you start by melting butter and mixing in brown sugar and cinnamon. Then, add sliced bananas and cook until they are tender. Finally, you pour in rum and ignite it for a fun, dramatic finish.

The combination of flavors is rich and comforting, perfect for celebrating special occasions.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 bananas, peeled and sliced
• ¼ cup pecan halves
• ¼ cup dark rum
• Vanilla ice cream

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon.
3. Add the sliced bananas and cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in the rum and carefully light it.
5. Serve over vanilla ice cream and top with pecans.

9) Oyster Stew

Oyster stew is a classic dish, especially popular during Mardi Gras. It combines fresh oysters with a creamy base, making it a comforting meal.

You can enjoy it as a first course or as a main dish.

To make the stew, you’ll need fresh oysters, cream, and seasonings. It’s simple to prepare and comes together quickly.

Just heat your ingredients and let them marry for delicious flavors.

This dish is not only tasty but also warms you up on cool nights. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

• 64 ounces fresh oysters, with their liquor
• 3 tablespoons bacon, minced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 cup yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: green onion for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Add celery and onion, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in oysters and their liquor.
4. Add cream, salt, and pepper. Heat gently for about 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with green onion if desired.

10) Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish that’s perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras. The creamy grits mixed with tender shrimp create a comforting meal.

You can easily make this dish at home.

To prepare, start by cooking the grits until they are creamy. You can add cheese for extra flavor.

While the grits are cooking, sauté the shrimp with garlic and Cajun spices.

This dish is often served with crispy bacon or Andouille sausage for added taste. The combination of flavors makes it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

• 1 cup grits
• 4 cups water or broth
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cajun seasoning to taste
• 4 slices bacon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
2. Stir in the grits and reduce the heat to low.
3. Cook until creamy, about 20 minutes.
4. In a skillet, melt butter and add garlic.
5. Sauté shrimp with Cajun seasoning until pink, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve shrimp over grits and top with crispy bacon if desired.