If you've ever taken a trip to Bourbon Street during Carnival season, you probably already know what a festive celebration it could be especially on Mardi Gras. The streets are packed with revelers, beads are thrown, and an excess of tasty foods is consumed. In fact, the smell of fresh beignets and crawfish boils is enough to make anyone want to take a trip to New Orleans. But not everyone can get the chance to head down south so we rounded up some of the best Mardi Gras foods and recipes to bring the party right to your own home. That's right, you can celebrate Mardi Gras on February 13 with our recipes for for Southern comfort food favorites, shrimp and grits, and traditional king cake.
Ahead, you'll find everything you need for a Mardi Gras celebration including classic co*cktails, 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 with veggies or Mardi Gras desserts like the spritz cookies that look like mini king cakes. And while Mardi Gras falls on February 13 this year, you can also enjoy these delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes for your family dinners all year long.
1
Jambalaya
A steaming bowl of jambalaya made with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage is just the comfort food you need for a February celebration. It gets a kick from jalapeño pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, plus a bit of hot sauce for extra spice.
Get the Jambalaya recipe.
3
Red Beans and Rice
This simple dish is rich in flavor thanks to sausage, aromatics, and a whole ham hock. It's no wonder a bowl of red beans and rice is a beloved staple of Louisiana.
Get the Red Beans and Rice recipe.
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4
Perfect Pancakes
Pancakes have a long standing history as part of a Fat Tuesday celebration. Luckily, Ree's pancakes are perfect for any day of the week! They're made with both milk and buttermilk so they're the best-of-both-worlds.
Get Ree's Perfect Pancakes recipe.
5
Jalapeño Cornbread
Give your cornbread a spicy kick by adding jalapeño slices on top and chili powder in the batter. It's the perfect side for your red beans and rice!
Get Ree's Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.
6
Cajun Cobb Salad with Shrimp
Even though Mardi Gras is a time for indulgences, having a crisp and refreshing salad on the menu can never hurt! Especially if the salad is loaded up with Cajun flavors, crispy bacon, and juicy shrimp.
Get the Cajun Cobb Salad with Shrimp recipe.
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7
Corn Fritters
These crispy fried balls of dough are studded with sweet bites of corn. Top them with sifted powdered sugar and they'll taste just like a beignet!
Get Ree's Corn Fritters recipe.
8
Shrimp and Grits
These creamy, quick-cooking grits come together in less than 20 minutes! Add spicy Cajun shrimp and plenty of cheese, and you'll have a dish that Ree calls her "dearest obsession."
Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits recipe.
9
Hot Crab Dip
This seafood based dip is creamy, luxurious, and perfectly spicy thanks to crab meat and horseradish. Serve it up at your celebration with corn chips, veggie sticks, or even crostini for scooping.
Get the Hot Crab Dip recipe.
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10
Cajun Chicken Pasta
There's a reason this is one of The Pioneer Woman's most popular recipes—it's so darn good! The spicy sauce and hearty chicken and veggies are loaded with flavor.
Get Ree's Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.
11
Cajun Gumbo
A dark brown roux will give any gumbo a ton of flavor. Then again, so will the cowboy cajun spice blend, the hot sauce, and the sausage and shrimp!
Get the Cajun Gumbo recipe.
12
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.
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13
Sheet Pan Pancakes
Pancakes are traditional on Fat Tuesday (sometimes known as Pancake Tuesday) and we can't think of a better way to celebrate than with pancakes made in a sheet pan so they're fit for a crowd! Get creative with your toppings, adding pecans would be perfect for Mardi Gras!
Get the Sheet Pan Pancakes recipe.
14
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.
15
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.
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16
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.
17
Air Fryer Okra
Even though Mardi Gras is all about indulging, we still like to use our air fryer when we can—especially when it comes to these air fryer okra! The handy appliance takes the crunch factor to the next level.
Get the Air Fryer Okra recipe.
18
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.
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19
Pecan Pralines
You can find pecan pralines everywhere in New Orleans. It's a Southern confection that's easy to make at home.
Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.
20
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.
Get Ree's Roasted Asparagus with Cajun Hollandaise recipe.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information on various topics, including Mardi Gras and the foods associated with it. I can provide you with information and insights related to the concepts mentioned in this article.
Mardi Gras:
Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a festive celebration that takes place before the Christian season of Lent. It is most famously celebrated in New Orleans, Louisiana, but it is also observed in other parts of the world. The celebration is known for its vibrant parades, colorful costumes, music, and indulgent foods. Mardi Gras is a time for people to enjoy themselves before the more solemn period of Lent begins.
Southern Comfort Food:
Southern comfort food refers to a style of cuisine that is popular in the southern United States. It is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, often featuring ingredients like corn, okra, shrimp, and sausage. Some classic examples of Southern comfort food include jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and red beans and rice. These dishes are often rich in flavor and reflect the diverse culinary traditions of the region.
King Cake:
King cake is a traditional dessert associated with Mardi Gras. It is a sweet, ring-shaped pastry that is typically decorated with colored icing or sugar. The cake often contains a hidden plastic baby figurine or a bean, and the person who finds it in their slice is said to have good luck or be responsible for hosting the next year's celebration. King cake is enjoyed throughout the Mardi Gras season and is a symbol of the festivities.
Beignets:
Beignets are a popular New Orleans treat that is often associated with Mardi Gras. They are deep-fried pastries made from a sweet dough and dusted with powdered sugar. Beignets are typically served hot and are a beloved breakfast or snack option in New Orleans. They are often enjoyed with a cup of coffee and are a must-try for visitors to the city.
Cajun and Creole Cuisine:
Cajun and Creole cuisines are both prominent in the culinary traditions of Louisiana. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct characteristics. Cajun cuisine is known for its rustic and hearty dishes, often featuring ingredients like seafood, sausage, and spices. Creole cuisine, on the other hand, is influenced by French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors and techniques. It often incorporates more complex sauces and a wider range of ingredients.
Classic co*cktails:
Classic co*cktails are often enjoyed during Mardi Gras celebrations. One popular example is the Hurricane co*cktail, which is made with rum, passion fruit juice, citrus juice, and grenadine. Another classic co*cktail associated with New Orleans is the Sazerac, which is made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and bitters. These co*cktails are known for their bold flavors and are often enjoyed during Mardi Gras festivities.
Please let me know if there's anything specific you would like to know or if you have any other questions!
