How to Eat Your Way Through Mardi Gras: Classic New Orleans Recipes to Celebrate in Style

Mardi Gras is the perfect time to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans. From hearty stews to crispy sandwiches, these iconic dishes deliver bold flavors and festive spirit to your table. Try these classic recipes — New Orleans Gumbo, Shrimp Étouffée, and Classic Po’ Boys — to bring a taste of Louisiana to your celebration.

New Orleans Gumbo

Gumbo is perhaps the quintessential Louisiana dish, born from a melting pot of French, African, and Native American influences. Named after the African word for okra, it’s known for its deep, dark roux that forms the flavorful base, and a blend of Andouille sausage, chicken, and seafood, cooked with the “holy trinity” of Cajun cooking: onion, celery, and bell pepper.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb Andouille sausage, sliced
• 1 lb chicken thighs, diced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp  Bayou Blackening Balm
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions and parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make a dark roux by cooking flour in oil over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until deep brown (20-25 minutes).
2. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Stir in sausage and chicken; brown thoroughly.
4. Gradually add chicken broth, then bay leaves, seasoning, and Cajun spices.
5. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Add shrimp during the last 10 minutes.
7. Remove bay leaves, serve over white rice, and garnish with green onions and parsley.

Shrimp Étouffée

“Étouffée” means “smothered” in French, capturing the essence of this rich, slow-cooked Cajun seafood dish. Originating from resourceful settlers, it blends a golden roux with fresh shrimp and spices, resulting in creamy comfort perfect for Mardi Gras indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 2 cups seafood stock or chicken broth
• 1 tsp Bayou Blackening Balm
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Cooked white rice, for serving
• Chopped parsley and green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare a blond roux by melting butter and whisking in flour over medium heat until golden (5–8 minutes).
2. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Slowly add seafood stock while stirring.
4. Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
5. Stir in shrimp and simmer until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through (about 5 minutes).
6. Serve over cooked rice; garnish with parsley and green onions.

Classic Po’ Boys

The Po’ Boy sandwich reflects the heart and history of New Orleans, born during a 1929 streetcar strike when sandwiches were served to support striking workers. French bread is loaded with crispy fried seafood or roast beef and dressed with classic fixings, making it a Mardi Gras staple.

Ingredients:

• French bread baguette or Po’ Boy rolls
• Lettuce, shredded
• Fried shrimp or fried oysters (recipe below)
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Mayonnaise or Creole mustard
• Hot sauce (optional)

Fried Shrimp/Oysters:

• 1 lb shrimp or oysters
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp  Bayou Blackening Balm
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Dip shrimp or oysters in buttermilk.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, and seasoning in a bowl.
3. Coat seafood evenly in the mixture.
4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C); fry seafood until golden and crispy (~2-3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
5. Slice bread lengthwise; spread mayonnaise or Creole mustard inside.
6. Layer fried seafood, lettuce, tomato, and pickles on bread.
7. Add hot sauce if desired; serve immediately.

Bring the festive flavors of New Orleans right to your kitchen this Mardi Gras with these traditional recipes! Whether gathering family or friends, these dishes promise an unforgettable Mardi Gras feast.

Looking for Libations?

• Hurricane Cocktail
• Fat Tuesday Cocktails
• Maple Infused Mint Juleps
• Old Fashioned 
• Champagne Cocktails
  

Ready to explore even more flavors this Mardi Gras?
Discover bold flavors and festive traditions with the Epicurean Explorer Subscription Bags—packed with curated ingredients, spice blends, and step-by-step guides that bring the world’s vibrant tastes straight to your doorstep. Cheers to your next great cocktail adventure!

Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)