My wife suggested adding the andouille and now it’s one of my favorite Mardi Gras recipes. —Steven Thurner, Janesville, Wisconsin Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 168 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 540mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein. These recipes make any day a party, whether you're whipping up New Orleans classics like shrimp étouffée or an unexpected mash-up like warm gumbo dip. No collection of Mardi Gras recipes would be complete without sweets, like our Praline-Cream Cheese King Cake or King Cake Beignets. Take a look through our recipes for best Fat Tuesday recipes But if you were to visit Louisiana for its Fat Tuesday festivities, you'd likely find the state's wealth of Cajun and Creole dishes just as exciting as king cake. Our list of traditional Mardi Gras foods includes jambalaya, shrimp po' boys, and beignets—plus the Mardi Gras treat you'll only find two hours east of New Orleans in Mobile, Alabama. Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration leading up to the Christian period called Lent. A direct contrast to Lent's self-reflective, sacrificing feel, Mardi Gras celebrates the joy of life through music, revelry, and most importantly, food. March 4 is Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), the last day of Carnival season just before Lent, which is the 40-day period during which many people spend in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Naturally If you're looking to get creative with your Mardi Gras foods, try Ree Drummond's twist on Cajun pasta or whip up some Mardi Gras desserts like the spritz cookies that look like mini king cakes. And while Mardi Gras falls on March 4 in 2025, you can also enjoy these delicious New Orleans-inspired dishes for your family dinners all year long. When Mardi Gras rolls in, the streets of New Orleans come alive with jazz, parades, and pure energy. And what’s a celebration without incredible food? From bold Creole flavors to hearty Cajun classics, these 32 New Orleans-inspired recipes bring the taste of the Big Easy straight to your kitchen. These recipes are great for the Mardi Gras season and beyond. True, these are the best recipes for celebrating the Mardi Gras season—but these simple and reliable recipes for New Orleans classics like gumbo, étouffée, po' boys, jambalaya, and Bananas Foster are perfect for any Tuesday of the year (not just Fat Tuesday). Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Margaret Dickey. Mac and cheese is always a slam dunk, and this Cajun version is perfect for your Mardi Gras menu. The dish is made with typical ingredients, such as elbow pasta and two types of cheese, but it gets a flavorful, spicy boost courtesy of Cajun seasoning, andouille sausage, and more. Celebrate Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras with 35 of our favorite recipes, including gumbo, jambalaya, and bananas foster. Don't skip the beignets and bananas foster for dessert. 2. Dirty Rice. This dirty rice dish is a Louisiana staple and perfect on its own or as a bountiful side dish. It gets its “dirty” name from the flavorful mix of ground meat, spices, and holy trinity that give plain ol’ rice a bold, smoky kick. Mardi Gras foods are all about rich, comforting, and flavorful Southern dishes that bring people together. Classic New Orleans favorites include red beans and rice, crawfish étouffée, jambalaya, and gumbo —all packed with bold Creole and Cajun spices. Perfect for brunch, this comforting Mardi Gras food staple brings a warm and inviting touch to any gathering. via Cozymeal 12. Crab Stuffed Salmon. When planning your Mardi Gras food ideas, crab stuffed salmon is a delectable and sophisticated choice. Flaky salmon fillets are stuffed with a generous amount of crab meat, along with cream cheese Enjoy a hearty meal or sweet treat with these Mardi Gras recipes. From gumbo and jambalaya to Mardi Gras shots and King Cake, these recipes have a bit of everything. Check it out: 22 Mardi Gras Recipes That Taste Like New Orleans With Every Bite Let the good times roll (laissez les bon temps rouler) with this ultimate collection of 27 Traditional and Classic Mardi Gras Recipes and Menu Ideas for 2025!. From Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes to iconic New Orleans favorites, these recipes are perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday whether you’re soaking up the festivities in New Orleans or bringing the party to your own home. 6. Mardi Gras Muffuletta. While most Mardi Gras fare has French-Creole roots, this Italian sandwich is Mardi Gras approved. It’s savory, filling, and sure to help mitigate a night of drinki *ahem* festivities. Mardi Gras is a time for celebration. And there’s no better way to start a party than with food. So, I’ve got a whole bunch of seafood appetizers for you today. Plus, you’ll find plenty of dips, chicken dishes, cheese balls, and even fried okra! It’s Mardi Gras, after all! We couldn't let the good times roll without offering some New Orleans-inspired meals to prepare you for the ultimate cheat day of decadence. Whether you call it Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday, here, food and religion marry together for one last pre-Lent hurrah. Feel free to take your pick from these recipes—just indulge responsibly. Mardi Gras recipes are all about bold flavors, big portions, and food that feels like a party on your plate. This list is packed with classic New Orleans staples and a few creative dishes loaded with Cajun flair. That goes for your Mardi Gras party menu, too! Whether it's a feast worthy of Fat Tuesday or a humble bowl of gumbo, you can't go wrong. Our selection of festive foods includes New Orleans classics, such as the muffuletta and bread pudding, peppered with nontraditional picks like Crawfish Beignets and Cajun Chicken Pasta.
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