25 Best Mardi Gras Recipes Inspired By New Orleans
King cake, po'boys, and jambalaya deserve their own parade!
Mardi Gras is a day full of fun! Just take a walk down Bourbon Street during Carnival season: The streets are packed with revelers, beads fly through the air, and the scent of sizzling Cajun and Creole cuisine is everywhere. Between the fresh beignets, crawfish boils, and spicy jambalaya, it's a food lover's dream! But even if you aren't taking a trip to New Orleans this year, don't worry—this list has you covered. It includes the best Mardi Gras foods and traditional 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 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 a variety of cajun pastas, 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 classic recipes like king cake monkey bread or jambalaya-stuffed peppers. Then, drink some Mardi Gras cocktails or bake up some Mardi Gras desserts. And while Mardi Gras falls on February 17 in 2026, you can also enjoy these delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes for your family dinners all year long.
King Cake Monkey Bread
Here's a pull-apart Bundt-pan twist on the classic cake, made easy with refrigerated cinnamon rolls. Each bite is coated in cinnamon sugar with orange zest and nutmeg, drenched in a buttery brown-sugar sauce, then finished with a tangy cream cheese-cinnamon roll icing and a shower of purple, green, and gold sanding sugar.
Get Ree's King Cake Monkey Bread 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. Serve over rice with extra green onions, hot sauce, and Cajun seasoning.
Get Ree's Gumbo recipe.
Jambalaya-Stuffed Peppers
All the bold, smoky goodness of jambalaya—served in a bell pepper! The tender peppers are filled with a hearty mix of chicken, andouille sausage, seasoned rice, and veggies. A hit of Creole seasoning and hot sauce adds just the right heat, and a layer of pepper jack melts on top for a cheesy finish.
Get the Jambalaya-Stuffed Peppers recipe.
Jambalaya
Nothing says Mardi Gras like a big, flavor-packed pot of jambalaya. This Louisiana classic is loaded with chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, and white rice with just the right kick of spice. It's pure comfort food—and made for a Fat Tuesday feast.
Get the Jambalaya recipe.
Shrimp and Grits
Creamy, cheesy grits and spicy Cajun shrimp are a perfect pair. This dish comes together in under 20 minutes, so it's ideal for a fast, satisfying meal during the holiday. No wonder Ree Drummond calls it her "dearest obsession."
Get Ree's Shrimp and Grits 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Shrimp Étouffée
The word "étouffée" means "smothered" in French and that's exactly how we'd describe this dish! The shrimp is smothered in a thick gravy that's oh so comforting.
Get the Shrimp Étouffée recipe.
Cajun Green Bean Casserole
You can feed a crowd with this spicy twist on green bean casserole. It's perfect for anyone who's a fan of hot sauce and flavorful cajun seasoning.
Get Ree's Cajun Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Southern Fried Okra
If you've never tried okra before, there's no better way to experience the veggie than with these crispy, fried bites. It'll be hard to eat just one!
Get the Southern Fried Okra recipe.
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.
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