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Mardi Gras Recipe Round-up

With Mardi Gras arriving in the heart of winter, nothing says cold-weather comfort food like the traditional Creole and Cajun meals of Gumbo, Jambalaya, and their delicious offshoots. Browse this collection of Mardi Gras meals, both mains and sides, and cook up something craveable this Fat Tuesday.

Photo collage of 6 Mardi Gras themed recipe for round-up post.

Mains

Traditional Louisiana dishes are hearty fare, loaded with chicken and seafood and sausages. Extra love and attention in the form of rich roux and zesty spices will guarantee that no one leaves the table hungry!

Chicken Seafood & Andouille Sausage Gumbo

An overhead view of Chicken Seafood & Sausage Gumbo in a large white Dutch oven, ready to serve.
A thick, rich gumbo is a welcome meal any time of year but holds a special place of honor during the festive Mardi Gras season. This Creole-spice-infused Chicken Seafood and Sausage Gumbo features a rich, dark roux, making it an enticing weekend cooking project that promises a burst of Southern comfort food flavors.
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Jambalaya Soup

Overhead view of Jambalaya Soup in a white Dutch oven.
Creole-style Jambalaya Soup is simmered in a homemade-in-the-pot chicken broth with spices, tomato sauce and lots of seafood and sausage. Make it on Sunday and serve on Tuesday – even better! One of the most filling soups in my soup arsenal.
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Muffuletta Sliders

Muffuletta Sliders turned on their sides on a wooden serving tray.
Channel the spirit of New Orleans with these piled-high Muffuletta Sliders! Inspired by the classic sandwich, Hawaiian rolls are stuffed with olive salad, meats & melty cheese for delightful finger-food treat at your Mardi Gras gatherings.
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Shrimp Etouffee

Shrimp Etouffee with rice in a large white Dutch oven.
Shrimp Etouffee is always a celebratory favorite, brimming with succulent shrimp and infused with rich Creole seasonings, creating layers of flavor that will warm you from the inside out. This delightful stew brings a taste of Southern hospitality and warmth to your Lenten table. Get ready for your guests to be enchanted by this heartwarming, flavorful, and festive dish, a true highlight of any winter gathering!
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Pasta Jambalaya

Overhead view of Pasta Jambalaya in a white bowl.
Jambalaya is usually made with rice, but substituting pasta creates a crave-worthy and hearty main dish that everyone will love. Pasta Jambalaya contains all of the familiar ingredients and spices, tossed with pasta in a creamy, rich sauce.
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Creole Lentil Soup with Andouille Sausage

A view from above of Creole Lentil Soup in a large white Dutch oven.
When you've had your fill of Jambalaya and Gumbo, vary up your dinner menu with Creole Lentil Soup with Andouille Sausage, a thick and hearty lentil soup, seasoned with tasty spices and lots of piquant Andouille sausage.
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Fat Tuesday Jambalaya

Fat Tuesday Jambalaya in a square, white bowl.
This classic dish is a must-have for Mardi Gras, and throughout the Lenten season. Chicken, seafood, sausages, and the Holy Trinity (onions, celery, green peppers, y'all) team up in Fat Tuesday Jambalaya to create an abundance of flavors and hearty textures.
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Sides

Mardi Gras entrees are usually quite filling, but if you’re serving a crowd, a selection of NOLA-inspired carby sides comes in handy to keep everyone fueled and energized for parties and parades.

Cajun Mac and Cheese

Overhead view of a skillet of Cajun Mac and Cheese.
Bring a little Southern-inspired treat to your dinner table with this kicked-up mac and cheese. Zesty spices and andouille sausage turn Cajun Mac and Cheese into a crave-worthy twist on our favorite classic cheesy pasta dish. It’s the the ultimate comfort food and will be the hit of your Mardi Gras celebrations!
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Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice in a bowl.
A non-traditional but nonetheless delicious seasoned rice dish that goes very well with classic Mardi Gras stews and soups. Cilantro Lime Rice is good enough to enjoy as a standalone side, in addition to serving as a bed of lovely carbs on which to rest your gumbo or etouffee.
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Cheese Grits

A bowl of Cheesy Grits topped with butter.
While not specifically a Mardi Gras tradition, this classic Southern dish is the perfect accompaniment to many New Orleans entrees. Try Cheesy Grits with Shrimp Creole or Gumbo.
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Spicy Pimento Cheese

A bowl of Spicy Pimento Cheese surrounded by crackers.
Spice up your Mardi Gras celebrations with this bold and flavorful twist on traditional pimento cheese! Infused with a smoky kick and a hint of heat, this Spicy Pimento Cheese spread is perfect on crackers, used as a dip, or as a unique sandwich filling. Creamy and cheesy spread is a must-try for a little extra warmth and excitement this Lenten season.
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Ingredients

Just in case you need them, I’m including the recipes for two key ingredients to many of the Mardi Gras dishes featured here.

How to Make Roux

Collage of step-by-step photos for how to make a roux.
Step-by-step instructions and photos guide you in making the classic New Orleans dark roux. No need to be intimidated, it just requires a little attention and stirring. And the reward is an epic gravy for your gumbos and Mardi Gras creations. Learn How to Make a Roux today!
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Creole Seasoning

Creole Seasoning spices spilling out of a jar.
Creole spice blends should be available at your local grocery, but homemade is always better and fresher. This Creole Seasoning blend is easy to make and customize to your preferred heat levels. A must-have in the kitchen for all of your Mardi Gras creations.
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I hope this collection of Mardi Gras recipes has inspired you to cook up something special for your celebrations, and enjoy a taste of the Big Easy from home.

Karen xo