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The most extra celebration of the year is back, and honestly, 2026 deserves a Fat Tuesday party that goes all in. Mardi Gras — the glittering, joy-fueled spectacle that turns New Orleans into one giant, music-filled feast — is once again inspiring us to eat, sip, and celebrate with absolutely zero restraint.
Good news: you don’t need a last-minute flight to Louisiana to capture the magic. Whether you're hosting friends, planning a themed night in, or just looking for an excuse to cook something wildly indulgent, we’ve rounded up the Mardi Gras recipes that bring the spirit of Bourbon Street straight to your home.
While you handle the playlists and party vibes, we’ve got the essentials covered: festive Mardi Gras cocktails, crowd-pleasing bites, and celebratory sweets that fully embrace the more-is-more energy of the season. These recipes aren’t about subtlety — they’re about flavor, fun, and channeling that carefree Carnival mood wherever you are.
Here are 16 Mardi Gras-inspired recipes to get the party started!
What is traditional food for Mardi Gras?
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Mardi Gras recipes are often rooted in Creole traditions and influences, so popular food includes jambalaya, red beans and rice, beignets, and king cake.
What is one food item that is unique to Mardi Gras in New Orleans?
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King cakes are one of the most iconic foods for Mardi Gras. The cinnamon-flavored dessert is often colored with green, yellow, and purple in honor of the holiday, but perhaps the most recognizable aspect of making this Mardi Gras recipe is baking a figurine into the cake. Whoever has the slice with the figurine wins a prize!
Rainbow Bread
Brit + Co
Carbs have never looked so good! Inspired by the rainbow donuts from Brooklyn’s Bagel Store (you *had* to have seen the viral vid), this tie-dyed loaf ain’t your average fairy bread. Schmear with the traditional toppings on Fat Tuesday and use the leftovers to make croutons for lunch the next few days. (via Brit + Co)
Pineapple, Avocado and Bean Salsa
Little Broken
The signature colors of Mardi Gras are gold, green and purple. This salsa may not have Louisiana-style flavors, but it’s going to look very festive in middle of your spread. (via Little Broken)
Buttermilk Chicken Biscuit With Habanero Peach Hot Sauce and Honey Butter
Half Baked Harvest
There’s nothing more southern than crispy fried chicken. But the real winner here is that sweet and spicy hot sauce that takes this dish above and beyond. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Black Eyed Peas With Smoky Collards and Cheesy Grits
Vanilla and Bean
Walk into any restaurant in New Orleans and you’ll find some variation of grits and collards. This flavorful at-home version brings all the authenticity and then some. (via Vanilla and Bean)
Hot Corn and Crab Dip
Pip and Ebby
Dips are a party essential, especially for Fat Tuesday. Rep some of the common southern flavors with this creamy and spicy crab dip that comes together in just minutes. (via Pip and Ebby)
Chargrilled Oysters
Closet Cooking
These oysters are grilled to perfection and topped with cheese and butter. Even the oyster naysayers will be intrigued by these flavorful mollusks. (via Closet Cooking)
Cajun Bloody Mary
She Knows
Beware: This Bloody Mary has major heat. Not only does it have Louisiana Cajun spice, but it’s also full of horseradish and lots of spicy peppers that will know your socks off. (via She Knows)
Homemade Beignets
Spicy Southern Kitchen
You can’t think of New Orleans without dreaming of warm sugary beignets. Making your own is a must for any Mardi Gras party, plus they’re great hangover food — just sayin’. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Passion Fruit Hurricane
Spicy Southern Kitchen
The hurricane may be the unofficial cocktail of Mardi Gras, but it’s going to be the official cocktail of your party. Make a huge batch in a punch bowl and garnish with orange slices and maraschino cherries. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)
Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch
Boulder Locavore
Typically served during Mardi Gras brunch, brandy milk punch is similar to its thicker cousin eggnog. If you think you need a little bit of “hair of the dog” post Mardi Gras, this should be your go-to. (via Boulder Locavore)
Easy Creole Jambalaya
Aberdeen's Kitchen
Homemade jambalaya is so flavorful, and worth the extra few ingredients. Make a huge pot and serve with plenty of hot sauce on the side for your friends to help themselves. (via Aberdeen’s Kitchen)
Mardi Gras Cake
Beth Cakes
King Cake is one of the most well-known aspects of Mardi Gras, but it’s not exactly something you can make on the fly. This layered cake is a lot simpler than you would think, and is totally impressive. (via Beth Cakes)
Cajun Shrimp Po’Boy
The Kitchen Whisperer
This po’boy is about as classic New Orleans as you can get, all the way down to the homemade cajun seasoning that flavors the shrimp. All of your friends are definitely going to be begging you for this recipe the next day. (via The Kitchen Whisperer)
Pistachio Sprinkle Bundt Cake
Sew You Think You Can Cook
If you need a Mardi Gras dessert but don’t have a lot of time, this cake will be your life saver. It lets you take some help from the grocery store by using yellow cake mix and pistachio instant pudding for both flavor and vibrant color. (via Sew You Think You Can Cook)
What Mardi Gras recipes are you making this week? Tag us in all your creations on Instagram and follow us on Pinterest for more food content.
This post has been updated.
