20 Mardi Gras Party Foods Commonly Served During Carnival Season
Mardi Gras calls for bold flavors, easy-to-share bites, and dishes that can party as hard as your guests. From crispy snacks to saucy stews and sweet showstoppers, every plate should shout celebration.
You will find classics that feel like home and new favorites that keep everyone reaching for just one more bite. Ready to build a Carnival spread that never slows down?
1. King Cake
King Cake is the centerpiece dessert that sets the tone for the whole party. You get tender, cinnamon-swirled dough baked into a ring and showered with purple, green, and gold sugar.
There is usually a tiny baby tucked inside, and finding it can mean hosting next year.
Serve slices with hot coffee or a splash of bubbly, and watch the platter vanish. Go classic with icing, or add cream cheese filling for extra indulgence.
The colors sparkle on a buffet and make photos pop. Every bite tastes like celebration, sweet spice, and Carnival magic.
2. Jambalaya
Jambalaya brings the party in one pot, with smoky sausage, juicy chicken, and plump shrimp nestled in seasoned rice. The trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper builds that unmistakable Louisiana base.
Every spoonful hits with warmth, spice, and just enough tomato to round it out.
It feeds a crowd without fuss and stays delicious on warmers. You can tweak the heat to match your guests, then garnish with scallions and a squeeze of lemon.
Serve in bowls for easy mingling and second helpings. It is hearty, comforting, and completely irresistible.
3. Gumbo
Gumbo is slow-simmered joy, starting with a deep, nutty roux that perfumes the whole kitchen. Add the trinity, stock, and your choice of proteins like chicken, andouille, or Gulf shrimp.
Okra or filé powder thickens it just right, giving the broth body and soul.
Serve over rice so the grains soak up every drop. A little hot sauce on the side lets folks dial in heat.
It holds beautifully on the stove, making it perfect for parties. Big flavor, silky texture, and a comforting warmth keep people coming back, bowl after bowl.
4. Red Beans and Rice
Red Beans and Rice tastes like Sunday comfort but thrives at a Mardi Gras party. The beans simmer low and slow with onions, garlic, and smoky sausage until creamy and rich.
Spoon them over fluffy rice and you have a budget friendly crowd-pleaser.
Keep the pot warm and let guests serve themselves all night. A few dashes of hot sauce and chopped scallions brighten the bowl.
It is hearty enough to anchor the spread, yet easy to pair with everything else. Simple, satisfying, and always gone by the end.
5. Shrimp Creole
Shrimp Creole delivers parade-level flavor with a bright, tomato-rich sauce and tender Gulf shrimp. The trinity and garlic simmer into a savory base, punched up with Creole seasoning and a hint of heat.
Spoon it over rice so every grain drinks in that saucy goodness.
It is lively, aromatic, and surprisingly light on the palate. Make the sauce ahead, then add shrimp at the last minute so they stay juicy.
A squeeze of lemon wakes it up before serving. This dish sings on a buffet, bringing color, comfort, and a little New Orleans swagger.
6. Crawfish Étouffée
Crawfish Étouffée is velvety, buttery, and deeply savory, the kind of dish that stops conversation. A light roux blends with stock, aromatics, and spices to create a silky sauce that hugs every crawfish tail.
Serve it over rice and listen for happy sighs.
It feels rich without being heavy, making it perfect for grazing between rounds of celebration. Add a touch of cayenne and a splash of hot sauce to taste.
Fresh parsley brightens each bite. This is Louisiana comfort at its best, indulgent yet balanced, and impossible to resist on a Mardi Gras table.
7. Fried Catfish
Fried Catfish brings crunchy, golden bliss to any spread. A well-seasoned cornmeal crust locks in tender, flaky fish while staying audibly crisp.
Serve with lemon wedges, tartar sauce, and plenty of hot sauce for those who like extra kick.
Set the fillets on a wire rack so they stay crisp between batches. Add a side of pickles or slaw to cut the richness.
It is easy to share, quick to fry, and disappears as soon as it hits the table. Simple technique, big payoff, and perfect with icy drinks.
8. Shrimp Po’boys
Shrimp Po’boys are the handheld heroes of Mardi Gras. Think crisp shrimp piled into fluffy French bread with lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
A tangy remoulade ties everything together, dripping just enough to feel festive without making a mess.
Serve them as mini sandwiches for easy mingling or go full size for a crowd-pleasing main. Keep the bread warm and the shrimp hot for peak crunch.
A sprinkle of hot sauce never hurts. Each bite delivers salt, spice, and crunch, the kind of sandwich that fuels parades and late night dancing.
9. Muffuletta Sliders
Muffuletta Sliders take the classic sandwich and turn it into perfect party fare. Layers of salami, ham, and provolone meet a briny olive salad that soaks into soft sesame rolls.
Press them ahead so flavors meld, then slice into neat, shareable bites.
They hold beautifully at room temperature, which makes hosting easier. The olive salad brings tang, garlic, and a satisfying crunch that cuts through the richness.
Add a little extra oil if the bread is dry. These sliders disappear fast because they balance savory, salty, and zesty notes in every bite.
10. Boudin Balls
Boudin Balls are party dynamite, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, savory filling of rice, pork, and spices. They fry up beautifully and stay satisfying without feeling heavy.
Dip them in spicy mustard or remoulade to keep the flavors lively.
Make the mixture ahead and chill so the balls hold their shape. Fry in batches for even browning and sprinkle with salt while hot.
Guests grab them by the handful, which is exactly the point. These bites deliver comfort, Cajun soul, and a crispy-to-creamy contrast that keeps you reaching.
11. Andouille Sausage Bites
Andouille Sausage Bites bring smoky heat in the simplest form. Sear slices until the edges char slightly, then glaze with something sweet-hot like pepper jelly.
Serve with grainy mustard and crunchy pickles for balance.
These are perfect for nibbling between bigger plates and cocktails. Keep a skillet going and refresh the platter as needed.
The aroma alone pulls people in, and the texture is meaty and satisfying. If you want more kick, toss with cayenne or hot honey.
Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and zero leftovers.
12. Cajun Chicken Wings
Cajun Chicken Wings keep the flavor bold without drowning in sauce. A dry rub of paprika, garlic, cayenne, and herbs creates a crackly crust.
Roast or air fry until the skin shatters at first bite.
Serve with ranch, hot sauce, or both, plus plenty of napkins. The spice hangs around pleasantly, encouraging another wing and another drink.
They stay crisp on the buffet better than saucy versions. Easy to scale up, these wings satisfy the spice lovers and still appeal to everyone else.
13. BBQ Shrimp (New Orleans Style)
New Orleans style BBQ Shrimp is not barbecue at all, but a peppery, buttery skillet sauce you will want to drink. Worcestershire, garlic, and lemon join forces with cracked black pepper for big flavor.
Keep the shells on for tenderness and extra richness.
Serve with lots of crusty bread to mop up every drop. It is saucy, messy, and absolutely worth it.
Cook the shrimp quickly so they stay plump and sweet. This dish feels indulgent yet simple, the kind of showstopper that gathers a crowd around the pan.
14. Corn Maque Choux
Corn Maque Choux is a creamy, colorful side that plays well with everything. Sweet corn mingles with sautéed peppers, onions, and sometimes bacon for smoky depth.
A touch of cream brings it together, making each spoonful luscious without feeling heavy.
Serve warm in a skillet for a rustic look. It brightens the plate and adds sweetness to balance spicy mains.
You can make it ahead and rewarm gently before guests arrive. A sprinkle of scallions and a crack of pepper finish it perfectly.
Comforting, versatile, and totally party-friendly.
15. Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice earns its name from the deep color and deeper flavor. Ground meat, chicken livers, and the trinity cook with spices until savory and fragrant.
Tossed with rice, it becomes a side that eats like a main.
It holds well on a buffet and pairs with almost everything. Add scallions and hot sauce at serving for brightness.
The texture is fluffy with meaty bits in every bite. It is humble, bold, and wildly satisfying, exactly what a long party needs.
Scoop generously and do not be surprised when the bowl empties first.
16. Cajun Meatballs
Cajun Meatballs are bite-size comfort with a kick. Season the mix with paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne, then sear for a crust that locks in juices.
Simmer in a spicy-sweet sauce, or go creamy with a light gravy.
They are perfect for slow cookers and stay tender for hours. Guests can spear, dip, and move on with a smile.
Adjust heat to taste and add a splash of vinegar for balance. These travel well and scale easily, making them a host’s best friend on busy Mardi Gras nights.
17. Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies are the crispy cornmeal bites that disappear while you are pouring drinks. The outside shatters, the inside stays tender, and a hint of onion keeps them savory.
Drop them hot and fresh, then pass the basket around.
They pair beautifully with fried seafood, but stand alone just fine. Serve with honey butter, remoulade, or plain hot sauce.
Keep batches small so they stay crisp, and salt immediately after frying. Simple, nostalgic, and wildly snackable, these little rounds bring smiles and steady munching between bigger plates.
18. Beignets
Beignets are puffy squares of joy that demand a generous snowstorm of powdered sugar. Serve them hot, and the first bite releases steam and childhood-level happiness.
They are simple dough, fried to airy perfection, and gone in minutes.
Pair with chicory coffee or hot chocolate for late night energy. Keep the fryer going so baskets stay fresh and warm.
A little vanilla or citrus zest in the dough adds lift. These treats feel theatrical and comforting at once, closing the flavor loop from savory spice to sweet bliss.
19. Pralines
Pralines taste like a sweet, nutty souvenir you can eat right away. Brown sugar, butter, and cream mingle into a caramel that hugs toasted pecans.
When it sets, you get a candy that is tender, crumbly, and beautifully rich.
They package well for party favors, but they rarely make it that far. The aroma alone draws people over for just one more.
A sprinkle of flaky salt adds contrast and keeps the sweetness lively. These candies are classic, quick to make, and perfect for sharing across the room.
20. Bananas Foster
Bananas Foster brings drama and dessert in one sizzling skillet. Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon bubble into a glossy sauce, then rum flames high for a quick show.
Spoon over vanilla ice cream while everything is still warm and saucy.
It is retro in the best way and completely unforgettable. Keep safety in mind when flaming and have a lid nearby.
The contrast of hot sauce and cold ice cream makes every bite sing. This is a grand finale that earns applause and empty bowls.
