9 Signature Mardi Gras Food Recipes

The Traditional King Cake

No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without the traditional king cake, also known as a twelfth night cake. The cake is frosted with gold, green, and purple icing representing power, faith, and justice respectively. These traditional colors date back to 1872 and were taken from a prominent parade group, called a krewe. Although the cake is colorful and tasty, the real fun is found inside.

The maker hides a token in the king cake. The tokens may be a dried red bean or a baby figurine, representing the Christ child. When the cake is cut and shared, the person who finds the hidden treasure is said to enjoy good luck for the coming year. The lucky recipient may also be expected to bake the king cake or throw the Mardi Gras party the following year.

French Quarter Beignets

A trip to New Orleans' famous French Quarter is not complete without a delightful beignet. They're fluffy bits of deep-fried dough and an ideal companion to a cup of chicory coffee. There's no need to wait for your next NOLA adventure, either; these French Quarter beignets are easy and fun to make at home.

Signature Spice Blend

Cajun food is often thought of as "country" cooking, where Creole tends to be more elegant and sophisticated, sometimes referred to as "city" cuisine. However, the two are very similar and both rely on signature spice blends. 

Cajun Spice Mix: A classic Cajun seasoning mix is the spicier of the two. It can be used on almost any meat and to flavor a variety of soups and sauces. One batch will last you quite a while and with 12 different spices, your food will be anything but bland. 

Creole Spice Blend Mix:  A classic Creole spice blend uses just eight spices. This signature spice blend is slightly milder because it skips the extra chili powder common in Cajun seasonings. This blend can also be used to season any type of meat and many soups, sauces, and side dishes, such as rice.

Crab Boil

A crab boil is perfect for any seafood-loving crowd and it can be done with any type or combination of seafood. The key ingredient to a great crab boil is the spice mix. This recipe is a simple combination of 10 spices and it is full of flavor that accents the seafood perfectly.

Creole Gumbo

Louisiana is famous for its gumbo, a spicy stew that can include an endless array of ingredients. Gumbos vary greatly, though some combinations are just perfect and this recipe shows off one of those iconic duos. This Creole gumbo has okra, onions, peppers, celery, tomatoes, and a bunch of spices, including that essential Creole seasoning.

Shrimp Jambalaya

Jambalaya is the region's other famous dish and it's very versatile. Where gumbo is more of a stew, jambalaya is a rice dish, though it's just as hearty and spicy. A classic shrimp jambalaya is a perfect recipe for beginners. Cooked in a tomato base with those signature spices and the "trinity" of bell peppers, celery, and onions, it's absolutely delicious.

Fried Shrimp Po'Boy

New Orleans is known for some fine sandwiches and top among those is the famous po'boy. This hero sandwich can include fried oysters or other fillings, but the fried shrimp po'boy is one that you can easily make yourself. 

The shrimp are deep-fried in a cornmeal batter using either Cajun or Creole seasoning. They're then piled onto a French baguette with mayonnaise, tomato, and lettuce. It's an unforgettable sandwich you won't want to miss.

Deep-Fried Turkey

So, you want to cook a turkey Southern-style? You will need a turkey fryer because deep-fried turkey is the best way to go. This is definitely an outdoor project and it's the fastest ways to cook a turkey. The result is one of the juiciest birds you'll ever eat and the crispy skin is delectable.

Creole Mustard

Sure, you can buy creole mustard at the store. But making it from scratch gives you more control over the flavor and tends to yield better results. With mustard seeds, a nice selection of spices, and some vinegar, you're ready to make this classic condiment. It's a rather large batch, but it makes a great gift and it tastes so great that you'll definitely want to share.