Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday," always takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday. Carnival season runs from January 6 -- Twelfth Night -- to Mardi Gras Day.
Whether you're planning a Mardi Gras celebration or just want to sample some of the nation's most famous food traditions, you're likely to find something you'll make again and again. Use the resources on the right or recipe pages below to begin your plans, and enjoy the celebration!
Louisiana and Mardi Gras Recipes and Party Ideas
Mardi Gras: Creole Style
All about Fat Tuesday and how it's celebrated in New Orleans, including recipe suggestions.
Mardi Gras: Cajun Style
About the Cajun style Mardi Gras with some classic recipes.
Bread Pudding With Bourbon Sauce
A delicious bread pudding recipe from Chef Nick, perfect for a Mardi Gras meal or celebration.
Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo
I put a few of the shrimp in the gumbo early along with the sausage to give it more of the shrimp flavor. If you're concerned about fat content, prepare the gumbo a little in advance and skim excess fat off the cooled soup.
Shrimp Jambalaya
Jambalaya is one of the South's most varied dishes. This version is made with shrimp and ham, but feel free to use sliced sausage, or cooked cubed chicken in place of the ham.
Garlic Cheese Grits
This is a family favorite recipe for baked cheese grits.
Shrimp Creole
Shrimp are cooked in a flavorful Creole sauce.
King Cake Recipe
A basic King cake, made with several colors and a sugar topping.
Eggplant Creole Appetizer With Crab Sauce
This dish makes a great first course for a special dinner. Feel free to substitute green tomato slices for the eggplant slices if you have them.
Gumbo
Several wonderful gumbo recipes, some history, and roux-making tips.
Jambalaya
A mixture of rice, vegetables, and more, this is perhaps the most versatile dish the South has to offer.
Cajun Cuisine
Background, along with several recipes; banana crepes, dirty rice, crawfish, shrimp, and more.
Beignets, Fritters, Calas
A little history and several recipes for these New Orleans breakfast favorites.
New Orleans Desserts
Sweet traditions, from Carroll Pelligrinelli.
Red Beans and Rice
Recipes for Louisiana's traditional red beans and rice and other Southern favorites.
Grits
Louisiana grillades & grits, basic boiled, cheese grits, and more.
Oysters
All about delicious oysters and a variety of recipes, including the famous New Orleans dish, Oysters Rockefeller.
Shrimp Recipes
Barbecued shrimp, shrimp Creole, salads, pasta dishes, and more.
Related Sites:
Make a Mardi Gras Mask
Mardi Gras masks are a traditional part of this annual celebration, and making them is a fun and very creative project.
About Entertaining
Great advice and tips for Mardi Gras party decorations and gear.
