From king cake and beignets to a muffuletta or jambalaya, these Mardi Gras recipe ideas are so good that you'll be making them long after Fat Tuesday is over.
1/40
Shrimp and Grits
From the Recipe Creator:
A southern specialty sometimes called breakfast shrimp, this shrimp and grits recipe tastes fantastic for brunch or dinner, or any time company’s coming. It’s down-home comfort food at its finest. —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup grits with 1/2 cup shrimp mixture: 699 calories, 44g fat (22g saturated fat), 240mg cholesterol, 1835mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 41g protein.
2/40
Muffuletta
From the Recipe Creator:
Muffuletta, which originated in New Orleans, is named after the round, crusty Sicilian loaf of bread it's traditionally served on. While I favor my own olive salad, there are several good versions available in most supermarkets. —Lou Sansevero, Ferron, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 762 calories, 59g fat (18g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 2326mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
3/40
Easy Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
I brought this easy jambalaya to a Sunday potluck and it was quickly gobbled up. When friends asked me for the recipe, they couldn't believe how easy it was! —Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 601 calories, 32g fat (14g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 2159mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
4/40
Crawfish Beignets with Cajun Dipping Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
Get a taste of the Deep South with these slightly spicy beignets. You won't be able to eat just one! —Donna Lanclos, Lafayette, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet with 1-1/2 teaspoons sauce: 101 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
5/40
Passion Fruit Hurricanes
From the Recipe Creator:
This is our Test Kitchen’s version of the famous Hurricane beverage that's so popular in New Orleans. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 340 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (50g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
6/40
Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a one-pot meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes. It is one of my husband’s favorites and uses simple ingredients, so it’s been a go-to recipe in our house for years. —Janice Conklin, Stevensville, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 347 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1272mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein.
7/40
Bananas Foster Sundaes
From the Recipe Creator:
I have wonderful memories of eating bananas Foster in New Orleans, and as a dietitian, I wanted to find a healthier version. I combined the best of two recipes and added my own tweaks to create this southern treat. —Lisa Varner, Charleston, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sundae: 233 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 66mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
8/40
Beignets
From the Recipe Creator:
These sweet French doughnuts, inspired by the ones found in Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, are square instead of round and have no hole in the middle. They're a traditional part of breakfast in New Orleans. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 108 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
For another traditional Mardi Gras doughnut, try our paczki recipe.
9/40
Fried Okra
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden brown with a little fresh green showing through, these okra nuggets are crunchy and addictive! My sons like to dip them in ketchup. —Pam Duncan, Summers, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
10/40
Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
During chilly times of the year, I fix this jambalaya at least once a month. It’s so easy—just chop the vegetables, dump everything in the slow cooker and forget it! Even my sons, who are picky about spicy things, like this dish. —Cindi Coss, Coppell, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya: 230 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1016mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
11/40
Mardi Gras Cupcakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Take these simple Mardi Gras cupcakes to a get-together and watch them disappear. Kids will love to help decorate them with the colorful sprinkles. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cupcake: 276 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
12/40
Meaty Slow-Cooked Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe makes a big batch of delicious, meaty gumbo. Stash some away in the freezer for the days you don't feel like cooking. —Diane Atherton, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup jambalaya with 2/3 cup cooked rice: 387 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
13/40
Banana Beignets
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was a little girl, my grandmother took me aside one day and taught me how to make her famous banana beignets. Although we made them during the holidays, they're pretty fantastic any time of the year. —Amy Downing, South Riding, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 72 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
14/40
Black-Eyed Pea Sausage Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I always wanted to try black-eyed peas. I happened to have smoked sausage on hand one night, so I invented this full-flavored stew. It's the perfect way to heat up a cold night without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I usually double the seasonings because we like our food spicier. —Laura Wimbrow, Bridgeville, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 346 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 1378mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
15/40
Lowcountry Boil (Frogmore Stew)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ideal for camping and relaxing trips to the beach, this crowd-pleasing recipe makes an appetizing presentation of perfectly seasoned meats, veggies and seafood. —Mageswari Elagupillai, Victorville, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 500 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 212mg cholesterol, 1318mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 40g protein.
16/40
The Best Bananas Foster
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests are always impressed when I ignite the rum in this delicious bananas Foster dessert. Use perfectly ripe bananas for best results. —Mary Lou Wayman, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 567 calories, 23g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 80g carbohydrate (72g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
17/40
Crawfish Etouffee
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this Cajun sensation when I entertain. Etouffee is typically served with shellfish over rice and is similar to gumbo. This dish has its roots in New Orleans and the bayou country of Louisiana. —Tamra Duncan, Lincoln, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 251 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 688mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
18/40
King Cake Recipe
From the Recipe Creator:
Get in on the fun of traditional king cake by hiding a little toy baby in the cake. Whoever finds it has one year of good luck! —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 321 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
19/40
Hearty Red Beans and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
I take this dish to many potlucks and never fail to bring home an empty pot. I learned about the mouthwatering combination of meats, beans and seasonings while working for the Navy in New Orleans. If you want to get a head start, cover the beans with the water and let them soak overnight. Drain them the next day and continue with Step 2 as directed. —Kathy Jacques, Summerfield, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 276 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 1149mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein.
20/40
Bourbon Pecan Pralines
From the Recipe Creator:
Like authentic pecan pralines found in New Orleans, these treats are sweet, crunchy and rich! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 praline: 183 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
21/40
Creole Scallop Cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
Experimenting in the kitchen is a passion of mine, a passion I hope to pass along to my daughter. One day, I had some scallops and decided to concoct a scallop cake instead of a crab cake. This scrumptious appetizer can be prepared ahead of time. The cakes and aioli sauce can both be made the day before, and you can cook the cakes just before serving. Not only does this simplify last-minute prep, it allows the flavors to blend, making the dish even more yummy. My family and friends love my specialty scallop cakes. —Lisha Leftrdige-Brooks, Sacramento, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 scallop cake with 1 tablespoon aioli: 169 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
22/40
Classic Red Beans and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
After living where Cajun cooking is common, we rely on this staple dish. Even if you’ve never tried red beans and rice, you’ll like this recipe! —Jackie Turnage, New Iberia, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 309 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 25g protein.
23/40
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
A real southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year’s Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra-special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 361 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 15g protein.
24/40
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
From the Recipe Creator:
I was born and raised in the South. A few years ago, I moved temporarily to Pennsylvania, where good southern comfort food was hard to find. So I created this creamy, smoky Cajun shrimp and grits dish to remind me of home. —Kailey Thompson, Palm Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 560 calories, 34g fat (17g saturated fat), 215mg cholesterol, 968mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
25/40
Air-Fryer Shrimp Po’boys
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves crispy coconut shrimp and po'boys, so I combined them with a spicy remoulade and voila! This air-fryer shrimp is a big hit with family and friends and is frequently requested. For catfish po'boys, substitute cornmeal for the coconut and add a few minutes to the cooking time. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 716 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 173mg cholesterol, 944mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
26/40
Brunch Beignets
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy breakfast the New Orleans way with these warm, crispy bites. Topped with confectioners’ sugar, they are a delight! —Lois Rutherford, Elkton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 66 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 42mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
27/40
Cajun Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
These zippy shrimp bring a lot of pizazz to the table. Use as much or as little cayenne pepper as you'd like, depending on your family's tastes. We love ours served alongside rice pilaf. —Donna Thomason, El Paso, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked shrimp: 131 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
28/40
Cornbread Dressing
From the Recipe Creator:
There's nothing quite like cornbread dressing at Thanksgiving. —Drew Weeks, Edisto Island, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 197 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
29/40
Blend of the Bayou
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister-in-law shared this recipe with me when I first moved here. It's been handed down in my husband's family for generations. It's quick to prepare, nutritious and flavorful. I've passed it on to my children too. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 366 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
30/40
Cornbread
From the Recipe Creator:
A friend gave me this homemade cornbread recipe several years ago, and it's my favorite of all I've tried. I love to serve the melt-in-your-mouth side hot from the oven with butter and syrup. It gets rave reviews on holidays and at potluck dinners. —Nicole Callen, Auburn, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 262 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
31/40
Shrimp Gumbo
From the Recipe Creator:
A crisp green salad and crusty French bread complete this shrimp gumbo meal. I always have hot sauce available when I serve this and have found that the instant microwave rice packages make the process a little easier. —Jo Ann Graham, Ovilla, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 159 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
32/40
Vegan Jambalaya
From the Recipe Creator:
This flavorful entree won’t leave you hungry since it uses convenient canned beans in place of meat. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 281 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 796mg sodium, 56g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
33/40
Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
Smoked turkey sausage and red pepper flakes add zip to this saucy, slow-cooked version of Louisiana red beans and rice. For extra heat, add red pepper sauce at the table. —Julia Bushree, Georgetown, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 291 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 1070mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 13g fiber), 24g protein.
34/40
Hush Puppies
From the Recipe Creator:
A fish dinner isn’t complete without a side of hush puppies, and my mom is well-known for this recipe. It's the best! —Mary McGuire, Graham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 hush puppy: 55 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 86mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
35/40
Spicy Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this easy skillet dish to use up the boil-in-a-bag rice in my cabinet. The result packs a lot of flavor. —Sonali Ruder, New York, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 461 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 1816mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 35g protein.
36/40
New Orleans Gumbo
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been making this New Orleans gumbo for at least 30 years. I’m originally from New Orleans, and I think it’s a nice taste of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter). Everyone who tastes this gumbo wants the recipe. It’s an old standby for my family, who requests it frequently. —Dolores M. Bridges, Danville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 339 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
37/40
Springtime Beignets & Berries
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve always loved beignets, but I never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they’re easy! Sometimes I’ll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, trace fiber), 1g protein.
38/40
Shrimp Po’Boy
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy a loaded sandwich with this Louisiana-originated delicacy. French rolls are stuffed with fried shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles, then slathered in a mild, well-seasoned creamy sauce. You'll definitely want to have plenty of napkins on hand for this meal! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich with 2 tablespoons sauce: 613 calories, 36g fat (5g saturated fat), 148mg cholesterol, 1106mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein.
39/40
Shrimp Creole
From the Recipe Creator:
An authentic Cajun dish, this tastes even better if refrigerated overnight to allow all the flavors to blend. —Johnnie McLeod, Bastrop, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 358 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 224mg cholesterol, 440mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
40/40
Cornbread Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Since my husband likes spicy foods, I frequently sprinkle chopped jalapeno peppers over half of this casserole just for him. I often double the recipe when entertaining and always end up with empty pans. It is that good! —Carrina Cooper, McAlpin, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 311 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 777mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
Mardi Gras Recipe Ideas FAQ
What are traditional Mardi Gras foods?
Leading up to Lent, a more restrained time for meals, traditional Mardi Gras foods are full of bold flavors, meats and seafood like jambalaya, red beans and rice, etouffee and gumbo. A crawfish boil, loaded with spices, potatoes and seafood, is perfect for a crowd, and a messy and hearty po’boy with fried shrimp or oysters for lunch will power you through an afternoon filled with drinks and dancing.
What do you serve at a Mardi Gras party?
When gathering Mardi Gras party ideas, you’ll need plenty of food and drinks, including Hurricanes, a traditional king cake, and some classic Louisiana dishes packed with seafood and sausage. If you’re hosting brunch or an afternoon party, serve wedges of a muffuletta, sweet or savory beignets, and big pot of shrimp and grits. For an evening party, stick to finger foods that are easy to nibble on while socializing, like hush puppies and fried okra. Don’t forget a fun Mardi Gras centerpiece idea for your table.
What is a popular dessert for Mardi Gras?
Beignets, bananas Foster and king cake are some of the most classic Mardi Gras desserts, but there are plenty of options outside of these go-to recipes. Pecan desserts, like pralines or pie, fit into a Mardi Gras party menu perfectly, or you could just decorate cookies or cupcakes with purple, green and gold sprinkles to match the colors of Mardi Gras. Since Mardi Gras is a “spirited” time, maybe a few boozy desserts or creamy cocktails, like this chocolate martini, are right for your party.
