13 Mardi Gras Soups, Sides, Sandwiches and Sweets

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, the epitome of comfort food, will transport you to the heart of the Big Easy and a Mardi Gras float.

Portions of this article originally appeared on Everyday Wanderer.

Mardi Gras 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 compliments the creamy grits and zesty shrimp. Here is a low-carb way of making shrimp and grits.

Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil

A Mardi Gras tradition, 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. You can make a version at home using your Instant Pot and with shrimp.

Po’ Boy Sandwich

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.

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 Southern side dish at Mardi Gras gatherings.

Dirty Rice

Dirty rice is the number one favorite side dish in Louisiana. No wonder it made this roundup of Mardi Gras soups, sandwiches, sweets and more. 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.

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.

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.

New Orleans Beignets

These quintessential New Orleans pastries are a must-try Mardi Gras treat. Beignets are French-style doughnuts. They have a light, airy and pillow-like texture. Traditionally, you dust them 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.

Mardi Gras King Cake

Mardi Gras wouldn’t be the same without the traditional king cake, which Erin Dooner of Texanerin learned growing up with parents from Louisiana. 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.
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