Even if you’re miles from New Orleans, let the good times roll with these recipes that capture the flavors and fun of Mardi Gras. The festive day that marks the end of Carnival season and the eve of Lent is an all-inclusive celebration with parades, music, and, of course, plenty of delicious food. These Mardi Gras recipes, inspired by the festival, feature an abundance of seafood, bold Cajun spices, and one-of-a-kind sweet treats that make any day feel like a party—all from your own home. So break out the beads, deck the dining table in purple, green, and gold, and invite your friends to bring the fun of Bourbon Street to your street with these 13 Mardi Gras recipes.
Easy Mardi Gras Beignets
No trip to New Orleans is complete without light and airy beignets topped with powdered sugar. We hacked the traditional fried dough pastry using buttermilk pancake mix for a foolproof homemade version that is ready in 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Easy Mardi Gras Beignets
Easy Cream Cheese Stuffed King Cake
King cake, the official dessert of Mardi Gras, will make everyone feel like royalty. Refrigerated crescent dough is the shortcut to flaky layers that surround a sweet cream cheese filling, topped with the holiday’s signature colors. For the authentic experience, hide a small, plastic baby (look for it in the baby shower section of a party store) inside the cake and crown the lucky recipient king or queen for the day.
Get the recipe: Easy Cream Cheese Stuffed King Cake
Weeknight Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Gumbo is a hearty stew synonymous with New Orleans, but it can be laborious and time-consuming to make from scratch. A few time-saving ingredients from the grocery store, like rotisserie chicken, pre-chopped veggies, and pre-cooked rice, help get this weeknight-friendly version on the table in 45 minutes while maintaining all the bold flavors.
Get the recipe: Weeknight Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
Layered Muffuletta Salad
An iconic Big Easy sandwich gets a little greener in this recipe that transforms it into a meal-worthy salad. Spring mix acts as the base in this take on muffaletta made with salami, provolone, crunchy veggies, and the zing of sliced olives and pepperoncini.
Get the recipe: Layered Muffuletta Salad
Weeknight Jambalaya
Take your taste buds to the bayou with this streamlined take on jambalaya. A trio of bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes bulk up a combination of shrimp and andouille sausage (or substitute chicken chorizo) served over microwave-ready brown rice. Bonus: It’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Get the recipe: Weeknight Jambalaya
Crab Louie with Asparagus
Fresh crab is a popular delicacy along the Gulf Coast, where this special occasion-worthy salad was created. A zippy dressing made with sweet relish, Worcestershire, and lemon ties together the flavors of jumbo lump crab meat, hard-boiled eggs, and asparagus served on a bed of greens.
Get the recipe: Crab Louie with Asparagus
Steak in Cajun Shrimp Sauce Over Parmesan Grits
This take on surf and turf comes with bold flavors inspired by the Big Easy. Quick-cooking grits flavored with Parmesan replace traditional potatoes alongside juicy, seared strip steak and shrimp in a Cajun-spiced cream sauce reminiscent of New Orleans.
Get the recipe: Steak in Cajun Shrimp Sauce Over Parmesan Grits
Bananas Foster Sundaes
End your Mardi Gras celebration on a sweet note with sundaes inspired by an iconic New Orleans restaurant dessert. Caramelized bananas with the flavors of cinnamon, vanilla, and rum are irresistible served over vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce—no crazy flames required.
Get the recipe: Bananas Foster Sundaes
Slow Cooker Cajun Beans and Rice
The slow cooker does most of the work in this version of a Southern staple. This main course-worthy red beans and brown rice is loaded with andouille sausage, veggies, and the kick of Cajun seasoning.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cajun Beans and Rice
Cajun Shrimp Po’ Boy
For an authentic taste of Bourbon Street that you can eat with your hands, nothing beats a po’ boy sandwich. Our version made with shrimp sauced in a tangy blend of relish, paprika, and hot sauce is ready to roll in 15 minutes.
Get the recipe: Cajun Shrimp Po’ Boy
Cajun Pizza
A few bold toppings are all you need to add some N’awlins jazz to pizza night. Sliced andouille sausage, bell pepper, and green onion make this one-of-a-kind pie sing with flavor.
Get the recipe: Cajun Pizza
Bananas Foster Pancakes
For those who observe Lent, pancakes on Fat Tuesday are a tradition. This recipe takes its cues from bananas Foster, topped with caramelized bananas and crunchy walnuts.
Get the recipe: Bananas Foster Pancakes
Cajun Fish Sandwich
This fresh catch captures the essence of New Orleans with just five minutes of prep. Mild flounder fillets get a boost of flavor from Cajun seasoning and a homemade roasted red pepper mayo served on a whole wheat roll.
Get the recipe: Cajun Fish Sandwiches
