Mardi Gras Food and Drink Recipes for Fat Tuesday Celebrations (2024)

These classic Mardi Gras food and drink recipes are great for big and small celebrations. This collection of New Orleans cuisine includes everything from breakfast fare to Cajun appetizers, gumbos, po’ boys and étouffées, spirited co*cktails and Mardi Gras desserts. New Orleans dishes are what you want for your Mardi Gras party.

Table of Contents

1 Where did New Orleans cuisine originate from
2 What is Mardi Gras?
3 Mardi Gras in New Orleans
4 Spending time in the Crescent City
5 Mardi Gras Breakfast
6 Boozy Mardi Gras Drinks:
7 Inspired Cajun Appetizers
9 Mardi Gras Food - Side Dishes
10 Mardi Gras Desserts

Where did New Orleans cuisine originate from

New Orleans cuisine is steeped in a rich heritage of Creole and Cajun cooking that takes cues from a melting pot of European, Caribbean, African and Native American influences.

Culinary customs, methods, and techniques from Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Africa, and the West Indies, as well as traditions closer to home, converge to make the cuisine from New Orleans truly a worldly experience.

With so many amazing food cultures coming together in one place it’s no wonder that Louisiana cuisine, from humble to haute, is considered an epicurean powerhouse.

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Mardi Gras Food and Drink Recipes for Fat Tuesday Celebrations (2)

What is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras (literally Fat Tuesday in French) marks the Carnival celebration period extending from the Feast of the Epiphany to its culmination on Shrove Tuesday.

Traditionally, Mardi Gras is the last day of feasting and revelry before Lent, a traditional time of Christian penitence.

Mardi Gras Food and Drink Recipes for Fat Tuesday Celebrations (3)

Mardi Gras in New Orleans

No other city in America treats Mardi Gras with the same exuberance and abundance as New Orleans. It’s not a one-day affair, but a month long lead up to the big day with parades, beads, masks, costumes, imbibing and FOOD.

Mardi gras food runs the gambit from traditional King Cake and Gumbo to to soft, sugar coated beignets and sweet, high alcohol Hurricanes. Whether you’re celebrating in the Crescent City or not, paying homage with some of those classic recipes is a fun and delicious way to mark the end of Carnival and the beginning of Lent.

Spending time in the Crescent City

Personally, New Orleans is one of my absolute favorite vacation destinations.

I love the attitude of the residents, the slow drawl of a Cajun dialect and the sites and sounds which are a feast for the senses.

From the grand estates that line the Garden District to the debauchery of Bourbon Street, the fantastic shopping along Magazine Street and the food, food, food, that’s taken so seriously even the hole in the wall joints have an Instagram following.

And lest you think it’s all heavy, fried, or sauced food, I discovered my favorite salsa recipe at a low-key Mexican restaurant that we ducked into to get out of the rain. Not exactly Mardi gras food, but it’s good!

Mardi Gras Food and Drink Recipes for Fat Tuesday Celebrations (4)

Mardi Gras Breakfast

Start your Mardi Gras celebration with these New Orleans inspired breakfast dishes. From the traditional beignets made famous by Cafe Du Monde to the unexpected King Cake pancakes, these tasty recipes will get you into a party mood.

Personal Note: One of our favorite breakfast spots when visiting The Big Easy is Stanley's in Jackson Square. My pick is the soft-shell crab benedict. My husband goes for the boudin benedict. Avoid: The Court of the Two Sisters - major tourist trap and the food is just meh, not to mention over-priced.

Sourdough Beignets

Photo Credit:www.barleyandsage.com

Shoutout to Kyleigh at Barley and Sage for her rendition of the classic Cafe Du Monde beignets. Her sourdough version is buried under an avalanche of powdered sugar. Consider this Must Have Mardi Gras food if you can't make it to the French Market on Decatur Street.

Rustic Crab Quiche

This rustic crab quiche is loaded with lump crab meat in a savory egg custard. Perfect for Mardi Gras breakfasts or brunch, it's a classic New Orleans recipe that doesn't disappoint.

Bananas Foster Pancakes

Photo Credit:www.everyday-delicious.com

To heck with Fat Tuesday, these bananas foster pancakes might be the new weekend standard. Thanks to Aleksandra at Everyday Delicious for sharing her recipe.

Homemade Paczki (Polish Donuts)

Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com

Amy, from House of Nash Eats, makes the most glorious jelly-filled Paczki - they might give her classic beignets (next one down) stiff competition!

New Orleans Beignets

Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com

Plush and yeasty, these sugar-showered beignets from House of Nash Eats are worth every calorie.

Mardi Gras King Cake Cinnamon Rolls

Photo Credit:www.threeolivesbranch.com

King Cake is a classic Mardi Gras dessert recipe and Kim from Three Olives Branch has taken this sweet favorite one step further with her batch of Cinnamon Rolls with the telltale tri-color sugar embellishents.

Sausage Potato Hash Fried Eggs Benedict Recipe

Photo Credit:www.callmepmc.com

A delicious twist on Eggs Benedict, this Sausage Potato Hash Fried Eggs Benedict from Paula at Call Me PMC has perfect fried eggs over sausage potato hash. It's topped with an amazing, creamy blender hollandaise sauce.

Sourdough Beignets

Photo Credit:sourdoughbrandon.com

Sourdough gives these light beignets more depth of flavor and unmistakable flavor. Thanks to Brandon from Sourdough Brandon for sharing his recipe.

King Cake Beignets

Photo Credit:www.melissassouthernstylekitchen.com

Can't decide between King Cake and Beignets? Don't. Melissa from Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen has you covered with this mashup!

Bourbon Brown Sugar Banana Bread

You'll love this Southern Louisiana inspired recipe with crunchy toasted pecans and a healthy dose of bourbon mixed into the sweet banana bread batter. This makes several large loaves, so you can freeze some for later or share with other revelers.

King Cake Pancakes

Photo Credit:gritsandgouda.com

Here's a fun and inspired way to eat King Cake for breakfast... In pancake form! Kathleen from Grits and Gouda drizzles simple icing over a short stack of banana pancakes. Don't forget the traditional colored sanding sugars for this Mardi Gras breakfast food the kids will gobble up!

Cajun Andouille Sausage Sweet Potato Frittata

For a more savory start to the day (and slightly healthier), this New Orleans recipe with sweet potatoes and andouille sausage is quick and easy to make and loaded with Cajun flavors. Serve with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Irresistible Peach Praline Bread

Pralines are synonomous with New Orleans cuisine so we consider this richly speckled peach praline yeast bread a welcome new kid on the block where Mardi Gras food is concerned. This is perfect for breakfast because it's heavenly when toasted and served with a slather of farm fresh butter.

Buttery Peach Praline Scones

And speaking of pralines, these ridiculously buttery, tender peach praline breakfast scones are outta bounds. Everyone wants to start Mardi Gras with one or two of these flaky sweet breads on the menu.

V8 Bloody Mary

Because this post is about Mardi Gras food and drink, I think this V8 Bloody Mary counts as breakfast, don't you? At the very least, its the hair of the dog to get you moving the next day!

Boozy Mardi Gras Drinks:

When planning your food menu for Fat Tuesday, don't forget something to wash it all down with.

These classic Mardi Gras drinks range from sophisticated slow-sipping craft co*cktails to drinks that flow like Kool-Aid. No matter which you choose, these Bourbon Street inspired co*cktails are perfect to toast the occasion.

Easy Hurricane co*cktail Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com

Photo Credit:www.gritsandpinecones.com

It wouldn't be Mardi Gras without a hurricane -- drink that is. With two types of rum, passion fruit juice, orange and lime with a splash of grenadine. Be sure to use the proper glassware - something curvy is a must. Thanks to Sharon at Grits and Pinecones for her recipe.

Planter's Punch

Planters Punch is as popular in the Big Easy as it is on any Caribbean island. Serve this fruity rum punch co*cktail with a pineapple garnish and revel in the flavors. Paper umbrellas and swizzle sticks are optional for this Mardi gras drink.

Ramos Gin Fizz

Photo Credit:burrataandbubbles.com

From Burrata and Bubbles, Amanda gives this gin co*cktail a floral, citrusy vibe with a frothy head. Tastes like a celebration in a glass.

Bourbon Margarita

Photo Credit:thelittlestcrumb.com

This easy bourbon margarita via Alejandra from The Littlest Crumb is just like a regular margarita but with a whiskey twist. Made with bourbon, cointreau, lime juice and a dash of agave. Then shaken and served on the rocks in glass with a salted rim. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

B-52 Shots

Doing alcohol shots are definitely a "thing" on Bourbon Street, so these eye-poppying layered B-52 shots should be on your Mardi Gras party menu, too. Made with Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream and Grand Marnier, it's a party in a shot glass.

Absinthe Frappe

Photo Credit:www.gastronomblog.com

This icy Absinthe and Mint co*cktail from Jay and Leah at The Gastronom Blog will chill you to the bone! It's a traditional Louisiana drink that's instantly refreshing.

Limoncello co*cktail (Italian Limoncello Spritz Recipe)

Photo Credit:www.christinascucina.com

This Limoncello Spritz needs only 3 ingredients; limoncello, prosecco and sparkling water... A terrific daytime sipper that's light and refreshing.

Milk Punch

This co*cktail isn't as potent as the other Bourbon Street specials, but it is a very tasty sipper and a traditional New Orleans drink. Made with milk, spiced simple syrup and a shot of good brandy, bourbon or cognac (your choice).

Blackberry Sazerac

Photo Credit:www.gastronomblog.com

This fruity twist on the classic Sazerac uses a blackberry simple syrup blended with St. George Absinthe Verde. Enjoy this elegant sipper with a twist. Recipe compliments of Jay and Leah at The Gastronom Blog, so you KNOW its legit!

Gin French 75

There are two classic ways to make a French 75 and this recipe uses the more traditional, gin. It's light and bubbly with a spirited finish. Great with a twist of lemon and served in a champagne flute. This co*cktail is a classic libation that you'll love.

Cognac French 75

The Cognac French 75 uses French Cognac instead of gin with champagne (or sparkling wine) for a fizzy finish. Try this sophisticated classic New Orleans recipe served in a coupe with a twist. This is my personal favorite for cooler weather.

Blackberry Bourbon Smash

Photo Credit:thelittlestcrumb.com

This blackberry bourbon smash co*cktail via The Littlest Crumb is an easy-to-make craft co*cktail. Make with a homemade brown sugar blackberry and rosemary simple syrup, dash of fresh lime juice, bourbon and a splash of club soda.

Inspired Cajun Appetizers

The Crescent City is situated so close to the Gulf of Mexico, it's no wonder that seafood is a major part of New Orleans cuisine. Many of these Cajun appetizers are based on the local Southern Louisiana oysters shrimp and crawfish synonymous with the region.

Classic Oysters Rockefeller

Oysters rockefeller was first created at famed New Orleans restaurant, Antoines. Made with fresh oysters on the half-shell sauteed shallots and spinach deglazed with with pastis or Pernod and broiled under a layer of breadcrumbs. #doesntsuck.

Crawfish Queso Dip

Photo Credit:aimeebroussard.com

This cheesy seafood gem comes from Aimee Broussard from the website of the same name. This crawfish dip is best served hot with crunchy toasted crostini. YUM!

Boudin Balls

Photo Credit:keviniscooking.com

Nothing says New Orleans cuisine like Boudin sausage and this Cajun appetizer recipe, courtesy of Kevin over at Kevin Is Cooking makes the BEST! He recommends dipping these hot, crunchy sausage balls into a simple remoulade! The ultimate Mardi Gras bite!

Bayou Crab Chowder

Photo Credit:www.akitchenhoorsadventures.com

With potatoes, corn, sausage and Cajun spices, this rich chowder is a great way to start a meal! Thanks to A Kitchen Hoors Adventures for sharing this one.

Smoked Oysters

These smoked oysters are nothing like the kinds you find in a tin. They are succulent, briny, juicy and delicious. Healthy too --not something. you can usually say about Mardi Gras food.

Cajun Beer Boiled Peanuts

Photo Credit:www.biscuitsandburlap.com

These Cajun inspired Beer Boiled Peanuts from Pam and Sara at Biscuits and Burlap are a Southern snack just made for watching football games, but we think these Cajun appetizers are perfect food for Mardi Gras parties.

Hot Cajun Crab Dip

Photo Credit:casualfoodist.com

Don't you want to dig into this crab dip with some crackers or chips; from Brianna at Casual Foodist.

Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters

Mardi Gras grilled oysters have a Cajun butter sauce that's delectable with these savory bivalves. It's also a super easy recipe to make on any grill. Break out your oyster shucker, these are rich, spicy, briny and irresistible.

New Orleans-style BBQ Shrimp

Photo Credit:syrupandbiscuits.com

BBQ Shrimp is a constant on most menus in the Big Easy. It's a peel and eat affair that's a little messy, very delicious and a lot of fun. Thanks to Jackie at Syrup and Biscuits for sharing her recipe.

Oysters Bienville

Oysters Bienville is a New Orleans original -- with a flavorful wineand butter sauce these broiled beauties are a bit indulgent and go perfectly with co*cktails.

Shrimp Remoulade

Photo Credit:pinchandswirl.com

Marissa over at Pinch and Swirl makes the best Cajun shrimp remoulade and it's easier than you might think! Try this easy New Orleans inspired recipe for a simple but stellar starter.

Easy Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip

Photo Credit:www.gritsandpinecones.com

The only thing better than muffuletta dip, is hot muffuletta dip with two kinds of cheese and salami. This one uses a convenient store-bought giardiniera for a quick and easy Mardi Gras appetizer.

Deep Fried Oysters with Remoulade

Cornmeal crusted, deep fried oysters with a lip smacking remoulade sauce is an irresistible Mardi Gras appetizer. The shellfish are tender, hot and juicy with a crunchy fried cornmeal dredge. Great with an Abita beer.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Photo Credit:cheneetoday.com

Chenee from Chenee Today shares her classic New Orleans recipe for BBQ Shrimp and it's a doozy. These peel and eats are served warm in a spicy Creole butter sauce. You'll be licking your fingers the entire way through this lip-smacking recipe.

Muffuletta Dip

Photo Credit:gritsandgouda.com

Kathleen at Grits and Gouda shares her favorite Cajun appetizer, Muffuletta Dip! This savory dip has all the flavors of that famous sandwich and it's such a fun Mardi Gras party food. She recommends serving it with French bread crostini, pita chips or crackers.

Creole Shrimp Deviled Eggs with Bacon

Photo Credit:ericasrecipes.com

Try Creole deviled eggs for your Mardi Gras party spread. This New Orleans inspired recipe from Erica at Erica's Recipes has crisp bacon and succulent shrimp tucked into a classic deviled egg. These tasty bites go with lots of spirited libations.

Muffuletta Olive Salad

Talk about your classic New Orleans recipes... this Muffuletta Olive Salad -- is actually THE ONE you use on that famous sandwich, but it also makes a great dip for crackers, or spread over a schmear of cream cheese on a crust of bread. Can't stop eating this one...

Chargrilled Oysters

For a taste of the Crescent City, look no further than chargrilled oysters - they're buttery, cheesy and perfect with an Abita. Just like Drago's makes!

Cajun Shrimp Dip

Photo Credit:www.ketocookingwins.com

Want a cheesy, gooey Cajun appetizer? Jenn over at Keto Cooking Wins makes a delicious Cajun Shrimp Dip! So good, you'll have people clamoring at the buffet!

Classic Oyster Stew

Oyster Stew is a simple 20 minute New Orleans dish of shucked briny oysters, milk, butter and a few drops of hot sauce. Serve guests a cup of this seafood soup as a starter to a larger meal.

Mardi Gras Food - Mains & Entrees

These classic New Orleans inspired dishes are perfect for any Mardi Gras party, big or small. From New Orleans Gumbo recipes to classic Red Beans and Rice, Po' Boys, Muffulettas and Etouffées, these are some of the best Mardi Gras food ideas. Get inspired.

You can't get more authentic than Louisiana Red Beans Rice with Smoked Sausage. This hearty bowl of spicy, rich beans and smoked sausage is the ultimate food for Mardi Gras or anytime you're craving traditional New Orleans dishes.

Dirty Rice

Photo Credit:www.wenthere8this.com

Dirty rice is a classic Cajun style New Orleans recipe. Made with white rice, ground chicken liver and pork, spices and seasoning, it's rich and delicious. Shout out to Danielle at Went Here 8 This for sharing her delicious recipe.

The Best Shrimp Creole

Photo Credit:www.fromachefskitchen.com

Carol at From a Chef's Kitchen shares her richecipe, Shrimp Creole r and it's a doozy! Just look at the mahogany color she got on her roux!

Creole jambalaya

Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com

Feed the whole Krewe (get it?) with Creole Jambalaya, loaded with chicken, shrimp and andouille sausage! This recipe is courtesy of Caroline's Cooking!

Cajun Pasta with Sausage and Peppers

Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com

This Cajun Pasta with Sausage is a dish we'd like to swim in! Thanks to Amy from House of Nash Eats for sharing her recipe.

Cajun Skillet Jambalaya

This quick and easy shrimp and ham skillet jambalaya will make you think you're down on the Bayou. Best of all, this simple new Orleans inspired recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and only uses one pan! You're welcome!

Seafood Gumbo

Photo Credit:grandbaby-cakes.com

Gumbo is a classic food for Mardi Gras and this generations old New Orleans Seafood Gumbo Recipe is chock-full of tender shrimp, oysters and crabmeat swimming in a spiced broth that began with a medium-deep roux! Thanks to Jocelyn at Grandbaby Cakes for sharing her recipe.

Crawfish Étouffée

This etouffee recipe is easy to make in a rich seafood gravy. Serve it with rice - with a steamed bug on the side for authenticity!

Cornmeal Crusted Shrimp Po' Boy

Photo Credit:thesuburbansoapbox.com

A Louisiana classic, this Cornmeal Crusted Shrimp Po’ Boy sandwich is piled high with zesty flavors and it's the perfect Mardi Gras party food. Thanks to Kellie at the Suburban Soapbox for sharing!

Muffulettas

Speaking of sandwiches, Muffuletta is a classic New Orleans recipe that started as a convenient lunch for the working class. Now it's synonymous with New Orleans cuisine and Mardi Gras food. Get the recipe for the traditional Mufuletta Bread (a.k.a. "muffs") and the easy Olive Salad to make it legit!

Shrimp Etouffee

Photo Credit:theforkedspoon.com

This classic New Orleans recipe is a traditional Louisiana dish with a buttery, richly seasoned sauce over fresh shrimp and rice. This recipe via Rachel at Craving Some Creativity says its one of her childhood favorites.

Fried Shrimp Po Boy Recipe - House of Nash Eats

Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com

Fried shrimp po-boys are a must when visiting the Crescent City and they're a sure-fire crowd pleaser for your Shrove Tuesday celebrations. Thanks to Amy at House of Nash Eats for giving us her recipe.

Seafood, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

This seafood chicken and sausage gumbo doesn't lack for anything with shrimp and oysters, meaty chicken thighs and smoked sausage in a dark, rich roux. No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without this famed New Orleans recipe.

Grillades ‘n’ Grits

Photo Credit:gypsyplate.com

Alpana at GypsyPlate certainly has our attention with her version of Grillades n' Grits! Grillands are Creole in soul, where medallions of meat are pan-fried and then gently braised in a rich tomato based gravy. I'd call this essential Mardi Gras food!

Spicy Confetti Shrimp

Photo Credit:whatagirleats.com

Cynthia from What A Girl Eats makes a festive Confetti Shrimp you'll love. Perfect with rice.

Easy Red Beans and Rice with Sausage

Photo Credit:mykitchenserenity.com

These red beans, sausage and rice are pure Louisiana comfort food. The recipe comes from Anne at My Kitchen Serenity -- thanks so much for sharing!

The Greatest Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Photo Credit:healthyfitnessmeals.com

Cajun shrimp pasta? Say no more... Thanks to Rena at Healthy Fitness Meals for this spicy, flavorful skillet dinner.

Cajun Meatballs and Pasta

It's the spice blend that makes these Cajun Pork Meatballs and pasta so flavorful. With a creamy Cajun-inspired sauce and quick-sauteed veggies, it's an easy New Orleans recipe that the whole family will love.

Chicken and Smoked Sausage Jambalaya

Chicken and sausage are a classic New Orleans pairing and they go so well together in this yummy jambalaya. Thanks to Chris at Carne Diem for the recipe.

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp and Cheesy Grits

Photo Credit:cookingandcussing.com

BBQ Shrimp and Cheesy Grits is quintessential New Orleans cusine that's perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras. Pass the bowl and the hot sauce! Thanks to Hailey at Cooking and Cussing (love that name) for sharing her recipe.

Red Bean and Sausage Soup

This Red Bean and Sausage Soup is brothy, boldly seasoned and absolutely irresistible. Make a big pot of this classic New Orleans recipe for your Mardi Gras spread.

Crawfish Boil Recipe

Photo Credit:www.callmepmc.com

For a real taste of the bayou, you can't go wrong with a legit Crawfish boil. This one comes from Paula at Call Me PMC and it's perfect for a Mardi Gras party. Spread out the newspaper and spread your Crawfish boil over it. It doesn't get more Louisiana than this.

Mardi Gras Food - Side Dishes

You can transform a simple rotisserie chicken dinner into a Mardi Gras celebration with Cajun, Creole or Big Easy inspired side dishes. Here are a few that will complement everything from smothered beef and pork to blackened fish, chicken and seafood.

Cajun Sauce

Photo Credit:www.threeolivesbranch.com

Kim, at Three Olives Branch has a Cajun Sauce that's good for dipping, but can also transform any protein into New Orleans fare.

Corn Macque Choux

Corn Macque Choux is a blend of corn and other veggies with a spicy seasoning mix. We sautee the veg in rendered bacon fat and add the crispy bacon bits as a garnish.

Easy Dirty Rice (Instant Pot or Stovetop)

Photo Credit:houseofnasheats.com

Dirty rice is a rich, spicy dish that's delicious with other entrees but is solid enough to be a meal on its own. This version comes from Amy at House of Nash Eats.

Favorite Crawfish Mac and Cheese

Photo Credit:burrataandbubbles.com

Seriously, rich, cheesy and loaded with crawfish, this mac and cheese from Burrata and Bubbles is swoon-worthy. Thanks, Amanda, for sharing your recipe.

Cajun Maque Choux Macaroni Salad

Photo Credit:ericasrecipes.com

Macque Choux in macaroni salad form comes from Erica at Erica's recipes. It's kid-friendly and perfect for pot lucks.

Louisiana Rice Dressing (a holiday favorite)

This rice dressing uses chicken livers, sausage and rice with creole seasonings and crunchy toasted pecans. It's a delicious side dish and feeds a crowd.

Collard Greens and Potlikker

Collards and smoked turkey wings are a delicious pairing -- even better is the broth (potlikker) that comes from the slow braise. Perfect for dunking cornbread.

Mardi Gras Desserts

These Cajun desserts are worth every single calorie. Besides, Lenten fasting starts the next day so make one, two or three of these Mardi Gras desserts to hold you and your guests over 'til Easter.

Bourbon Bread Pudding with Bourbon Cr�me Anglaise

Photo Credit:bakerstable.net

Probably one of the prettiest Bread Pudding's ever, this verson comes from Traci and Caylie at Baker's Table.

Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake

Tucked inside each Mardi Gras King cake is a porcelain baby figure (or dried bean) that crowns the lucky recipient as the "King of the party"-- and also makes that person responsible for bringing a King Cake to the next Mardi Gras party. This traditional New Orleans recipe makes a soft yeast cake, swirled with cinnamon and topped with traditional green, purple and gold sparkling sugar garnish.

Bourbon Pralines and Cream Ice Cream

Speaking of pecan pralines, we love to use this classic Cajun candy dessert mixed into another Mardi Gras dessert recipe... Bourbon Pralines and Cream Ice Cream. You can taste the boozy hit of bourbon in this lush, creamy ice cream and the crunchy sweet bits of praline are irresistible.

Bananas Foster Macaron

Photo Credit:www.akitchenhoorsadventures.com

Christie from A Kitchen Hoors Adventures shares these outrageous Bananas Foster Macaron. The colors are pure Mardi Gras, but the flavors will keep you coming back for more.

The BEST Bananas Foster

Photo Credit:grandbaby-cakes.com

This Mardi Gras dessert is a MUST for your celebration. Jocelyn at Grandbaby Cakes makes her classic Bananas Foster recipe, with sliced bananas in a cinnamon caramel sauce, then flambees them in rum and banana liqueur to create the sweet treat of your dreams!

Pumpkin Praline Bread Pudding

Photo Credit:flavormosaic.com

Bread pudding is a common Cajun dessert and this one from Michele at Flavor Mosaic is made with pumpkin and those ubiquitous pecan pralines.

Mardi Gras Puppy Chow

Photo Credit:www.threeolivesbranch.com

Technically, this could be a sweet snack or dessert - either way, we love the bold Mardi Gras colors in this fun rendition of classic puppy chow from Kim at Three Olives Branch.

Bananas Foster Cheesecake in Oatmeal Cookie Crust

Photo Credit:senseandedibility.com

Marta from Sense and Edibility takes traditional bananas foster one step further by turning it into a rich cheesecake with an oatmeal cookie crust. She tops the whole shebang with a rich, oozy brown sugar and rum caramel sauce.

Southern Bourbon Caramel Sauce with Toasted Pecans

Speaking of caramel sauces... Here's a classic New orleans recipe that will transform a simple dish of vanilla into something ethereal. Homemade caramel sauce embellished with a splash of bourbon and lots of toasted Southern pecans.

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