Jazz up your dinner table with some Mardi Gras flavors! Whether you’re gearing up for Fat Tuesday or just in the mood to spice up your meal routine, these 13 mouthwatering Mardi Gras favorites are ready to bring the party.
Cajun Catfish
This air fryer Cajun catfish will make you forget about deep-frying. You get all the crispy cornmeal fried goodness without the oil-splattered aftermath, and the spicy tartar sauce? It’s the zing that makes the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Catfish
Instant Pot Jambalaya
Let the good times roll with a bowl of Instant Pot Jambalaya that’s a one-pot wonder, brimming with shrimp, sausage, chicken, and just the right amount of spice. It’s like a Mardi Gras parade, without the hassle of beads getting everywhere. Dinner’s served, and it’s bringing the heat!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jambalaya
Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Cajun Chicken Pasta is your creamy, dreamy ticket to a night in New Orleans. The chicken’s so tender, it practically falls apart with a stern look, and that sauce? It’s got more kick than a Bourbon Street band. Serve it and let the good times noodle on.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Dirty Rice, made in the Instant Pot, is the kind of dish that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for clean rice. This one-pot family dinner is a mixture of beef, rice, and just enough spice to make life nice. It’s the Cajun comfort food that’ll dirty up your dining routine—in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Cajun Pasta Salad
Turn up the volume on your side dish game with a Cajun Pasta Salad that’s got more personality than a Mardi Gras float. Toss together pasta, crunchy veggies, and a remoulade-style dressing that’s creamy and spicy.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta Salad
Instant Pot Gumbo
Who knew your pressure cooker could do a gumbo that tastes like it’s straight out of a Cajun kitchen? Sausage and shrimp team up with okra in this stew that’s hearty enough to satisfy a Mardi Gras krewe.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Gumbo
Cajun Wings
With these crispy Cajun Wings, you’ll be the MVP of snack time, whether it’s Mardi Gras or just a regular Tuesday. They’re coated in spices and you can air fry or bake them to crispy perfection. It’s like a wing-flavored trip down Bourbon Street, minus the cover charge.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Wings
Red Beans and Rice
This Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice recipe is comfort food in a bowl, with all the beans, veggies, sausage, and seasoning you need for a fabulous meal. It’s a New Orleans classic that’s been pressure-cooked into the 21st century.
Get the Recipe: Red Beans and Rice
Cajun Steak with Grilled Patatas Bravas
Spice up your steak night with a Cajun twist that’ll have everyone at the table saying “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” Grilled Patatas Bravas on the side give a nod to Spain but with a Southern drawl. It’s quick, it’s hearty, and it’ll have your family declaring it a carnivore’s carnival.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Steak with Grilled Patatas Bravas
Blackened Chicken Tenders
These Blackened Chicken Tenders have a homemade spin that’s easy on the wallet and the waistline. Juicy on the inside, savory and just the right amount of spice on the outside—it’s finger-lickin’ without the guilt. Whip these up and watch them disappear faster than beads at a parade.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Chicken Tenders
Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Enjoy pure comfort food with a Shrimp and Grits Casserole that packs a punch of Southern charm and Cajun flair. Every bite is a savory symphony of baked grits and perfectly seasoned shrimp, smothered in a sauce that’s all kinds of right.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Grits Casserole
Cajun Dip
Say goodbye to bland and hello to bam! with this Cajun Dip that’s zesty and amazing. Dunk, spread, and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have you seeing fireworks.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Dip
Baked Blackened Salmon
This Baked Blackened Salmon is a midweek marvel, bringing the heat with a smoky and spicy crust that’ll make your mouth water. In less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a main dish that’s savory and just the right amount of naughty.
Get the Recipe: Baked Blackened Salmon