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Unique Mardi Gras Recipes To Help You Celebrate
New Orleans is often admired thanks to its rich culture and one-of-a-kind cuisine, both of which are a wonderful melting pot of French, African, and American flavors. Thanks to this, there's nowhere better to be than the Big Easy when it comes to any annual Mardi Gras celebrations.
However, since not everyone will have the opportunity to travel down south for the parades, dancing, and indulgences, a little creativity makes way for a big Mardi Gras reincarnated in the comfort of home.
A taste of New Orleans and classic Mardi Gras foods will deliver patterns of cajun and creole flavors, complemented by seafood, sausage, and seasonal vegetables before the finale of sweet, rich dessert. If you're mouth isn't watering yet, you must not be thinking clearly.
To break it down for you, there are a number of foods and Louisiana-style recipes you could spend hours putting together in your kitchen across the country, or even world. But in the interest of time, ease, and wanting to get the party started, here are 21 unique, New Orleans-inspired Mardi Gras recipes that are totally unique and easy.
Creole Kisses
This sweet meringue recipe from The Kitchn is a fun, light way to kick off the festivities, and it offers a little taste of the deep south.
Cajun Cauliflower With Cilantro Avocado Sauce
A taste of Mexico with a New Orleans spin, this cajun cauliflower from Naturally Ella is perfect for party guests of any diet.
Paleo Cajun Burger
Another win for diet restrictions, the paleo cajun burger from Against All Grain caters to burger-loving carnivores while also showcasing the flavors of NOLA.
Cajun Salmon With Salted Lime Butter
Cajun and seafood go together like peanut butter and jelly in Louisiana. Look no further than this recipe from How Sweet Eats for a light, spicy, NOLA-inspired Mardi Gras meal.
Tomato Fried Egg
This simple recipe from The Kitchn is quick to whip up and delicious for any meal of the day. Serve with a slice of cornbread for that extra southern flavor.
Taco Cornbread Waffles
Another combination of deep south and Mexican culture, this taco cornbread waffle recipe from Taste and Tell Blog will be delicious on both Mardi Gras and any day ending in a 'y.'
Cheesy Cajun Fries With Grilled Corn, Guacamole, Bacon, And Fried Egg
Take eggs and bacon, add guacamole, sprinkle on some corn, and throw cheesy cajun french fries into the mix, and you've got this showstopper from Half Baked Harvest.
Cajun Lemonade
Everyone needs a refreshment during Mardi Gras. Keep the cajun theme going strong with this lemonade from The Kitchn. Add a little booze if you're feeling frisky.
Cajun Chicken Pizza
Take the flavors of New Orleans, throw 'em on a pizza, and you've got yourself this home run cajun chicken pie from Baked By Rachel.
Cajun Sweet Potato Fries With Garlic Cheese Sauce
Another recipe that's perfect for sharing, these cajun sweet potato fries from Half Baked Harvest are the perfect way to prep your guests for what's to come.
Pumpkin Maple Baked Bean Cornbread Casserole
Baked beans and cornbread are southern staples, which is why this recipe from Oh She Glows crushes it in the side dish department. Served with a protein, this is the only side you need at your Mardi Gras dinner table.
Cajun Chili Stroganoff
This classic stroganoff with a cajun twist from Climbing Grier Mountain redefines comfort food.
Blueberry Brie Cornbread Biscuits With Honey Butter
Brie cheese is best eaten with complements of sweet fruit. Juxtapose those rich flavors with hearty cornbread and a zap of honey, and you've got these biscuits from Half Baked Harvest. They're melt-in-your-mouth good.
Poblano Cornbread Stuffing
The spice of the south is leveled out by the cornbread and full flavors in this stuffing from Love and Lemons.
Cajun Chicken Stroganoff
Another spin on the classic stroganoff, this recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe is easy to make and tastes like you're sitting waterside in NOLA.
Cajun Tilapia With Lemon Tarragon Tarter Sauce
Tilapia is on the more affordable side of seafood, and pairing it with cajun flavors makes this recipe from Simply Scratch a Louisiana classic.
Cheddar Cornbread Chicken Fingers With Jalapeño Honey Butter
Name one person you know who doesn't love chicken fingers. Covered in cornbread coating and dripping with honey butter, these juicy chicken fingers from Half Baked Harvest are a sure crowdpleaser.
Cajun Shrimp Kale Caesar Salad
For a splash of green on your Mardi Gras dinner table, try out a twist on the classic Caesar with this recipe from Damn Delicious. Incorporating cajun flavors, seafood, and the nutty taste of kale, this quick dish is a meal in itself.
Grandma's Fried Dough Pastries
Instead of breaking your back over the perfect beignets, aim for this fried dough from Brown Eyed Baker. You can't go wrong with sweet dough and powdered sugar.
Kickin' Cajun Chicken Sliders With Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Bring the bar food home with these cajun chicken sliders and crunchy onion rings from Half Baked Harvest. Get a case of craft beer, and you've got yourself a modest Mardi Gras.
Apricot-Glazed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Bursting with rich, sweet and savory flavors, this pork tenderloin from Closet Cooking is perfect for your Mardi Gras party and many family dinners to come.
