25 Best Mardi Gras Recipes Inspired by New Orleans

Enjoy king cake, po'boys, and jambalaya-stuffed peppers.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Pioneer Woman shares a collection of 25 Mardi Gras-inspired recipes, including classic New Orleans dishes like king cake, gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp po'boys, and more. The recipes feature bold Cajun and Creole flavors and are perfect for celebrating the festive holiday.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a beloved annual celebration in New Orleans, with a rich culinary tradition. These recipes allow home cooks across the country to bring the flavors of the Big Easy into their own kitchens and experience the indulgence and revelry of Fat Tuesday.

The details

The recipes span a range of Mardi Gras favorites, from sweet treats like king cake and beignets to savory dishes like jambalaya, shrimp étouffée, and fried catfish. Many of the recipes incorporate classic Cajun and Creole ingredients and techniques, such as the use of a roux, andouille sausage, Creole seasoning, and hot sauce. The collection also features unique twists on traditional dishes, like jambalaya-stuffed peppers and grilled okra.

  • The recipes were published on February 14, 2026.

The players

Ree Drummond

The Pioneer Woman, a popular food blogger and cookbook author who created many of the Mardi Gras recipes featured in the article.

Rodney Scott

A legendary pitmaster whose fried catfish recipe is included in the collection.

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What they’re saying

“Ree's recipe is made with both milk and buttermilk for the perfect balance of fluffy and rich.”

— C.W. Newell (thepioneerwoman.com)

“This Louisiana classic is rich, hearty, and packed with smoky flavor thanks to sausage, aromatics, and a whole ham hock.”

— Will Dickey (thepioneerwoman.com)

The takeaway

These Mardi Gras recipes capture the vibrant flavors and festive spirit of New Orleans, allowing home cooks to bring the Big Easy celebration into their own kitchens and experience the indulgence and revelry of Fat Tuesday.