43 Mardi Gras Food Ideas: Easy Recipes for Fat Tuesday

You don’t need to visit New Orleans to indulge in Creole and Cajun dishes — you can enjoy Mardi Gras food year-round wherever you are in the world. Host your very own Fat Tuesday celebration with traditional dishes like baked jambalaya, or jump right into dessert with moon pies. The next time you crave Southern comfort food, you can count on these recipes. You can even elevate your feast with our printable Mardi Gras food labels.

Table of contents:

• Traditional Mardi Gras food
• Mardi Gras appetizers
• Mardi Gras desserts

No matter where you decide to celebrate Fat Tuesday, you can still indulge in Cajun and Creole recipes. Here are a few traditional Mardi Gras dishes to add to your Mardi Gras menu this year!

1. Shrimp po’boys

Category: Traditional

Shrimp po’ boys are a New Orleans version of a sandwich, but with a twist. To make this Mardi Gras snack, add fried shrimp, remoulade sauce and your choice of toppings to French bread.

2. Baked jambalaya

Category: Traditional

Jambalaya is a traditional rice dish from Louisiana that dates back to the 18th century. For Mardi Gras this year, add shrimp, seasonal vegetables, rice and spices to a pan and bake it. Enjoy this easy-baked jambalaya!

3. Crawfish étouffée

Category: Traditional

Étouffée is the French word for “smothered,” and this classic Cajun dish of seafood served over rice is just that. Enjoy the creamy sauce smothered over your choice of meat. Try using crawfish to complete your Louisiana-inspired recipe.

4. Gumbo

Category: Traditional

Gumbo is an authentic New Orleans meal of chicken, sausage, shrimp and vegetables served over rice. Make sure your gumbo is the right consistency, or you may need to add more flour to thicken the sauce.

5. Fried catfish

Category: Traditional

Catfish is a popular protein you can find in Creole cuisine. Try out this fried catfish recipe on Fat Tuesday with grits or coleslaw for a delicious meal.

6. Dirty rice

Category: Traditional

Dirty rice, also known as Cajun rice, is a classic dish many folks enjoy in southern Louisiana. Enjoy the recipe by itself or serve this savory Mardi Gras food with fried catfish or your choice of protein.

7. New Orleans barbecue shrimp

Category: Traditional

Don’t let the name fool you — New Orleans barbecue shrimp doesn’t require a barbecue! Create your sauce with butter, Worcestershire sauce, your favorite beer, fresh herbs and spices. Cook your shrimp in a skillet and add in your sauce. Don’t forget to pair your dish with French bread for dipping.

8. Shrimp and grits

Category: Traditional

What’s not to love about spicy shrimp with creamy grits? The best part is you can make this Mardi Gras seafood recipe with minimal effort.

9. Cajun pasta

Category: Traditional

Transform your beloved pasta recipe into a Fat Tuesday celebration packed with Cajun flavors. You can alter the spice level to your preference by adding more or less seasoning.

10. Slow cooker jambalaya

Category: Traditional

Jambalaya is a classic dish to enjoy on this holiday, but it can require a lot of time and patience. Thankfully, there is a slow cooker version available for half the effort.

11. Sheet pan Cajun chicken with veggies

Category: Traditional

Sheet pan recipes are the best for minimal effort and maximum flavor. Add chicken and seasonal vegetables to a baking sheet. Sprinkle on Cajun seasoning and enjoy this easy chicken recipe.

12. Slow cooker red beans and rice

Category: Traditional

Not everyone has hours to spare for a tasty meal — fortunately, you can utilize your slow cooker for this red beans and rice recipe. Serve this Creole cuisine with your choice of protein (we recommend fried shrimp).

13. Cajun sausage and orzo

Category: Traditional

You only need one pot, a few ingredients and less than an hour to make this Cajun sausage and orzo recipe. The spicy and creamy sauce brings comfort with every bite.

14. Fried okra

Category: Traditional

Okra is a popular Mardi Gras food you can enjoy all year round. Try this fried okra recipe for a new way to experience this veggie. Warning: it’s hard to eat just one!

15. Cajun macaroni and cheese

Category: Traditional

Elevate your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe with Cajun seasoning. One bite and you’ll be in heaven from the mouthwatering flavors. This is also a kid-friendly Mardi Gras food recipe loved by children and adults alike! 

16. Surf ‘n’ turf stew

Category: Traditional

Contrary to popular belief, stews are fairly easy to make. Celebrate Fat Tuesday with this surf ‘n’ turf stew packed with flavors and texture.

17. Cajun catfish

Category: Traditional

Take your catfish recipe to the next level with Cajun seasoning. Pair this Mardi Gras food with seasonal veggies and rice.

18. Black-eyed pea stew

Category: Traditional

If seafood isn’t your thing, this black-eyed pea stew might be a better option. Indulge in the savory flavors of sausage mixed with tomatoes, chicken stock, vegetables and fresh spices.

19. Cajun pot pie

Category: Traditional

Pot pies aren’t as hard to make as they may sound — plus their flavors and textures pack a punch. Try this Cajun pot pie recipe to ring in Fat Tuesday.

20. Mini muffuletta sandwiches

Category: Traditional

The New Orleans muffuletta sandwich is a blend of Italian and Creole cuisines. Make the mini version of this sandwich, and your party guests will keep coming back for more once they taste the spicy olive spread.

21. Crawfish dip

Category: Traditional

No Fat Tuesday party is complete without this crawfish dip. Make sure to store your dip in a slow cooker to keep it warm. Don’t forget to set out crackers and toasted French bread for dipping.

22. Mini Cajun crab cakes

Category: Traditional

Take your party to the next level with mini Cajun crab cakes your party guests will devour. Just make sure the crab cakes aren’t too big or else folks will fill up too quickly.

23. Muffuletta deviled eggs

Category: Traditional

Muffuletta deviled eggs are a delicious gluten-free alternative to the New Orleans sandwich. This Southern-inspired appetizer is sure to stand out at your Fat Tuesday party.

24. Crawfish boil

Category: Traditional

Elevate your celebration by hosting a crawfish boil for all to enjoy. Crawfish boils are designed to share with a crowd. Don’t forget to top your crawfish with a Cajun-infused butter sauce to bring the flavors together.

25. Hush puppies

Category: Appetizers

Your Mardi Gras party goers won’t be able to hush after they try these hush puppies. Pair this appetizer with a crawfish boil to complete your meal.

26. Shrimp dip

Category: Appetizers

Bring Louisiana cuisine to your home with this shrimp dip recipe. Taste the South with every bite.

27. Crawfish boudin balls

Category: Appetizers

Crawfish is a staple Mardi Gras food, and this crawfish boudin ball recipe is ideal for parties. The aioli dipping sauce pairs perfectly with this appetizer.

28. Cajun sausage puffs

Category: Appetizers

Prepare an easy appetizer for your party with this Cajun sausage puff recipe. Bring Southern flavors right to your kitchen with these delicious poppers.

29. Shrimp and sausage skewers

Category: Appetizers

Skewers are great for munching and mingling at any event. Add some Creole flair with these shrimp and sausage skewers.

30. Muffuletta pizza

Category: Appetizers

Put a Mardi Gras twist on pizza with a muffuletta-inspired topping. Spread olive salad over pizza dough, then layer with ham, salami, mortadella and provolone. Bake until bubbly and golden.

31. Andouille sausage po’boys

Category: Appetizers

Andouille sausage po’boys go beyond being just a sandwich; they are a celebration of tradition and indulgence, making them an excellent addition to your Fat Tuesday feast. You can also top it off with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes and a generous slather of Creole mustard.

32. Smoked chicken pizza

Category: Appetizers

Add a flavorful twist to your Mardi Gras spread with smoked chicken pizza. Your guests will love the crispy crust topped with smoky chicken, Cajun spices, bell peppers, onions and gooey cheese. This pizza celebrates bold flavors, capturing the essence of Mardi Gras with every bite.

33. Jambalaya stuffed peppers

Category: Appetizers

Turn classic jambalaya into a fun and festive dish by stuffing mini peppers with a mixture of seasoned rice, shrimp, sausage and vegetables. Bake until the peppers are tender for a colorful and flavorful entree.

34. Mardi Gras king cake

Category: Dessert

King cake gets its name from the Biblical story of the three kings. This treat is like a mix between a cinnamon roll and coffee cake topped with yellow, green and purple icing. Try this king cake recipe for your upcoming Fat Tuesday celebration.

35. Beignets

Category: Dessert

Bring NOLA to your kitchen with this classic beignet recipe. One bite will transport you to southern Louisiana.

36. Pecan pralines

Category: Dessert

Pecan pralines are a staple on the streets of New Orleans. This delicious confection is perfect for sharing with your loved ones on Mardi Gras.

37. Bananas Foster

Category: Dessert 

There isn’t anything much sweeter than caramelized bananas with a bowl of vanilla ice cream. The aroma of caramel and rum will fill your kitchen as you indulge in each bite.

38. King cake spritz cookies

Category: Dessert 

Not a fan of cake? These king cake spritz cookies are mini versions of the traditional confection — and equally delicious.

39. Moon pies

Category: Dessert 

Throwing moon pies from floats is a popular tradition during Mardi Gras. While we don’t recommend tossing this treat off your house (things can get messy), we do suggest copying this moon pie recipe and enjoying a nice treat.

40. Bourbon bread pudding

Category: Dessert 

Bring Bourbon Street to your home with this delectable dessert. This bread pudding recipe is a Southern take on a classic European dish packed with a burst of flavor in every bite.

41. Shaved ice

Category: Dessert 

Shaved ice is another dessert idea that is festive for Fat Tuesday. All you have to do is add crushed ice to a cup and drizzle flavored syrup over top. We recommend setting up a shaved ice station for your party guests to build their own.

42. Jelly donuts

Category: Dessert 

Jelly donuts are a stellar alternative to beignets for your Mardi Gras party. Don’t forget to sprinkle with powdered sugar to complete this dessert.

43. Mini king cupcakes

Category: Dessert 

All hail the king of desserts with these mini cupcakes. We don’t blame you if you go back for seconds or even thirds of this bite-sized treat.

Mardi Gras party ideas

Enhance your Mardi Gras party experience with these fun ideas:

• Serve a Cajun cuisine buffet with classics like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys and beignets.
• Decorate with purple, green and gold Mardi Gras colors for a festive atmosphere.
• Play lively jazz and zydeco music to set the mood and encourage dancing.
• Set up a king cake-cutting ceremony for a fun tradition and a sweet treat.
• Invite guests to dress in Mardi Gras-themed costumes for added flair.
• Provide beads and masks for guests to wear and toss to one another.
• Create a cocktail bar featuring New Orleans favorites like Hurricanes and Sazeracs.
• Set up a photo booth with Mardi Gras props for memorable photos.

Mardi Gras food printable

Go the extra mile and use these Mardi Gras food printables to make your dishes stand out.

Mardi Gras food FAQ

Hosting a Fat Tuesday celebration should be fun, but it can also be stressful. Here are commonly asked Mardi Gras food questions and answers.

The last Mardi Gras course

Now that you’re an expert on Mardi Gras food, it’s time to plan your celebration. Think about appetizers, main dishes and dessert (of course). You can start with hush puppies, move into a crawfish boil and finish off the party with none other than king cake.

Fat Tuesday will be here before we know it. If you lose track of time, you can always order same-day groceries with Instacart. Buy your ingredients online and receive your order without the hassle of going to the grocery store. Let the good times roll and enjoy your Mardi Gras party!