Mardi Gras food: A flavorful adventure

Mardi Gras isn’t just a day of revelry and parades. It’s a celebration that’s deeply rooted in culinary traditions. From spicy gumbo to sweet beignets, these traditional Mardi Gras foods celebrate the heart and soul of the Big Easy.

New Orleans is known for its delicious, rich and filling cuisine — and traditional Mardi Gras food doesn’t disappoint! During this vibrant festival, the streets come alive with music, parades and an array of unique dishes. Whether you visit New Orleans or celebrate at home, these traditional Mardi Gras foods will transport you to the heart of the Big Easy.

Main dishes

Savor the flavors of Mardi Gras with these main dishes. From the deep, bold flavor of gumbo to the filling satisfaction of a muffuletta, these dishes celebrate Mardi Gras traditions.

Gumbo

Gumbo, a stew-like classic, is a Mardi Gras favorite and a year-round delight. It begins with a dark roux, stirred patiently to create a base of deep, complex flavors. The Cajun holy trinity — onions, bell peppers and celery — layers in savory notes. Then smoky, spicy andouille sausage complements the choice of meats, often seafood. Served over fluffy white rice, gumbo is a true taste of Louisiana’s culinary heritage.

Muffuletta

The muffuletta was born in New Orleans’ Italian community. This hearty sandwich features a large, round, sesame-crusted Italian loaf filled with marinated olive salad, capicola, salami, mortadella and two types of cheese. The olive salad, a tangy blend of chopped olives and pickled veggies, infuses each bite with flavor. Ideal for sharing, the Muffuletta symbolizes the joy of communal feasting during Mardi Gras.

Jambalaya

Jambalaya, reminiscent of Spanish paella, is a traditional one-pot dish that combines tender chicken, spicy andouille sausage and often a selection of fresh seafood. The rice base soaks up the rich flavors of tomatoes and a medley of vegetables; all brought to life with a generous blend of Creole or Cajun spices. Its versatility shines at gatherings where people share stories and laughter over steaming, spice-laden plates.

Shrimp etouffee

Shrimp etouffee is a hearty stew that features tender shrimp smothered in a rich, roux-based sauce, accented by the Cajun trinity and a lively mix of spices. Each spoonful is a harmonious blend of robust flavors and succulent shrimp that’s traditionally served over a bed of white rice.

Shrimp and grits

This Southern dish starts with creamy, buttery grits that are topped with plump, juicy shrimp, often sautéed with a bit of garlic, lemon and spices. The simple yet deliciously filling dish is often finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor that complements the creamy grits and zesty shrimp.

Po’ boy

A po’ boy starts with a soft, chewy roll that’s stuffed with crispy, golden-fried seafood. Lettuce, tomatoes and a generous spread of tangy remoulade sauce finish the Po’ boy sandwiches. This delightful mix of textures and flavors is messy, indulgent and utterly Mardi Gras.

Crawfish boil

A crawfish boil features pounds of fresh crawfish boiled in a spicy, flavorful broth infused with a blend of Cajun seasonings. These succulent crustaceans are served deliciously alongside corn on the cob and potatoes, all steeped in the same mouth-watering spices. As guests gather around a table heaped with these steaming delicacies, they experience a sense of community where peeling crawfish turns strangers into friends.

Side dishes

Just as flavorful as the main courses listed above, these side dishes add another dimension to your Mardi Gras gathering. From the comforting simplicity of red beans and rice to the green goodness of fried okra, these sides continue the celebration of Southern culinary artistry.

Red beans and rice

Red beans and rice, a staple in New Orleans cuisine, is simplicity at its best. Slow-cooked kidney beans are paired with fluffy white rice, creating a hearty and soul-satisfying dish. This classic dish is a humble yet flavorful tribute to Southern cooking, infused with spices and often simmered with a ham hock or andouille sausage.

Dirty rice

Regular rice gets a makeover in this classic Southern side by dirtying fluffy rice with a hearty mix of spicy sausage, chopped chicken livers and a medley of vegetables. Seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices, dirty rice is a hearty side dish that often steals the spotlight.

Hush puppies

Hush puppies are a deep-fried gem in Southern cuisine. These small, round cornmeal balls are fried to a perfect golden brown, crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They’re a favorite at Mardi Gras gatherings, adding a playful and tasty touch.

Fried okra

Fried okra turns a humble vegetable into a crispy, addictive treat. To make fried okra, fresh okra pods are sliced, coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and fried until golden and crunchy. Look for this traditional Mardi Gras food to be served as a side dish or a snack because it’s perfect for nibbling between the festivities.

Mardi Gras sweet treats

Although you’re likely to be stuffed like a muffuletta at this point in the Mardi Gras festivities, be sure to save room to indulge in the sweet side of Mardi Gras. From the colorful swirls of a king cake to the sugary dust of beignets, these sweet treats are as important to the celebration as a mask on a Mardi Gras float.

King cake

A king cake tastes like a cinnamon roll and looks like a braided coffee cake. Before frosting and serving, the baker hides a tiny plastic baby representing Jesus in its sweet, doughy layers. If you’re the lucky person who bites into their piece of king cake and discovers baby Jesus, the host will likely crown you as the celebration’s King or Queen. 

“My parents lived in Metairie, Louisiana and brought the king cake tradition with them when they moved to Texas. Every year during Mardi Gras, we’d get a cream cheese king cake from someone who made a run to Haydel’s Bakery. It was a tradition I looked forward to every year and continue with my family.”

— Erin Dooner, Texanerin

Bananas foster

Bananas Foster is a flavorful dessert staple in New Orleans. It features ripe bananas sautéed in a decadent sauce of butter, brown sugar and rum, often flambéed to create a spectacular presentation. Served over creamy vanilla ice cream, the warm, caramelized bananas offer a delightful contrast, making it a luxurious treat.

Beignets

These quintessential New Orleans pastries are a must-try Mardi Gras treat. Beignets have a light, airy and pillow-like texture and are dusted generously with powdered sugar. When served hot, these deep-fried delights have a crisp exterior and soft interior that pair well with a cup of chicory coffee or a café au lait. 

Savoring the spirit of Mardi Gras

From flavorful main dishes to sweet desserts, Mardi Gras foods are a celebration of culture, history and community. Each bite tells a story of tradition and togetherness, embodying the lively spirit of New Orleans.

Sage Scott was bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time. Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage is a travel writer, world wanderer and photographer whose favorite color is golden hour.

This article originally appeared on Everyday Wanderer.