With its bold blend of spices and diverse mix of ingredients, Cajun cuisine is perfect for creating a memorable meal to mark Mardi Gras. From gumbo to beignets, there’s no shortage of delicious New Orleans style recipes to choose from.
Here’s a list of 19 mouthwatering Cajun recipes that will add some spice to your Mardi Gras celebration. Whether you’re looking to stick with tradition or put a new spin on classic dishes, these recipes are sure to leave you wanting more.
Cajun Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Crispy Crunchy perfectly spicy grilled shrimp layered in soft shell tortillas with a crisp slaw make the best tacos!
Maple Bacon Beignets
Maple-glazed bacon beignets are definitely not your traditional New Orleans fare, but they’re perfect for Mardi Gras. How can you resist homemade donuts with maple syrup glaze?
Instant Pot Cajun-Spiced Chickpea Soup
This vegan Instant Pot soup is filled with flavorful Cajun seasoning, with no need to soak the chickpeas beforehand. Easy, filling, and delicious!
Cajun Corn-on-the-Cob
If you’re looking to add some spice to your Mardi Gras festivities, then this Cajun corn on the cob recipe is perfect. With a unique blend of Cajun spices and a touch of lime, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating at home or at a party, this recipe will transport you to the streets of New Orleans with every bite.
Cajun Fried Chicken Sandwich
This fried chicken sandwich has the perfect crisp crunch and just the right amount of heat. With a creamy slaw, it’s delicious in every bite.
Instant Pot Gumbo
Instant Pot Gumbo is delicious Cajun comfort food! This thick and hearty stew has sausage and shrimp cooked with okra.
Shrimp Po’boy Burgers
This fun burger has a Cajun-spiced all-beef patty topped with spicy grilled shrimp, shredded lettuce, tomato and a zesty remoulade sauce!
Air Fryer Cajun Catfish
Catfish is air fried with cornmeal and Cajun spices. This easy dinner can be on the table in minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight Mardi Gras celebration.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
Every bite of this classic dish is spicy, messy, and amazing. New Orleans BBQ Shrimp is a must try for anyone who loves southern cooking.
Instant Pot Jambalaya
This Cajun favorite is turned into an easy one pot Instant Pot meal. Using a pressure cooker makes it easy to have this ready fast.
Blackened Salmon
Take salmon to a whole new level in this quick and easy recipe for blackened salmon. Cleated in a blackening seasoning and pan fried to perfection its perfect over a variety of fresh veggies for an amazing meal.
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Red beans are cooked with sausage and veggies in this easy Instant Pot meal.
Crab Gumbo
This Crab Gumbo is layered with flavors and full of sweet, tender fresh crab. Serve it with white rice and garnish it with scallions.
Cajun Pasta Salad
Spice up dinner with this Cajun pasta salad. It has lots of pasta coated in a creamy remoulade style dressing. So easy and tasty!
Blackened Chicken Mac and Cheese
Level up your mac and cheese with the heat of blackened chickened cooled off by creamy macaroni pasta and rich cheese sauce.
Cajun Chicken Sausage Pasta
One of our favorite pasta dishes, this meal has it all. Just a little heat, creamy pasta sauce, chicken, andouille, and shrimp in every bite.
Surf and Turf Burgers
The perfect burger topped with crispy fried oysters? Does it get any better than a good surf and turf burger?
Instant Pot Dirty Rice
This recipe uses ground beef instead of chicken liver, but it still has lots of great New Orleans flavor.
Creole Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce
Sink into this indulgent bread pudding topped with a rich bourbon or whiskey sauce. Served warm for a classic dessert!
