33 Best Mardi Gras Foods for a Taste of New Orleans
King cake, po'boys, and jambalaya are worthy of a party!
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If you've ever wandered down Bourbon Street during Carnival season, you know just how much fun it can be at a Mardi Gras celebration. The streets are packed with revelers, beads fly through the air, and the scent of sizzling Cajun and Creole dishes is everywhere. Between the fresh beignets, crawfish boils, and spicy jambalaya, it's a food lover's dream! But if a trip to New Orleans isn't in the cards this year, don't worry—we've got you covered. We rounded up the best Fat Tuesday foods and recipes so you can bring the flavors of the Big Easy right to your own home. Whether you're planning a feast or you just want to enjoy some Southern comfort food, these dishes will make any meal feel like a party.
Ahead, you'll find everything you need for a Mardi Gras celebration including classic cocktails, gumbo, jambalaya, and crispy fried okra. It's the last feast before Lent and just before the countdown to your Easter dinner, so it only makes sense to go all-out with some indulgent dishes. Dig into an over-the-top muffuletta sandwich, shrimp recipes loaded with Creole seasoning, and beignets topped with powdered sugar. If you're looking to get creative with your Mardi Gras foods, try Ree Drummond's twist on Cajun pasta or whip up some Mardi Gras desserts like the spritz cookies that look like mini king cakes. And while Mardi Gras falls on March 4 in 2025, you can also enjoy these delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes for your family dinners all year long.
Jambalaya
Nothing says Mardi Gras like a big, flavorful pot of jambalaya! This classic Louisiana dish is packed with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, plus plenty of spice. It's comfort food at its finest—and perfect for a Fat Tuesday feast.
Get the Jambalaya recipe.
Hurricane Cocktail
This fruity, rum-based cocktail is famous on Bourbon Street. Made with passion fruit juice, citrus, and grenadine, it's sweet, refreshing, and just the right amount of boozy. Want to serve a crowd? We've got the best tips for making batch cocktails.
Get the Hurricane Cocktail recipe.
Shrimp and Grits
Cheesy grits and spicy Cajun shrimp are a match made in heaven. This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick but satisfying meal. No wonder Ree calls it her "dearest obsession."
Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits recipe.
Gumbo
This version of the classic Cajun stew is dark, thick, and rich—just how Ree likes it—with lots of shredded chicken and andouille sausage. The secret sauce all comes down to the roux.
Get Ree's Gumbo recipe.
Perfect Pancakes
Fat Tuesday is all about indulgence, and pancakes have a long standing history as part of the celebrations. Ree's recipe is made with both milk and buttermilk for the perfect balance of fluffy and rich.
Get Ree's Perfect Pancakes recipe.
Corn Fritters
Crispy, golden, and filled with bursts of sweet corn, these little fritters are impossible to resist. Serve them warm for a crunchy, fluffy bite that pairs perfectly with just about anything. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them even better!
Get Ree's Corn Fritters recipe.
Cajun Cobb Salad with Shrimp
This isn't your average Cobb salad! It's loaded with Cajun-seasoned shrimp, crispy bacon, avocado, and a zesty dressing for a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic. It's a great way to mix something light and refreshing into the menu.
Get the Cajun Cobb Salad with Shrimp recipe.
Red Beans and Rice
This Louisiana classic is rich, hearty, and packed with smoky flavor thanks to sausage, aromatics, and a whole ham hock. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a meal that's as comforting as it is filling!
Get the Red Beans and Rice recipe.
Shrimp Po' Boy
Crispy shrimp, homemade po' boy sauce, and French bread are the basis of this traditional Louisiana sandwich, but you can also add lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced dill pickles to dress it up.
Get the Shrimp Po' Boy recipe.
Hot Crab Dip
This warm and luxurious dip is packed with crab meat and a hint of horseradish for just the right amount of kick. Serve it with crackers, crostini, or veggie sticks. (And don't be surprised when it disappears fast!)
Get the Hot Crab Dip recipe.
Fried Catfish
This cornmeal-crusted catfish comes from legendary pitmaster Rodney Scott, so you know it has to be good! Serve it up with grits or slaw for a complete meal.
Get the Fried Catfish recipe.
Grilled Okra
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this Southern veggie, but grilling them is a unique twist that's both easy and smoky. Be sure to use fresh okra so it stays nice and crisp on the grill.
Get the Grilled Okra recipe.
Hushpuppies
This Southern favorite is basically a twist on fried cornbread. It's delicious when served with catfish, shrimp, or other seafood dishes.
Get the Hushpuppies recipe.
King Cake
King cake is a must-have at any Mardi Gras party. It's basically like a cinnamon roll in cake form—now that's worth celebrating!
Get the King Cake recipe.
Pecan Pie Bars
This grab-and-go dessert is a fun way to serve up pecan pie! It's sweet, sticky, portable, and great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Overnight New Orleans Beignets
New Orleans is famous for their beignets (or fried dough) that's piled high with powdered sugar And, now you can make the dish in your own home!
Skillet Cornbread
You can't go wrong with a homemade cornbread! This side dish is perfect alongside gumbo, jambalaya, bbq, or fried fish.
Get Ree's Skillet Cornbread recipe.
Air Fryer Okra
Even though Mardi Gras is all about indulging, an air fryer comes in handy—especially for a batch of these hot and crispy fried okra! The kitchen appliance takes the crunch factor to the next level.
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
Grits Casserole
If you're planning to start the party early in the day, consider filling up on this cheesy grits casserole. It's topped with bacon and plenty of hot sauce.
Get the Grits Casserole recipe.
Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise
This cajun-flavored hollandaise sauce it so good, you'll want to use it on anything from potatoes to asparagus. Add a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning on top for an extra flavorful kick.
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