Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is a celebration and gathering with friends before the Lenten season begins. Choosing the right appetizers for Mardi Gras party guests allows them to graze, mingle, and sample classic Cajun and Creole flavors.
Below are festive, crowd‑pleasing Mardi Gras appetizers, inspired by New Orleans favorites and paired with high-quality protein Chomps options for easy hosting.
1. Mini Shrimp Po’ Boy Sliders
Crispy shrimp, shredded lettuce, and spicy remoulade tucked into soft slider buns deliver classic New Orleans flavor in party‑friendly form. This is a must-have Mardi Gras appetizer recipe. Get the recipe.
Pro Tip: Add a protein twist by pairing them with Original Beef Jerky Sticks for a heartier platter.
2. Cajun Sausage Bites with Dipping Sauce
Smoky, savory bites with a touch of spice make these Fat Tuesday appetizers a guaranteed crowdpleaser. Get the recipe.
Use Original Chomplings Minis as a lean, high-quality protein alternative to traditional sausage.
3. Muffuletta Pinwheels
All the bold, briny flavors of a classic muffuletta, olive salad, cured meats, and cheese rolled into bite‑sized pinwheels for this Mardi Gras appetizer recipe. Get the recipe.
Pair it with: Our Keto Chorizo Recipe for an extra punch of Cajun spice.
4. Spicy Crawfish Dip
Creamy, rich, and made with Cajun seasoning, this Mardi Gras appetizer recipe is perfect with crackers or veggies. Get the recipe.
For gluten-free guests: Check out our 30 Gluten-Free Party Food Picks.
5. Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Skewers
Juicy chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, these Mardi Gras party food appetizers cook quickly in the air fryer. Get the recipe.
Snack hack: Use Mini Beef Jerky Sticks as a no-prep alternative for busy hosts.
6. Stuffed Mini Peppers with Creole Cream Cheese
Sweet peppers filled with lightly spiced cream cheese bring balance to heavier dishes. Get the recipe.
7. Jalapeño Cheddar Hashbrown Cups
Crispy potato cups filled with melted cheese and jalapeño heat are a perfect Mardi Gras appetizer for brunch‑style Mardi Gras parties. Get the recipe.
Like this idea? Try our Whole30 Jalapeño Poppers for another spicy crowd favorite.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms
Savory, bite‑sized mushrooms filled with seasoned stuffing and baked until golden are a perfect pop-and-go option for anyone looking for healthier Mardi Gras appetizers. Get the Stuffed Mushrooms recipe from the Chomps kitchen.
9. Cajun Deviled Eggs
A Southern staple with a Mardi Gras twist, creamy yolks spiced with Cajun seasoning. Try this Mardi Gras appetizer recipe as a “bar” for even more customization. Get the deviled eggs recipe.
Bonus tip: Add a slice of Chomps Sea Salt Beef Jerky on top for texture and protein.
10. Mini Jambalaya Cups
Rice, sausage, and spices are served in individual cups to help make these classic Mardi Gras appetizers party‑ready. Get the recipe.
Serve alongside: Holiday-Themed Charcuterie Board for a full Cajun-style table.
11. Roasted Rosemary Snack Cups
Crisp, savory snack cups infused with rosemary provide a lighter option between spicy bites. Our Roasted Rosemary Snack Cups balance bold Cajun bites with a refreshing herbal flavor.
12. Mardi Gras Charcuterie Board
Create a festive board with cheeses, olives, crackers, and an assortment of Chomps meat sticks and Chomplings minis for one of the best Mardi Gras party food appetizers you can serve.
13. Stuffed Mango & Quinoa Avocados
Lighten up the menu with these Stuffed Mango and Quinoa Avocados that offer a refreshing contrast to rich Cajun dishes.
14. Easy Keto BBQ Bites
If you’re watching carbs, these Easy Keto BBQ Ideas are a smoky and saucy option, the perfect Fat Tuesday recipe.
15. Chomps & Cheese Snack Skewers
Thread Chomps Jalapeño Beef mini sticks with cheese cubes and olives for an effortless and spicy nutritious source of protein with your Mardi Gras appetizers.
16. Creole Shrimp Cups
Spiced shrimp with rice served in small cups with sauce for mess‑free Mardi Gras party food appetizers. Get the recipe.
17. Fried Okra Bites
Okra is a Southern classic that tastes great fried with a crunchy exterior and tender center. It's a traditional Mardi Gras appetizer recipe that never goes out of style. Get the recipe.
18. Blackened Fish Bites
Boldly seasoned fish pieces are seared quickly and served with dipping sauce for savory Mardi Gras party food appetizers. Get the recipe.
19. Cornbread Mini Muffins
Cornbread is a classic Southern dish. These slightly sweet, tender muffins balance spicy dishes beautifully. Get the recipe.
20. Cajun Southern Fried Corn Cups
Inspired by Southern and Creole flavors, these mini cups feature corn tossed with butter and Cajun seasoning. Serve these festive Mardi Gras party food appetizers warm in small cups for easy mingling. Get the recipe.
Need more easy Mardi Gras appetizers and recipes? Get inspired by our Mardi Gras Food and Recipe Ideas, Holiday Appetizers, and Gluten and Dairy-Free Recipes.
Mardi Gras Appetizers FAQs
What is a good Mardi Gras appetizer?
Mini po’ boys, deviled eggs, shrimp skewers, and Cajun‑spiced dips are all popular choices for easy Mardi Gras appetizers. For a quick protein boost, you can also serve Chomps Jalapeño Beef sticks alongside your spread for an extra kick of heat.
What to bring to a Mardi Gras party?
Deviled eggs, sausage bites, and shrimp‑based dishes are staple appetizers for Mardi Gras parties. They are easy to make ahead of time and are guaranteed to impress guests with their bold flavors. If you’re short on time, a variety of Chomplings mini meat sticks are the perfect shareable snack to bring along.
What are some New Orleans appetizers?
Muffuletta pinwheels, crawfish dip, shrimp po’ boys, and jambalaya cups are classic New Orleans Mardi Gras party food appetizers.
What appetizers pair well with Cajun food?
Protein‑forward snacks like Chomps meat sticks, fresh veggies, herby bites, and cooling dips balance Cajun spice nicely.
