15 Cajun and Creole Recipes for Mardi Gras

Celebrate Fat Tuesday with these 15 Cajun and Creole recipes for Mardi Gras. From delicious Po boys and jambalaya to party appetizers and drinks, find bold Louisiana flavors perfect for your Mardi Gras menu.

Mardi Gras is all about celebration, tradition, and bold flavor. Whether you’re hosting a themed dinner party or just want to bring a little New Orleans energy into your kitchen, Cajun and Creole cooking is the perfect way to do it.

From smoky, spice-forward dishes to rich, comforting classics built on the holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper, these recipes capture the heart of Louisiana cuisine. This roundup of 15 Cajun and Creole recipes for Mardi Gras includes crowd-pleasing appetizers, hearty mains, and festive favorites that are perfect for Fat Tuesday entertaining.

So grab your beads, turn up the music, and let the good times roll — your Mardi Gras menu starts right here.

Cajun and Creole Recipes We Love for Mardi Gras

How To Smoke Red Beans And Rice

Smoked red beans and rice get a flavorful upgrade by simmering red beans with smoked pork hocks while slices of sausage smoke on a rack above, letting their drippings infuse the pot below. This low and slow method adds deep, smoky flavor to every bite of this hearty Southern classic.

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Po Boy Sandwich Recipe

Master the art of making the iconic shrimp po' boy sandwich with this expertly crafted recipe, a New Orleans classic that combines crispy, golden fried shrimp with the soft, fluffiness of French bread, all dressed with a zesty, homemade remoulade sauce. This step-by-step guide ensures you capture the authentic flavor and texture of this beloved southern staple, perfect for foodies looking to bring a taste of the bayou to their kitchen.

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Muffuletta Sliders

Indulge in a slice of New Orleans with these muffuletta slider sandwiches! They are a mouthwatering blend of cured meats, tangy olive salad, and creamy provolone cheese, all nestled between sweet Hawaiian roll sliders. It's a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds to the Big Easy!

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Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya Recipe

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Blackened Chicken Recipe

Delicious Blackened Chicken Recipe: Easy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner. Spicy, smoky, and juicy, it's ideal for family meals or meal prep!

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Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe 

Enjoy this classic Cajun Shrimp and Grits recipe, where succulent shrimp are seasoned with authentic Cajun spices and served over creamy, buttery grits for a hearty and flavorful Southern meal. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this easy-to-follow recipe promises to delight your taste buds and add a spicy kick to your dining experience.

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Cajun Ribs Recipe

These Cajun ribs feature tender baby back ribs coated in a bold blackened Cajun seasoning, delivering a smoky, spicy kick. Finished with a rich honey butter glaze, they balance the heat with sweetness for an irresistible flavor.

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Cajun Crawfish Étouffée Recipe

Discover the ultimate Cajun Crawfish Étouffée recipe that brings authentic Louisiana flavor straight to your table. This mouthwatering dish features succulent crawfish tails simmered in a rich, spicy sauce of sautéed onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic, perfectly enhanced by a robust blend of Cajun seasonings, diced tomatoes, and seafood stock, making it a must-try for lovers of classic Cajun cuisine.

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Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets Recipe

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Catfish Nuggets are a flavorful and healthier twist on a Southern classic. Coated in a seasoned cornmeal crust and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they make the perfect bite-sized appetizer or easy weeknight dinner with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Blackened Pork Chops Recipe

Make juicy, tender, and delicious pan-seared and oven-finished blackened pork chops in just 20 minutes with this foolproof flavor packed recipe.

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Creole Remoulade Sauce Recipe

Dive into the vibrant world of Creole cuisine with this authentic Creole Remoulade Sauce recipe, a spicy, tangy condiment that's perfect for elevating your seafood dishes to new heights. Learn how to blend traditional spices and ingredients to create a sauce that's bursting with flavor, ideal for adding a Louisiana-inspired kick to shrimp, crab cakes, and po' boys.

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Low Carb Shrimp Po’ Boy Salad

This Low Carb Shrimp Po’ Boy Salad features all the best parts of the classic sandwich, just without the extra carbs (aka bread). This salad features a crunchy bed of lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and oven fried shrimp all topped with a low carb tangy remoulade dressing.

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Crispy Almond Flour Cajun Chicken Tenders

Try this deliciously crispy, air fried almond flour and low carb friendly fried chicken fingers recipe. What makes these extra delicious? When they're mixed with my incredible Cajun BBQ spice rub for the perfect kick to these guiltless gluten free, whole30 compliant, and keto chicken tenders.

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Smoked Pork Hocks

Smoked pork hocks (also known as smoked ham hocks) are cured and brined, then slow-cooked to perfection. They deliver tender, fall-apart meat infused with a rich, smoky flavor. Whether added to soups, stews, or beans, these hocks bring a deep, savory taste that elevates any dish.

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The Classic Sazerac

This classic “Big Easy” cocktail is a perfect way to have your drink and not your carbs too. Check out this classic cocktail

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