Mardi Gras Party Food And Drink Ideas

A Mardi Gras party isn’t a proper Mardi Gras party without the proper menu. Serve these Mardi Gras party food and drink ideas along with some great Mardi Gras party decorations and let the celebration begin!

Mardi Gras party food and drink ideas

Since New Orleans is all about good food and great drinks, a Mardi Gras party wouldn’t be complete without at least a couple of traditional menu items.

And there are some really good recipes that are associated with that region of the country.

Most of these dishes are easy to make and a lot of them can be prepared ahead of time, so that makes them even better options for a party.

So whether you’re hosting a Fat Tuesday celebration or a masquerade party for New Year’s Eve, these Mardi Gras party menu ideas will come in handy.

Mardi Gras party appetizers

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Shrimp Cocktail
  • Shrimp Cocktail is a traditional dish that is easy to make and is popular in New Orleans.  Buy a shrimp ring that comes with the sauce (just make sure to thaw it before the party) or make your own shrimp cocktail.
  • Crab Cakes are another Mardi Gras party appetizer favorite. I usually buy the Phillips Seafood mini crab cakes already made (from Costco) and just pop them in the oven. But if you have more time you can also make your own.
  • Crawfish Boudin Balls is a real Louisiana favorite. (When it’s made with crawfish, you know that’s true.)
  • Beer Batter Hush Puppies are served at the start of almost every meal in New Orleans. So it seems only natural to include them in our Mardi Gras party appetizer list.
  • Deviled Eggs – Because I think deviled eggs are perfect for every party 🙂

main course recipes

Jambalaya
  • Jambalaya is a mixture of shrimp, chicken and sausage with rice and some spices thrown in. It lasts for a long time in a crock pot so it’s a great party option!
  • A Crawfish Boil mixes … you guessed it … crawfish with corn, potatoes and spices to make a delicious (but messy) mixture.
  • Seafood Gumbo is another shrimp and sausage dish that tastes great!
  • Shrimp and Grits are a Southern favorite but may take some getting used to if you weren’t raised eating them.
  • Louisiana Red Beans and Rice is a traditional side dish that works well with most Mardi Gras mains.

Dessert Ideas

Mardi Gras King Cake ©brent Hofacker - stock.adobe.com
Mardi Gras King Cake ©brent Hofacker – stock.adobe.com
  • Mardi Gras King Cake is a little time consuming to make, but it wouldn’t be a Mardi Gras party without one!
  • Beignets are a New Orleans dessert that aren’t specific to Mardi Gras, but they are delicious. So I think they deserve a spot on the list 🙂
  • King Cake Dip is a non-traditional version of the original king cake, that is very tasty!

Mardi Gras Party Cocktails

New Orleans has some signature drinks that are easy to make which means they are perfect for Mardi Gras party cocktails.

Mardi Gras party drink - Hurricane ©Chad - stock.adobe.com
Hurricane ©Chad – stock.adobe.com
  • Hurricanes seem to be served at every bar on Bourbon Street and make a great addition to your Mardi Gras party.  Serve in a classic hurricane glass for more impact.
  • Mint Julep – Don’t let the name fool you…this is not a “sissy” drink.
  • The Sazerac is the official drink of New Orleans so it should be served at every Mardi Gras party.
  • Mardi Gras Jello Shots – Of course, no party of mine would be complete without some jello shots. These layered purple, gold and green ones fit right in with the Mardi Gras decor!

Other Mardi Gras Party Ideas

Do you have suggestions for other Mardi Gras party food and drink ideas? Tell us in the section below.

This post was originally published on February 8, 2019 but was updated with new content on February 19, 2024.


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2 Comments

  1. Stephanie says:

    Muffalettas Not exactly just for Mardi Gras but definitely New Orleans

    1. Wanda Simone says:

      Thanks, Stephanie! That’s a great suggestion 🙂