How to Make the Ultimate King Cake for Mardi Gras (and More Mardi Gras Recipes!) (2024)

How to Make the Ultimate King Cake for Mardi Gras (and More Mardi Gras Recipes!) (1)

If there’s one image we associate with Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it’s parades. The dancing, the floats and the seas of purple, yellow and green are enticement enough to hightail it straight to the French Quarter come Fat Tuesday. But that’s not the only parade we’re thinking of: There’s also the endless stream of incredible dishes, many of which draw influence from French, African and Caribbean cuisines, among others. If you can’t make it to Bourbon Street this year though, you can at least try your hand at some of these iconic Mardi Gras recipes.

Consider this list our ode to the big flavors of the Big Easy, from comfort food like fried oyster-stuffed po-boys and rib-sticking stews to classic co*cktails. You'll also find tons of fresh seafood, bountiful rice dishes and hearty sandwiches. End the day on a sweet note with treats like sugar-dusted beignets and bananas foster.

Not sure where to start? If you're only going to make one thing, try king cake, a Mardi Gras tradition. According to the Christian faith, Jesus first appeared to the Three Wise Men on the night referred to as the Epiphany (also known as Three Kings Day or Twelfth Night). This is the day Mardi Gras season officially kicks off, and when revelers start eating king cake. Some bakers put a miniature plastic baby, symbolizing the baby Jesus, inside of the cake. While you can eat almost all of these dishes any time of year, this colorful ring-shaped cake is a true Mardi Gras food — meaning some consider it sacrilege to eat it before Three Kings Day. So study up on some quintessential Mardi Gras facts, then get your grocery lists ready: It’s almost Fat Tuesday.

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King Cake

This sweet, yeasted King Cake recipe is a classic for Mardi Gras. Plastic baby optional!

Get the King Cake recipe.

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Saucy Creole-Inspired Shrimp

Sweet, succulent shrimp simmered in zesty Creole seasoning makes for an unbeatable combination.

Get the Saucy Creole Shrimp recipe.

RELATED: 28 Healthy and Delicious Ways to Eat All the Shrimp

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Brioche Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Caramel Sauce

Bread pudding wasn’t invented in NOLA, but they sure know how to do it right. This version goes over the top with a buttery bourbon-spiked caramel sauce.

Get the Brioche Bread Pudding with Bourbon-Caramel Sauce recipe.

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Mint Julep

This refreshing bourbon co*cktail is the perfect match for a spicy Creole or Cajun feast.

Get the Mint Julep recipe.

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Oysters with Mustard-Horseradish Relish

Oysters are a staple of the Gulf. Try topping them with this fresh, spicy horseradish-based sauce.

Get the Oysters with Mustard-Horseradish Relish recipe.

Shaved Ice

Snowballs are a popular treat in New Orleans, made from shaved ice flavored with sweet syrups. Try this lemon-raspberry option!

Get the Shaved Ice recipe.

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Blackened Fish with Green Rice

Cajun spices like paprika, garlic powder and cayenne bring the Big Easy's bold flavors to this tilapia dish.

Get the Blackened Fish with Green Rice recipe.

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Pecan Pralines

No Mardi Gras fete's menu would be complete without a pecan-filled treat, and these pralines hit the spot after a spicy meal.

Get the Pecan Pralines recipe.

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New Orleans Cajun Beef and Grits

While it may be spring in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, many parts of the country are still stuck in winter. Warm up with this cozy, comforting dish.

Get the New Orleans Cajun Beef and Grits recipe.

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Ramos Gin Fizz

Egg white and heavy cream make for a frothy, creamy-textured drink. This one feels ultra old-school — and very New Orleans.

Get the Ramos Gin Fizz recipe.

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Easy Beignets

Beignets buried in powdered sugar are worth the trip to New Orleans alone. Tide yourself over with these equally drool-worthy homemade ones.

Get the Easy Beignets recipe from Delish.

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Hurricane co*cktail

A New Orleans classic made with rum, fresh citrus and passionfruit juice, this sweet co*cktail gets the party started.

Get the Hurricane co*cktail recipe from Delish.

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Gumbo

The official dish of Louisiana, gumbo generally consists of meat or shellfish simmered in stock and thickened with flour. Our hearty version uses chicken and sausage.

Get the Gumbo recipe from Woman's Day.

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Muffuletta

This massive sandwich is a NOLA original, and is typically filled with cold cuts, cheese and olive salad. The only rule? Don't skimp on the filling!

Get the Muffuletta recipe from Woman's Day.

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Jambalaya

This dish comes from 18th century Spanish settlers in Louisiana, who tried to replicate their familiar paella. The result mixes in French and African influences, and is completely delicious.

Get the Jambalaya recipe from Woman's Day.

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Po Boy Style Shrimp Burgers with Cajun Spiced Tots

Pair juicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp burgers with spicy tots for a fun, New Orleans-inspired dinner.

Get the Po Boy Style Shrimp Burgers with Cajun Spiced Tots recipe from Woman's Day.

RELATED: 33 Unique, Homemade Burger Recipes to Cook on Repeat

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Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

With Creole seasoning and two types of sausage, this delicious stew does not shy away from flavor.

Get the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo recipe from Woman's Day.

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Bananas Foster

This iconic dessert of bananas flambeed with rum and sugar owes its creation to the legendary Bourbon Street restaurant Brennan’s. Serve with vanilla ice cream — for historical accuracy, of course.

Get the Bananas Foster recipe from Delish.

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Crawfish Boudin Balls

This crispy fried snack is typically stuffed with meat and rice, but our version uses crawfish (you can sub shrimp if you'd like!) for a true taste of the Big Easy.

Get the Crawfish Boudin Balls recipe from Country Living.

RELATED: 50+ Easy Appetizers and Snacks to Get the Party Started

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Drunk Grasshoppers

Tujague's restaurant in New Orleans is credited with inventing this sweet and minty co*cktail... that doubles as dessert.

Get the Drunk Grasshoppers recipe from Delish.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or beliefs, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Let's dive into the different concepts related to Mardi Gras and the dishes mentioned:

Mardi Gras:

Mardi Gras is a festival celebrated in many parts of the world, but it is most famously associated with New Orleans, Louisiana. It is also known as "Fat Tuesday" and is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. Mardi Gras is known for its vibrant parades, colorful costumes, music, and indulgent food and drink. The festival has a rich history and cultural significance, drawing influences from French, African, and Caribbean traditions.

King Cake:

King Cake is a traditional dessert associated with Mardi Gras. It is a ring-shaped cake made from sweet, yeasted dough and is often decorated with colored sugar or icing in the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, yellow, and green. One of the key features of a King Cake is the hidden plastic baby figurine inside the cake. According to tradition, the person who finds the baby in their slice of cake is said to have good luck and is responsible for hosting the next King Cake party. King Cake is typically enjoyed during the Mardi Gras season, especially on the day of the Epiphany (also known as Three Kings Day or Twelfth Night), which officially kicks off the Mardi Gras season.

Creole and Cajun Cuisine:

The dishes mentioned in the article draw influence from Creole and Cajun cuisines, which are both prominent in Louisiana.

Creole cuisine: Creole cuisine is a blend of various culinary traditions, including French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. It is characterized by the use of rich flavors, spices, and ingredients such as seafood, rice, tomatoes, and the "holy trinity" of onions, bell peppers, and celery. Some popular Creole dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp étouffée.
Cajun cuisine: Cajun cuisine, on the other hand, is rooted in the rural traditions of French-speaking Acadian settlers who were expelled from Canada and settled in Louisiana. Cajun cuisine is known for its hearty and rustic dishes, often featuring ingredients like crawfish, andouille sausage, and rice. Gumbo, boudin, and red beans and rice are some examples of Cajun dishes.

Both Creole and Cajun cuisines are celebrated for their bold flavors and unique culinary heritage.

Iconic Mardi Gras Dishes:

The article mentions several iconic Mardi Gras dishes. Here are some of them:

Fried oyster-stuffed po-boys: A po-boy is a traditional Louisiana sandwich made with French bread and filled with various ingredients. The fried oyster-stuffed po-boy is a variation that features crispy fried oysters as the filling.
Rib-sticking stews: Stews are hearty and comforting dishes often made with a combination of meats, vegetables, and flavorful broths. They are known for their stick-to-your-ribs quality, providing warmth and sustenance.
Classic co*cktails: Mardi Gras is also known for its classic co*cktails, such as the Mint Julep and Hurricane. The Mint Julep is a refreshing bourbon-based co*cktail, while the Hurricane is a sweet and fruity rum-based co*cktail.
Fresh seafood: Given its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans is known for its abundance of fresh seafood. Oysters, shrimp, and crawfish are popular ingredients in many Mardi Gras dishes.
Rice dishes: Rice is a staple in Louisiana cuisine, and it features prominently in dishes like jambalaya and gumbo.
Sweet treats: Mardi Gras is a time for indulgence, and there are plenty of sweet treats associated with the festival. Beignets, a type of fried doughnut dusted with powdered sugar, and bananas foster, a dessert made with bananas flambéed in rum and sugar, are two examples mentioned in the article.

These dishes represent the diverse and flavorful culinary traditions of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

I hope this information helps you understand the concepts mentioned in the article. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!