21 Mardi Gras Party Recipes Everyone Will Love

Mardi Gras is all about celebration, indulgence, and food that feels fun and festive. This roundup is packed with flavorful dishes, party-ready snacks, and sweet treats that are perfect for celebrating Fat Tuesday at home. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just looking for an excuse to enjoy something a little extra, these Mardi Gras recipes are easy to make and full of bold flavors that fit the spirit of the season. It’s the perfect way to turn any meal into a celebration.

New Orleans Style Muffuletta Sliders Perfect for a Party

A sliced sandwich with ham and cheese on ciabatta bread is secured with toothpicks and placed on a wooden cutting board. — New Orleans Style Muffuletta Sliders Perfect for a Party. Photo credit: Hunny I’m Home DIY.

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These sliders use classic muffuletta flavors in a smaller format. Layers of meat, cheese, and olive salad are packed into soft rolls. Baking warms everything and helps the flavors blend. They are easy to slice and serve for groups.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans Style Muffuletta Sliders Perfect for a Party

New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch for Mardi Gras

A festive drink topped with gold flakes sits on a table decorated with Mardi Gras beads, coins, feathers, and a glittery mask. — New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch for Mardi Gras. Photo credit: XoxoBella.

This drink blends milk, brandy, and sugar into a smooth, creamy mixture. A light dusting of nutmeg is usually added on top before serving. It is typically served cold and mixed just before guests arrive. The flavor is rich with gentle warmth from the brandy.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch for Mardi Gras

King Cake Bubble Up for Mardi Gras

A square slice of iced cinnamon roll cake with sprinkles on a white plate, set on a purple cloth with plates and more cake in the background. — King Cake Bubble Up for Mardi Gras. Photo credit: In The Kids Kitchen.

This dessert uses small dough pieces layered in a baking dish. Cinnamon sugar coats each piece as they bake together. The result pulls apart easily once it comes out of the oven. A glaze is poured over the top while still warm.
Get the Recipe: King Cake Bubble Up for Mardi Gras

One Pot Ham Jambalaya, An Easy Recipe For Leftovers

A bowl of rice mixed with meat, shrimp, vegetables, and garnished with fresh parsley sits on a wooden surface next to red chili peppers and herb sprigs. — One Pot Ham Jambalaya, An Easy Recipe For Leftovers. Photo credit: Food For Life Garden.

This dish cooks rice, ham, and vegetables together in one pot. The rice absorbs the seasoned cooking liquid as it simmers. Small bits of ham spread flavor throughout the dish. It is often finished with herbs just before serving.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Ham Jambalaya, An Easy Recipe For Leftovers

Bourbon Pecan Pie – A Rich, Southern-Inspired Classic Dessert

A pecan pie with a missing slice sits in a pie dish on a wooden table, next to a plate with a slice of pie and a glass of apple drink garnished with cinnamon and star anise. — Bourbon Pecan Pie – A Rich, Southern-Inspired Classic Dessert. Photo credit: Thanksgiving Mommy.

This pie features a thick filling packed with toasted pecans and deep caramel notes. Bourbon adds warmth and depth without overpowering the sweetness. The crust stays crisp under the sticky filling. It is usually served in thin slices since each bite is bold.
Get the Recipe: Bourbon Pecan Pie – A Rich, Southern-Inspired Classic Dessert

Mardi Gras King Cake

A slice of king cake with icing and colored sugar sits on a plate next to a small plastic baby figure, surrounded by Mardi Gras beads and festive decorations. — Mardi Gras King Cake. Photo credit: Organized Island.

King cake is a ring shaped pastry with a tender, lightly sweet dough. It is commonly filled with cinnamon sugar, cream cheese, or fruit. Colored sugar is sprinkled on top in traditional shades tied to the season. A small trinket is often hidden inside before serving.
Get the Recipe: Mardi Gras King Cake

French pancakes

A plain crepe on a dark textured plate with a spoonful of orange jam placed on top. — French pancakes. Photo credit: Mad About Macarons.

These thin pancakes are cooked quickly in a hot pan. The batter spreads easily for a light, flexible texture. They are often folded or rolled after cooking. Sweet or savory fillings can be added before serving.
Get the Recipe: French pancakes

Easy Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets with Crispy Breading!

Plates of fried catfish nuggets, hush puppies, coleslaw, lemon wedges, parsley, and dipping sauce arranged on a blue and white checkered tablecloth. — Easy Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets with Crispy Breading!. Photo credit: Dinners Done Quick.

These nuggets are coated in seasoned breading before going into the air fryer. The outside turns crisp while the fish stays tender inside. They cook quickly and are easy to serve with dipping sauces. Small portions make them easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets with Crispy Breading!

Ham and Chicken Jambalaya

Four bowls of jambalaya with visible vegetables and meat, each served with a slice of garlic bread on a patterned blue and white tablecloth. — Ham and Chicken Jambalaya. Photo credit: Kitchen Ready Betty.

Ham and chicken combine to create a rich and savory base. The meats cook alongside rice, vegetables, and spices for layered flavor. Everything simmers together so the rice absorbs the seasoning. This version is filling and works well for large batches.
Get the Recipe: Ham and Chicken Jambalaya

Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Foil-wrapped meal featuring shrimp, sausage slices, corn on the cob, and chopped vegetables, seasoned and cooked together. — Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

Shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes are wrapped together in foil with Cajun seasoning. Cooking everything in one packet allows the flavors to blend while keeping cleanup minimal. The shrimp cook quickly and stay tender. These packets work well on the grill or in the oven.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

Keto Cauliflower Dirty Rice — Ready in 15 Minutes!

A white bowl filled with sausage, rice, and vegetables sits in front of a skillet with the same dish on a white table, next to stacked bowls, utensils, and a tomato. — Keto Cauliflower Dirty Rice — Ready in 15 Minutes!. Photo credit: How 2 Do Keto.

Finely chopped cauliflower replaces traditional rice in this dish. It is cooked with ground meat and bold seasoning. The texture stays slightly firm with plenty of savory flavor. It is served hot as a main or side.
Get the Recipe: Keto Cauliflower Dirty Rice — Ready in 15 Minutes!

Authentic Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo

A bowl of white rice served with gumbo containing sausage, chicken, okra, and garnished with chopped parsley. A spoon and napkin sit beside the bowl. — Authentic Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo. Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

Gumbo starts with a dark roux that gives the dish its deep color. Chicken and smoked sausage simmer slowly in a seasoned broth. Vegetables add body and balance to the rich base. It is usually served over rice.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo

Mardi Gras Puppy Chow

A white bowl of purple, green, and yellow powdered snack pieces sits among purple, green, and yellow beads and feathers. — Mardi Gras Puppy Chow. Photo credit: Three Olives Branch.

This snack mixes crunchy cereal with melted chocolate and powdered sugar. Colored candies are often added for extra color and texture. It is shaken until every piece is coated evenly. The mix is easy to portion into bowls or bags.
Get the Recipe: Mardi Gras Puppy Chow

Mardi Gras Cupcakes

Three colorful cupcakes with swirled yellow, green, and purple frosting sit on a white wooden surface, with sprinkles scattered around. — Mardi Gras Cupcakes. Photo credit: Organized Island.

These cupcakes are often topped with purple, green, and gold frosting for a bold look. The cake itself is usually soft and lightly sweet with a simple vanilla or spice base. Bakers sometimes fill them with cream or fruit for an added layer of flavor. They are easy to portion and serve on busy dessert tables.
Get the Recipe: Mardi Gras Cupcakes

Muffaletta Sandwich

A large sandwich on round bread filled with sliced meats and cheese sits on parchment paper, with potato chips and jars of condiments in the background. — Muffaletta Sandwich. Photo credit: XoxoBella.

This sandwich is built on a round loaf with a firm crust and soft center. Layers of cured meats, cheese, and olive salad fill the middle. The olive mixture adds tang and moisture to every bite. It is often sliced into wedges for easy sharing.
Get the Recipe: Muffaletta Sandwich

Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts

A sliced King Cake with icing and colored sugar sits on a plate; a small plastic baby figurine is visible beside the cake.

This version bakes in a bundt pan for a tall, rounded shape. Cinnamon filling runs through the center in soft ribbons. Chopped nuts add crunch and texture in each slice. A simple glaze finishes the top before colored sugar is added.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Swirl King Cake Bundt Cake with Nuts

Southern Swamp Soup

A bowl of vegetable and bean soup with pasta, served with a stack of saltine crackers on a dark plate and a silver spoon on a wooden table. — Southern Swamp Soup. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

This soup combines meats, vegetables, and spices in a thick, hearty broth. It often includes sausage, beans, and greens for layered flavor. The texture is closer to a stew than a light soup. Each bowl feels filling and bold.
Get the Recipe: Southern Swamp Soup

Fried Catfish Po’ Boy

A fried fish po boy sandwich with pickles, tomatoes, coleslaw, and sauce on a wooden board, served with lemon wedges and a bottle of hot sauce in the background. — Fried Catfish Po’ Boy. Photo credit: Chicken Fried Kitchen.

This sandwich layers crispy fried catfish inside soft French bread. Lettuce, tomato, and sauce add contrast to the hot fish. The bread absorbs just enough flavor without becoming soggy. It is often wrapped and served warm.
Get the Recipe: Fried Catfish Po’ Boy

Mardi Gras Jello Shots

Three clear cups filled with layered purple, yellow, and green desserts, topped with whipped cream and pink sugar, sit on a yellow polka dot surface with Mardi Gras beads nearby. — Mardi Gras Jello Shots. Photo credit: The Soccer Mom Blog.

These small cups combine flavored gelatin with a splash of alcohol. Bright colors match the festive theme on party trays. They are set in individual portions for easy serving. The texture stays soft and easy to scoop with a spoon.
Get the Recipe: Mardi Gras Jello Shots

New Orleans Gluten-Free King Cake (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

A round king cake with purple, green, and yellow sugar icing sits on a cooling rack over a white surface. — New Orleans Gluten-Free King Cake (Vegan, Allergy-Free). Photo credit: Strength And Sunshine.

This cake uses alternative flours to create a soft and flexible dough. The filling keeps classic cinnamon flavors without dairy or eggs. Colored sugar still gives the top its familiar look. The result keeps the traditional shape and sweetness.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans Gluten-Free King Cake (Vegan, Allergy-Free)

My Classic Cornbread Recipe – The Perfect Side Dish

A square glass baking dish containing sliced cornbread sits on a white and blue towel. — My Classic Cornbread Recipe – The Perfect Side Dish. Photo credit: Mommy Rose.

This cornbread has a golden crust with a tender crumb inside. It balances mild sweetness with the flavor of cornmeal. Many people serve it warm with butter on the side. It pairs easily with soups, stews, and roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: My Classic Cornbread Recipe – The Perfect Side Dish