Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is all about indulgence and celebration before the Lenten season begins. Rooted in French and Catholic traditions, the holiday is famous for savory dishes and festive colors. Mardi Gras food plays a central role in the celebration, with a focus on Cajun and Creole classics and iconic desserts.
Below are crowd‑pleasing Mardi Gras food ideas and recipes to help you plan an amazing Fat Tuesday party.
Popular Mardi Gras Food
Try out these winning Mardi Gras recipes:
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Jambalaya
A one‑pot Louisiana classic Mardi Gras food made with rice, sausage, chicken, and sometimes shrimp. Jambalaya blends Spanish, French, and African influences and delivers deep, smoky flavor with a little heat. Try this one-pot jambalaya recipe.
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Gumbo
As one of the most well-known Mardi Gras foods, this is a must-have! Gumbo is a slow‑simmered stew built on a dark roux, layered with the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper. Seafood and sausage are often added to create a rich and savory dish. Check out this favorite gumbo recipe.
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Po’ Boys
These iconic New Orleans sandwiches are stuffed with crispy shrimp, roast beef, or fried oysters and finished with lettuce, tomato, and remoulade on crusty French bread. Try this shrimp po’boy recipe.
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Cajun Crawfish Étouffée
This is a comforting dish of crawfish smothered in a buttery, spiced sauce and served over rice. Étouffée literally means “smothered,” and this Mardi Gras food delivers that comforting feeling with every bite. Try the crawfish etouffée recipe from the Louisiana state site.
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Red Beans and Rice
Traditionally served on Mondays in Louisiana, this Fat Tuesday food features slow‑cooked red beans, smoked sausage, and spices over rice. It’s hearty, affordable, and rooted in Mardi Gras history. Try this red beans and rice recipe.
Mardi Gras Foods: Snacks & Shareables
Explore these Mardi Gras food ideas for your appetizers:
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Cajun‑Spiced Nuts
Roasted nuts tossed with Cajun seasoning add crunch, heat, and an easy grab‑and‑go snack option with a Fat Tuesday flair. Serve this Mardi Gras food alongside beef sticks for a protein‑balanced snack. Try this recipe for inspo.
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Mini Muffuletta Sandwiches
Inspired by the famous New Orleans sandwich, these mini versions feature cured meats, cheese, and tangy olive salad, perfect for party platters. Try this recipe from Southern Living.
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King Cake Cupcakes or Bites
All the flavor of a classic Fat Tuesday food, King Cake, in a smaller, party‑friendly format with cinnamon, icing, and festive sprinkles. Check out this recipe to help you get started.
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Chomps Spicy Jalapeño Beef Sticks
These protein-forward spicy sticks bring a kick that fits right into a Cajun‑inspired party. Serve them on a Mardi Gras snack board or alongside cheese and crackers.
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Chomps Spicy Habanero Beef Sticks
If the Jalapeño flavor doesn’t provide enough kick, consider our Chomps habanero beef sticks. These are for your guests who love bold heat with their Mardi Gras foods; they add flavor and protein without extra prep.
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Shrimp Skewers
Seasoned shrimp grilled or roasted and served on skewers make an easy, elegant appetizer on a Mardi Gras menu.
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New Orleans–Style Charcuterie Boards
Mardi Gras is all about color and flair - so Mardi Gras food ideas should capture this vibe. Build a festive board with cheeses, olives, crackers, cured meats, and Chomps beef sticks for an easy protein boost. For colorful inspiration, try our rainbow board.
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Purple & Green Snack Boards
Lean into traditional Mardi Gras colors with grapes, olives, cheeses, veggies, and Chomps sticks arranged in festive purple and green themes. Need ideas of what to add? Check out our purple and green snacks round-ups.
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Chomps‑Forward Party Snack Board
Here’s a Mardi Gras food that never fails: create a no‑cook party board featuring multiple Chomps flavors, crackers, pickles, olives, and mustard for a bold, savory spread that travels well and stays fresh.
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Deviled Egg Bar
A Mardi Gras Deviled Egg Bar lets guests mix and match toppings for extra flavor and fun with their Mardi Gras foods. It’s easy to prep ahead and pairs well with bold Cajun-inspired dishes. Get the full recipe and set-up guide to our deviled egg bar.
Mardi Gras Food Ideas for Desserts & Treats
Sweet Mardi Gras foods are the highlight of any celebration:
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Traditional King Cake
The most iconic Mardi Gras dessert, King Cake, is a cinnamon-filled pastry topped with purple, green, and gold sugar. Hidden inside is a small baby figurine. The tradition says that whoever finds the figurine hosts the next party. Check out this recipe made with brioche dough.
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Homemade Beignets
Light and pillowy beignets are a traditional New Orleans pastry coated in powdered sugar. They might be the most famous Mardi Gras food to see on Bourbon Street. Beignets are best served warm and pair perfectly with coffee or café au lait. Find a traditional New Orleans-style recipe here.
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Mardi Gras-Themed Cookies
Decorated sugar cookies in classic Mardi Gras colors are a fun dessert for kids and adults alike. Plus, it's easy to add purple and green frosting or sprinkles to stick to the Mardi Gras theme.
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King Cake Cheesecake Bars
A rich, creamy twist on classic Fat Tuesday recipes, this King Cake combines cinnamon flavor with a cheesecake base and festive icing. Check out this recipe by That Zest Life.
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Praline Pecans
Pecans are a quintessential southern nut, and they are particularly delicious when coated in caramelized sugar. This crowd-pleasing Mardi Gras food doubles as a party snack or dessert.
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Bananas Foster
A New Orleans standard made by combining bananas, butter, brown sugar, and rum, often served warm over vanilla ice cream. Find a recipe here.
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Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce
Bread pudding is comforting and indulgent, made with soft baked bread, warm spices, and a rich bourbon glaze. Check out the recipe.
Drinks to Pair with Mardi Gras Food
A fun party always involves some festive drinks. Here are some ideas to pair with your Mardi Gras menu:
Classic cocktails:
23. Hurricanes
This iconic New Orleans fruity rum cocktail is a Mardi Gras menu staple.
24. Sazeracs
A true New Orleans classic made with rye whiskey, bitters, and a hint of absinthe.
25. French 75
Light, citrusy, this drink combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and champagne.
26. Mint Juleps
Refreshing and slightly sweet, mint juleps are a classic Southern cocktail.
27. Bloody Mary Bar
A custom Bloody Mary bar is a fun addition to any party. Check out our Bloody Mary ideas for how to create one.
28. Raspberry Blood Orange Bourbon Cocktail
Bourbon is a standard Southern spirit, and our creative blood orange cocktail helps bring out the flavors while mellowing out its strong taste.
Mocktails:
29. Sparkling Grape or Citrus Spritzers
Festive and bubbly, these alcohol-free drinks still feel celebratory.
30. Lemonade with Fresh Berries
Bright, refreshing, and easy to customize for kids and adults alike.
31. Frozen Watermelon Mint Mocktails
Mint and watermelon are classic Southern ingredients that add brightness to this refreshing beverage.
32. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
Deep red, slightly tart, this adds a visually striking beverage option to your Mardi Gras food ideas.
33. Iced Tea with Citrus & Mint
A Southern staple refreshed with lemon, orange slices, and fresh mint.
Planning Your Mardi Gras Menu
When considering your Mardi Gras recipes, aim for a mix of hearty classic mains, easy snacks, sweet treats, and festive drinks.
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Choose 1–2 main dishes like gumbo or jambalaya
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Add protein‑forward, veggie-filled snacks to balance out your Mardi Gras recipes
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Include at least one traditional dessert
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Offer both cocktails and non‑alcoholic options
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Balance your heavier dishes with lighter Mardi Gras foods
For more snack‑focused ideas, check out our Mardi Gras Appetizers article.
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with Flavor & Fun
Mardi Gras is about indulgence, tradition, and having fun. Whether you’re cooking classic Louisiana dishes or looking for new Mardi Gras food ideas, the goal is to celebrate and enjoy the moment. Experiment with flavors, embrace the festive colors, and let the good times roll.
Fat Tuesday FAQs:
What to eat on Fat Tuesday?
Fat Tuesday foods are traditionally rich and indulgent, including gumbo, jambalaya, King Cake, and fried treats like beignets. To balance out the heavy dishes, you could include smaller snacks like Chomps mini beef sticks to keep guests satisfied throughout the celebration.
What is the most popular Fat Tuesday food?
King Cake is one of the most iconic Fat Tuesday recipes, followed closely by gumbo and jambalaya.
What to make for dinner on Mardi Gras?
Jambalaya, red beans and rice, gumbo, or crawfish étouffée are all classic Mardi Gras recipes. If you’re short on time, you can even slice up Chomps Jalapeño or Habanero beef sticks as a quick, spicy protein topper for your rice dishes.
What snacks are good for a Mardi Gras party?
Spicy nuts, mini sandwiches, shrimp skewers, charcuterie boards, and protein-forward snacks like Chomps beef sticks are easy, festive choices. These snacks are perfect for anyone looking for authentic Mardi Gras food.
What drinks pair well with Mardi Gras food?
Classic cocktails like Hurricanes and Sazeracs pair well with the bold Cajun flavors of many Mardi Gras food ideas, while sparkling mocktails and punches work for alcohol‑free celebrations.
