You might not be able to travel to the Big Easy to celebrate Mardi Gras, but you can certainly bring the flavors of New Orleans to your home! Legendary Cajun and Creole flavors are enjoyed all over the globe as the spirit of Mardi Gras travels outside of the state of Louisiana. Here are several of the most delectable Mardi Gras dishes everyone needs to try to experience. Give these top-notch Mardi Gras food recipes a try!
Crawfish Boil
Few things symbolize Cajun more than the crawfish. This Louisiana delicacy looks and tastes as if it comes from the sea, but it’s a freshwater catch. Families gather together to enjoy a traditional crawfish boil. This Mardi Gras food delicacy requires more than just crawfish. A traditional meal also has potatoes, corn, and smoked sausage mixed in. This messy meal is best enjoyed outdoors!
Chicken-Andouille Gumbo with Roasted Potatoes
Andouille is a spicy pork sausage that is a classic southeastern Lousiana ingredient. It is a key ingredient in this classic gumbo dish. Mardi Gras dishes like these are crowd pleasers and perfect for serving large groups. Leftovers freeze well so you can enjoy this dish long after the party is over.
Crawfish Etouffee
Save those crawfish tails from your crawfish boil to use in this delectable Mardi Gras food dish that will warm you up. Étouffée is the French word for “smothered,” which perfectly describes this menu item. Crawfish tails are smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that is unique to Louisiana. This recipe from Emeril Lagasse uses cayenne, parsley, green onions, onions, celery, and bell pepper to create the savory sauce. The smothered crawfish tails are served over long-grain white rice. This meal is a great way to warm up after a cold day of parade watching.
Andouille Sausage Jambalaya With Shrimp
Jambalaya is another hearty meal that warms the belly and spirit. This meal is perfect for large groups, and in Louisiana it is a popular item for groups, such as the Knights of Columbus, to prepare. These groups often use a large, cast-iron pot to make big servings. You can recreate Mardi Gras dishes like this one at home using your slow cooker. Spicy Andouille sausage is combined with classic Cajun vegetables, Creole seasoning, and rice to create a satisfying dish.
New Orleans Beignets
Many who have visited New Orleans will automatically think of beignets when asked to name a delectable Mardi Gras food. Beignets were even declared the official state doughnut of Louisiana in 1986, though they are unlike any doughnut you may have tried. A beignet is a square, puff of fried dough that is liberally sprinkled with powdered sugar. This treat is a must for any Mardi Gras menu. Serve the beignets hot with coffee or hot cocoa.
King Cake
A truly authentic Mardi Gras menu absolutely must include a King Cake. Emeril Lagasse shares his authentic recipe for this unique pastry. A King Cake is a ring of pastry bread, often braided, and topped with icing. The icing can be tinted with the traditional Mardi Gras colors of green, yellow, and purple. Tradition is to hide a trinket inside the cake before it is served to guests. The guest who finds the trinket in their piece of King Cake is then “obligated” to provide the King Cake next year. Some versions of the King Cake, like Emeril’s recipe, add a creamy filling to their cake before baking it.
Don’t these Mardi Gras food recipes have your mouth watering? Your guests will enjoy these authentic Mardi Gras dishes at your get together. For more New Orleans fun, see our Emeril Lagasse story to learn how this local chef became a worldwide sensation.
