8 Mardi Gras Food Ideas Inspired by the Big Easy: Jambalaya, Beignets, Gumbo and More

Your Mardi Gras (aka “Fat Tuesday”) festivities should include savoring foods brimming with the deliciousness of New Orleans cuisine. The good news: It’s easy to whip up dishes for this holiday as we’ve gathered our top Mardi Gras recipes. From fluffy beignets to spiced jambalaya, let the good times roll with these tasty dishes that are guaranteed to wow your crowd. Plus, you can make some of these dishes ahead and reheat or serve them when you’re ready. Browse the list for mouthwatering Mardi Gras food ideas to add to your holiday menu.

1. Crab Gumbo

This gumbo combines jumbo lump crabmeat, frozen okra, Cajun seasoning and other ingredients to produce a rich and spiced stew. It’s perfect to serve over fluffy white rice or creamy grits.

2. Muffaletta

New Orleans is home to the muffuletta: a sandwich that contains deli staples such as cured meats, olive salad and cheese in a round sesame bread loaf. Our test kitchen’s muffuletta recipe lets it sit in the fridge for at least two hours before serving for an extra flavorful sandwich.

3. Air Fryer Beignets

Making your own sugary and pillowy beignets is simpler than you think. This air fryer recipe ensures each batch cooks up super crispy in six minutes with very little oil required.

Food

Chicken and Seafood Gumbo Is an Easy Weekend Comfort Meal

We all want comfort food on the weekends, especially in the colder months. But sometimes you’re in the mood for something a little outside the norm — and that’s when this quick-and-easy Chicken and Seafood Gumbo recipe comes in. Hearty, filling, and packed with island flavors, this spicy meal will impress your family and have […]

4. Shrimp Po’ Boys

These po’ boys are filled with crispy shrimp, chopped romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes and a tangy lemon mayo sauce. The best part is, they’re ready to serve in 30 minutes.

5. Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya

This rice dish is packed with smoky and spicy goodness–consider it a flavor party in your mouth! Even better, this jambalaya cooks without hassle in the slow cooker.

6. Bananas Foster

This classic New Orleans dessert never fails to impress as ripe bananas are caramelized and flambéed until they’re soft. Then, the fruit is served à la mode–or over vanilla ice cream. Yum!

Food

Celebrity Chef Gina Neely’s Secret to Making Okra Less Slimy — Plus 5 Easy Okra Recipes

You gotta try it in Bloody Marys!

7. Blackened Catfish Sandwich

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

For another tasty sandwich idea, try this blackened catfish sandwich recipe. The fish is perfectly flaky with a nice crust thanks to the homemade blackening spice mix.

8. King Cake

Although this festive treat originated in France, it was brought to New Orleans in 1870 and quickly became a Mardi Gras food staple. The story below explains more about this cake and a simple shortcut version to prepare for the upcoming holiday.