Mardi Gras Recipes -

A delicious collection of 8 Authentic Mardi Gras recipes to get your pre-lent party going!

Recipes for Cajun and Creole dishes include Louisiana Seafood Gumbo and more!

Authentic Mardi Gras recipes straight from Louisiana

Every year, the biggest Mardi Gras celebration is held in New Orleans, also known as The Crescent City.

The Carnival

This bead-tossing carnival is always held on Fat Tuesday, the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, and is considered by some as a Christian "pre-lent" party, in lieu of the upcoming fasting season.

The parade and carnival go on to the wee hours of the morning! It truly is a party like none other, but if you can't get to the Crescent City this year, host your own Mardi Gras party with some of these authentic and regional Mardi Gras recipes.

The Food

If you've never been to NOLA during Mardi Gras, you don't know what you're missing!

The Louisiana folks know how to host a good "throwdown," with an assortment of foods including: gumbos, etouffee's, jambalayas, crawfish boils and King Cakes.

The difference between Creole and Cajun food is slight; however, Creole recipes generally include tomatoes where Cajun recipes don't.

You'll find these two terms used interchangeably throughout Louisiana.

The Music

And then there's the street parade with live music from local jazz and zydeco musicians, crazy and outrageous costumes, millions of strands of green, purple and gold beads and a host of adult beverages including the legendary Pat O'Brien's Famous Hurricane Drink!

Nothing screams Louisiana like a big bowl of homemade Gumbo! You'll love this authentic recipe!

Seafood Gumbo is an authentic mardi gras recipe in a white bowl — Seafood gumbo is an authentic Mardi Gras recipe you won't want to miss!

Louisiana Seafood Gumbo

Traditional Louisiana gumbo done right! Shrimp, crab meat and okra in a savory blend of spices, served over rice.

Check out this recipe

Like your Mardi Gras foods with a little tomato? Try this delicious Creole dish!

Creole Shrimp Pasta

Tender, flavorful shrimp nestled in a zesty Creole sauce served over pasta.

Check out this recipe

Can't get to Lasyone's fast enough! Make a bunch of meat pies for your friends!

Authentic Natchitoches Meat Pie

Savory, seasoned ground beef and pork, tucked inside a crispy pastry.

Check out this recipe

Not all gumbos are seafood! Try this delicious chicken gumbo!

New Orleans Cajun Chicken Gumbo

Easy, authentic New Orleans Chicken Gumbo with shredded chicken, okra, onions, celery, bell peppers served over white rice

Check out this recipe

Classic Shrimp Etouffee is a quick and easy Mardi Gras recipe that doesn't require a dark roux!

Louisiana Shrimp Etouffee

A delicious Southern medley of tender Gulf shrimp nestled in a blonde Creole roux, and accented with onion, celery and bell peppers--all served over a bed of white rice!

Check out this recipe