17 Mardi Gras Recipes & Fat Tuesday Foods

Amy Dickerson

Tue, March 4, 2025 at 8:09 PM UTC

5 min read

Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a time to indulge in rich foods and drinks before Lent begins.
Authentic New Orleanian recipes like Cajun Maque Choux Macaroni Salad and Creole Jambalaya are popular dishes to celebrate Mardi Gras.
Traditional Mardi Gras treats like King Cake and Hurricanes are must-haves for celebrating the festive season.

Mardi Gras 2025 is on Tuesday, March 4th this year, and while many people think of the fun and wild parties that happen around Mardi Gras, I'm here to tell you all about the New Orleans-inspired food and drinks!

What Is Mardi Gras?

The words Mardi Gras are French for Fat Tuesday and traditionally this is a time to indulge in rich foods, drinks and desserts, before the beginning of Lent . Even if you can't travel to New Orleans , you can still celebrate this joyous Carnival season with Cajun-Creole fare—and maybe some beads for good measure.

Best Mardi Gras Food Recipes to Celebrate Fat Tuesday

You won't find more a decadent cuisine than these West African, French and Spanish-inspired dishes and these 17 Mardi Gras recipes prove that Fat Tuesday food is the best. We're talking authentic New Orleanian recipes. So, enjoy the taste of the Big Easy with Cajun Maque Choux Macaroni Salad, Creole Jambalaya, Mardi Gras Puppy Chow, Hot Pepperoni Muffaletta Dip and more.

And of course, would it even be Mardi Gras if you didn't have at least one drink? Pour yourself a hurricane cocktail and Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler (let the good times roll)! Don your best yellow, green and purple and let's get to cooking.

Joy the Baker<p>Looking to take the classic <strong>King Cake</strong> to the next level this <a href= — Joy the Baker

Looking to take the classic **King Cake**to the next level this Mardi Gras season? Why not make it a savory King Cake, instead of the traditional sweet cake that's packed with cinnamon , vanilla and cream cheese.

**Get the recipe:** **Savory King Cake with Smoked Sausage**

Jim Franco<p>King Cakes are a traditional Mardi Gras treat in which a plastic trinket is slid inside after baking. Tradition says that whoever finds it has to make next year's cake!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Jim Franco

King Cakes are a traditional Mardi Gras treat in which a plastic trinket is slid inside after baking. Tradition says that whoever finds it has to make next year's cake!

**Get the recipe:** **Easy Mini King Cakes**

Three Olives Branch<p>Straight from NOLA, this Authentic Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo is a cold weather staple in our house. Smoky flavors will make this a favorite when you are craving soup or stew.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Three Olives Branch

Straight from NOLA, this Authentic Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo is a cold weather staple in our house. Smoky flavors will make this a favorite when you are craving soup or stew.

**Get the recipe:** **Authentic Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo**

Erica's Recipes<p>Inspired by the classic, Maque Choux, this Cajun macaroni salad with corn and crispy bacon is easy, approachable, make-ahead, kid friendly and pot-luck perfect.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Erica's Recipes

Inspired by the classic, Maque Choux, this Cajun macaroni salad with corn and crispy bacon is easy, approachable, make-ahead, kid friendly and pot-luck perfect.

**Get the recipe:** **Cajun Maque Chouz Macaroni Salad**

Accidental Happy Baker<p>Muffa-whatta? Muffaletta! You've got to try this oven baked version of the layered New Orleans classic sandwich.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Accidental Happy Baker

Muffa-whatta? Muffaletta! You've got to try this oven baked version of the layered New Orleans classic sandwich.

**Get the recipe:** **Oven-Baked Muffaletta**

Caroline's Cooking<p>Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish, taking it's origins from Spanish paella and French cooking. With rice, chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage and plenty of colorful veg, this Creole jambalaya is a flavorful, comforting dish.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Caroline's Cooking

Jambalaya is a classic Louisiana dish, taking it's origins from Spanish paella and French cooking. With rice, chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage and plenty of colorful veg, this Creole jambalaya is a flavorful, comforting dish.

**Get the recipe:** **Creole Jambalaya**

Dip Recipe Creations<p>A fun twist on King Cake. This King Cake Cheese Ball for Mardi Gras is an easy appetizer or dessert to celebrate Fat Tuesday.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Dip Recipe Creations

A fun twist on King Cake. This King Cake Cheese Ball for Mardi Gras is an easy appetizer or dessert to celebrate Fat Tuesday.

**Get the recipe:** **King Cake Cheese Ball**

Grits and Pinecones<p>Don't let the delicious sweet fruity taste of Hurricanes lull you into a false sense of security because, like their namesake, these cocktails pack a potent punch! Hurricanes are New Orleans' most famous cocktail and a favorite of party-goers celebrating Mardi Gras.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href= — Grits and Pinecones

Don't let the delicious sweet fruity taste of Hurricanes lull you into a false sense of security because, like their namesake, these cocktails pack a potent punch! Hurricanes are New Orleans' most famous cocktail and a favorite of party-goers celebrating Mardi Gras.

**Get the recipe:** **Easy Hurricane Cocktails**

Renee's Kitchen Adventures<p>You'll feel like you are in the Big Easy when you dig into this delicious cheesy dip. It's cheesy, briny, meaty and oh so good!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Renee's Kitchen Adventures

You'll feel like you are in the Big Easy when you dig into this delicious cheesy dip. It's cheesy, briny, meaty and oh so good!

**Get the recipe:** **Hot Pepperoni Muffuletta Dip**

Paint the Kitchen Red<p>Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is an authentic New Orleans recipe made with red beans, andouille sausage and ham hock served over rice. Whether for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or for Mardi Gras, this Instant Pot beans and rice recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href= — Paint the Kitchen Red

Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice is an authentic New Orleans recipe made with red beans, andouille sausage and ham hock served over rice. Whether for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or for Mardi Gras, this Instant Pot beans and rice recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser.

**Get the recipe:** **Authentic Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice**

One Dish Kitchen<p>Authentic Louisiana style Shrimp Jambalaya Recipe. A flavorful single serving recipe that can be ready in 30 minutes! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — One Dish Kitchen

Authentic Louisiana style Shrimp Jambalaya Recipe. A flavorful single serving recipe that can be ready in 30 minutes!

**Get the recipe:** **Jambalaya For One**

My Life Cookbook<p>Mardi Gras is just around the corner, so what better way to celebrate than with low-carb hurricane jello shots! Try this drink even without the rum for a delicious non-alcoholic drink.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe:<a href= — My Life Cookbook

Mardi Gras is just around the corner, so what better way to celebrate than with low-carb hurricane jello shots! Try this drink even without the rum for a delicious non-alcoholic drink.

**Get the recipe:** **Low-Carb Hurricane Jello Shots**

Renee's Kitchen Adventures<p>Easy Jambalaya Stuffed Peppers are a fun twist on traditional Jambayala and a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras this year! Colorful bell peppers are filled with an Andouille sausage jambalaya stuffing and are bursting with all the Cajun/Creole goodness NOLA is known for!</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Renee's Kitchen Adventures

Easy Jambalaya Stuffed Peppers are a fun twist on traditional Jambayala and a great way to celebrate Mardi Gras this year! Colorful bell peppers are filled with an Andouille sausage jambalaya stuffing and are bursting with all the Cajun/Creole goodness NOLA is known for!

**Get the recipe:** **Easy Jambalaya Stuffed Peppers**

Three Olives Branch<p>Mardi Gras Puppy Chow is an easy recipe to celebrate! Rice Chex cereal is covered in purple, green and gold candy melts.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Three Olives Branch

Mardi Gras Puppy Chow is an easy recipe to celebrate! Rice Chex cereal is covered in purple, green and gold candy melts.

**Get the recipe:** **Mardi Gras Puppy Chow**

Grandbaby Cakes<p>These New Orleans Beignets are the Real Deal! Heavenly morsels of dough are deep fried to golden brown perfection and topped with powdered sugar making you feel like you stepped off the plane right into NOLA! </p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Grandbaby Cakes

These New Orleans Beignets are the Real Deal! Heavenly morsels of dough are deep fried to golden brown perfection and topped with powdered sugar making you feel like you stepped off the plane right into NOLA!

**Get the recipe:** **New Orleans Beignets**

Gonna Want Seconds<p>Planters Punch is the perfect southern cocktail. Deliciously fruity, sparkling and sweet! Make it by the glass or pitcher.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — Gonna Want Seconds

Planters Punch is the perfect southern cocktail. Deliciously fruity, sparkling and sweet! Make it by the glass or pitcher.

**Get the recipe:** **Planter's Punch**

The Anthony Kitchen<p>Loaded with savory crawfish cooked in a Creole sauce and baked in a buttery, flaky pie crust, this dish is a true masterpiece of flavor and textures.</p><p><strong>Get the recipe: <a href= — The Anthony Kitchen

Loaded with savory crawfish cooked in a Creole sauce and baked in a buttery, flaky pie crust, this dish is a true masterpiece of flavor and textures.

**Get the recipe:** **Crawfish Pie**

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What Is Mardi Gras?

Best Mardi Gras Food Recipes to Celebrate Fat Tuesday