The flamboyant carnival celebration that brings tourists to New Orleans for food, dancing, co*cktails and general partying is finally upon us. Thankfully, you don't have to plan a road trip to Louisiana to partake in all the delicious goodness that Fat Tuesday has to offer — we have all the Mardi Gras recipes you need right here!
Since you can probably figure out the dancing and debauchery parts on your own, we have you covered with the co*cktails, food, and decor that will make your party stand out, no matter where you live. These recipes, from snacks to drinks to desserts, are all you need to feel like you're on Bourbon Street, from the comfort of your own home.
What is traditional food for Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras recipes are often rooted in Creole traditions and influences, so popular food includes jambalaya, red beans and rice, beignets, and king cake.
What is one food item that is unique to Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
King cakes are one of the most iconic foods for Mardi Gras. The cinnamon-flavored dessert is often colored with green, yellow, and purple in honor of the holiday, but perhaps the most recognizable aspect of making this Mardi Gras recipe is baking a figurine into the cake. Whoever has the slice with the figurine wins a prize!
DIY Mini King Cakes
Press crescent roll dough into a cupcake mold, fill it with cinnamon, then bake it. Then glaze each one and spray with the iconic Mardi Gras colors. (via Brit + Co)
Rainbow Bread
Carbs have never looked so good! Inspired by the rainbow donuts from Brooklyn’s Bagel Store (you *had* to have seen the viral vid), this tie-dyed loaf ain’t your average fairy bread. Schmear with the traditional toppings on Fat Tuesday and use the leftovers to make croutons for lunch the next few days. (via Brit + Co)
Pineapple, Avocado and Bean Salsa
The signature colors of Mardi Gras are gold, green and purple. This salsa may not have Louisiana-style flavors, but it’s going to look very festive in middle of your spread. (via Little Broken)
Buttermilk Chicken Biscuit With Habanero Peach Hot Sauce and Honey Butter
There’s nothing more southern than crispy fried chicken. But the real winner here is that sweet and spicy hot sauce that takes this dish above and beyond. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Black Eyed Peas With Smoky Collards and Cheesy Grits
Walk into any restaurant in New Orleans and you’ll find some variation of grits and collards. This flavorful at-home version brings all the authenticity and then some. (via Vanilla and Bean)
Hot Corn and Crab Dip
Dips are a party essential, especially for Fat Tuesday. Rep some of the common southern flavors with this creamy and spicy crab dip that comes together in just minutes. (via Pip and Ebby)
Chargrilled Oysters
These oysters are grilled to perfection and topped with cheese and butter. Even the oyster naysayers will be intrigued by these flavorful mollusks. (via Closet Cooking)
Cajun Bloody Mary
Beware: This Bloody Mary has major heat. Not only does it have Louisiana Cajun spice, but it’s also full of horseradish and lots of spicy peppers that will know your socks off. (via She Knows)
Homemade Beignets
You can’t think of New Orleans without dreaming of warm sugary beignets. Making your own is a must for any Mardi Gras party, plus they’re great hangover food — just sayin’. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Passion Fruit Hurricane
The hurricane may be the unofficial co*cktail of Mardi Gras, but it’s going to be the official co*cktail of your party. Make a huge batch in a punch bowl and garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch
Typically served during Mardi Gras brunch, brandy milk punch is similar to its thicker cousin eggnog. If you think you need a little bit of “hair of the dog” post Mardi Gras, this should be your go-to. (via Boulder Locavore)
Mardi Gras Masquerade Sugar Cookies
Your party guests are going to go wild for these dressed-up masquerade mask cookies. Add gold painted rock candy sticks for that extra little flair. (via Bake Love Give)
Easy Creole Jambalaya
Homemade jambalaya is so flavorful, and worth the extra few ingredients. Make a huge pot and serve with plenty of hot sauce on the side for your friends to help themselves. (via Aberdeen’s Kitchen)
Mardi Gras Cake
King Cake is one of the most well-known aspects of Mardi Gras, but it’s not exactly something you can make on the fly. This layered cake is a lot simpler than you would think, and is totally impressive. (via Beth Cakes)
Cajun Shrimp Po’Boy
This po’boy is about as classic New Orleans as you can get, all the way down to the homemade cajun seasoning that flavors the shrimp. All of your friends are definitely going to be begging you for this recipe the next day. (via The Kitchen Whisperer)
Red Beans and Rice Burgers
To make these burgers, you can either start your red beans and rice from scratch, or you can use leftovers to make your patties. Either way, it’s totally worth it to make your own, because they’re AH-mazing. (via My Cooking Spot)
Pistachio Sprinkle Bundt Cake
If you need a Mardi Gras dessert but don’t have a lot of time, this cake will be your life saver. It lets you take some help from the grocery store by using yellow cake mix and pistachio instant pudding for both flavor and vibrant color. (via Sew You Think You Can Cook)
What Mardi Gras recipes are you making this week? Tag us in all your creations on Instagram and follow us on Pinterest for more food content.
This post has been updated.
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Paige Johnson
Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.
