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    Home » Meal Planning

    Mardi Gras Food to Help You Celebrate on a Budget

    Published: Feb 23, 2022 · Modified: Feb 23, 2022 by Jessica Fisher

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    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, please see our disclosure policy.
    collate of mardi gras food with text overlay.

    Rich in spiritual tradition, Shrove Tuesday also carries delicious implications, like pancakes, fried pastries, and Cajun flavors. Mardi Gras Food is fun, flavorful, and can be super frugal.

    Plan some of these recipes for a delicious Fat Tuesday. Your Mardi Gras Food will ensure that les bons temps rouler.

    overhead shot of large dish of cajun chicken pasta with sausage on black table with red cloth. this …
    Jump to:
    • Why Do This
    • Money-Saving Tips
    • Recipes
    • Have you got any favorite Mardi Gras recipes?

    Mardi Gras means “fat Tuesday” in French. In English it’s referred to as Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.

    Traditionally, it’s the day when one would purge the household of the foods that might be forbidden during Lenten observations. In previous times, rich foods, like butter, eggs, and cream, aka fats, were considered off limits in the weeks leading up to Easter.

    Using up all the good stuff as a last hoorah before a more sober season led to the more animated celebrations of Mardi Gras that continue worldwide today. Mardi Gras food, is indeed, fun food.

    Typically rich, decadent, and often fried, Mardi Gras Food is a fun thing to work into your meal plan in late winter.

    Why Do This

    It’s tradition. In 2022 Mardi Gras falls on March 1st, and is traditionally observed with some type of celebration. In the US, Mardi Gras food might include Cajun recipes as Louisiana is a hotbed of celebrations. Pancakes, donuts, crepes, and other fried foods are also part of the traditions world wide.

    It’s affordable. Serving pancakes for Mardi Gras is not only tradition, but it’s a good cheap eat. Dish up some flapjacks for dinner as a quick and easy weeknight meal.

    It’s delicious. Whether you go for something Cajun-inspired or simply dish up some donuts after a regular dinner, you’re bound to find some tasty Mardi Gras food ideas in this round-up of Good Cheap Eats.

    stack of blueberry pancakes with a lemon slice on the platter.

    Money-Saving Tips

    As you plan your Mardi Gras food, consider these money-saving strategies:

    • Shop the kitchen. What ingredients do you already have on hand that will serve as a festive meal? You save money every time you use something you have rather than going out to buy more.
    • Make a plan for leftovers. If you buy a special ingredient, like shrimp or andouille, make sure that you have a plan to use it up. Wasting food is a big money waster.
    • Check the sales. You’ll likely find sales for shrimp and other seafood right now in anticipation of Lent. Some faiths still abstain from meat at certain times during Lent, so marketers are going to be pushing fish and shrimp.
    • Cook from scratch. You’ll typically Save Money Cooking at Home as opposed to going to restaurants. Try your hand at your favorite gumbo or jambalaya and keep your costs down. Scroll down for some easy recipes for Mardi Gras food.
    • Freeze extra for later. If you’re going to fry up Gramma John’s Buttermilk Donuts or beignets, make extra to freeze. That way you can enjoy some fun food a weeks down the line.

    Recipes

    If you’d like to serve a special dinner in honor of Mardi Gras, consider one (or more) of these options.

    Disclaimer: I am not Cajun, so, no, my recipes aren’t authentically Cajun; I don’t claim otherwise. They are inspired by Cajun cuisine.

    Delicious, easy, and affordable, this Mardi Gras food is worth a try!

    Buttermilk Donuts
    Buttermilk Donuts have been a favorite in our family for decades. They are delicious and perfect for freezing.
    Check out this recipe
    buttermilk donuts stacked on a plate
    Easy Homemade Crepes
    Enjoy homemade crepes, save money, and enjoy la belle vie. This easy recipe will get you hooked on making crepes yourself at home.
    Check out this recipe
    close up of crepe folded and topped with strawberries and cream
    Puffed Pancake with Apples
    This Puffed Pancake bakes in the oven for the easiest breakfast ever. Bake apple compote in a dish alongside for the ultimate comfort breakfast.
    Check out this recipe
    wedge of puffed pancake on plate topped with apples, a fork is nearby.
    Banana Whole Wheat Pancakes
    Want to enjoy pancakes without a lot of added sugar? This recipe for Banana Whole Wheat Pancakes is packed with flavor and nutrition.
    Check out this recipe
    overhead shot of pancake stack topped with banana slices next to sausage patties.
    Blueberry Lemon Pancakes
    Blueberry Lemon Pancakes that you can serve hot or prep ahead of time for an easy morning breakfast!
    Check out this recipe
    blueberry lemon pancakes in meal prep boxes with sausage patties in the smaller compartment.
    Basic Pancakes
    This simple pancake recipe is easily to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. There are several ways to make it freezer-friendly as well.
    Check out this recipe
    pancakes arranged on a plate
    Cajun Spice Blend
    Save money on spice blends by making your own. This Cajun-inspired mix features onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, and cayenne.
    Check out this recipe
    small white dish of cajun spice blend on black table with a small spoon.
    Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya
    Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya just may be one of my favorite low carb recipes. Hot and spicy with a touch of sweetness from the squash, it’s the perfect healthy supper.
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of Jambalaya and Spaghetti Squash
    Jambalaya with Italian Sausage and Shrimp
    Feed the masses in style with this easy to prepare, one-pot meal of Jambalaya with Italian Sausage and Shrimp. It’s packed with flavor and composed of easy to find ingredients, no matter where you live.
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of Jambalaya on table
    Shrimp Pasta with Sausage
    Stir up a pot of comfort with this Shrimp Pasta with Sausage. It gets an added kick from a homemade Cajun seasoning mix.
    Check out this recipe
    fork and bowl with creamy jambalaya pasta
    Quick and Cheesy Polenta
    Polenta is a delicious, easy-to-prepare corn dish, similar to grits. I love it for its quick prep time and creamy goodness. Try this quick and cheesy polenta recipe for a great dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    A plate of sausage and greens, with Polenta
    Remoulade Tartar Sauce
    Dress up your favorite grilled or fried fish with this homemade Remoulade Tartar Sauce. It’s packed with flavor and a little Cajun kick.
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of Remoulade next to fish plate
    Cajun Chicken Salad
    This creamy chicken salad gets a kick from a custom blend and crunch from crisp celery. It’s great in lettuce wraps or on rolls.
    Check out this recipe
    A close up of a plastic container filled with chicken salad and vegetables
    Chicken Gumbo Soup
    Chicken Gumbo Soup, that childhood favorite from the red-labeled can is now within your reach – homemade, tastier, and better for you!
    Check out this recipe
    A person holding a ladle of soup
    Sausage Kabobs with Peppers & Onions
    Sausage Kabobs with Peppers and Onions are easy to make and super delicious. Such a meal comes together effortlessly for a simple grilled, weeknight dinner.
    Check out this recipe
    kabob skewers on grill

    Have you got any favorite Mardi Gras recipes?

    This post was originally published on February 20, 2012. It has been updated for content and clarity.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathleen D

      February 27, 2022 at 8:37 am

      I started celebrating Shrove Tuesday about 20 years ago when I got into Tudor history. Before that I used to make something New Orleans-y like Jambalaya. This year I will be making blueberry pancakes and bacon for dinner.

      Reply
    2. Stella Moser

      February 13, 2018 at 11:08 am

      We are having our pancakes tomorrow for Valentine’s (?) Tonight for Fat Tuesday we are having Mufalatta and King cake for dessert

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        February 13, 2018 at 4:28 pm

        Sounds delish!

        Reply
    3. kara owen

      February 08, 2018 at 4:58 am

      My kids go to Catholic school and every Fat Tuesday the Dads Club serves pancakes and bacon. That lunch day there’s, ‘no rules, no limits, no moms’ and the kids LOVE it. A Creole inspired dish for dinner that night sounds delicious and would be a good balance for the day 🙂

      Reply
    4. Alice E

      February 07, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      Jessica, do you think the Cajun spice mix would work without the black pepper. It looks interesting, but I have digestive trouble when I eat black pepper. I do get by with a little occasionally, but I try to avoid it. Do you think I could increase the cayenne slightly, or just add some summer savory?

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        February 07, 2018 at 2:16 pm

        I always recommend that folks omit an item that doesn’t sit well with them. If you can have cayenne pepper, you’ll have some kick. If you’re used to doing without black pepper, it should be just fine.

        Reply
    5. Rebecca

      February 07, 2018 at 11:08 am

      Thanks for the ideas. I was already planning to do pancakes for the kids that night, but maybe my husband and I will have the spaghetti squash jambalaya!

      Reply
      • Lynn from NC Outer Banks

        February 07, 2018 at 6:36 pm

        Rebecca, I prepared Jessica’s spaghetti squash jambalaya for the first time recently and it was delicious! I highly recommend it.

        Reply
        • Jessica Fisher

          February 20, 2018 at 8:24 pm

          So glad you enjoyed it!

    6. Melissa in GA

      February 07, 2018 at 9:03 am

      Let the good times roll!!

      My daughter is currently enjoying all the parades and carnival atmosphere in NOLA! She attended her first parade last week and I asked her – did you get any pretty beads? Her response was – if I did I lost them! That means she had so much “fun” she doesn’t remember. Lol. Ah, to be young again!

      I grew up on the gulf coast and it’s a part of our lives. Dad drove down last week for a doctors appointment and brought back a king cake – it was delicious.

      I made shrimp creole for supper on Sunday – it’s super easy.
      Sauté a medium chopped onion, a small chopped bell pepper, a finely chopped celery stalk and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1/4 cup butter for 10 minutes. Stir in a 15oz can of tomato sauce and a cup of water. Add a couple bay leaves, salt and cayenne pepper (or your Cajun spice mix). Heat to boiling and then reduce heat to low simmering uncovered for about 10-15 minutes. Stir in 2 pounds of peeled shrimp. Heat to boiling, reduce to medium and cook 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. The shrimp should be pink and firm. Remove the bay leaves and serve over hot cooked rice.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        February 20, 2018 at 8:24 pm

        Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    7. glen

      February 07, 2018 at 7:55 am

      Hmmmm……Being from New Orleans (both my parents born and raised there too) our idea of Mardi Gras food is very different. However, yours are a passable start for those interested in learning about our rich food culture.

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        February 07, 2018 at 1:51 pm

        I figured as much. Thanks for understanding that not everyone has had the advantage you’ve had. 🙂

        Reply
    8. M

      February 07, 2018 at 7:52 am

      What recipe is the top photo?

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        February 07, 2018 at 1:50 pm

        That is the Spaghetti Squash Jambalaya, only served on rice. There’s no squash in the topping. Some of my kids prefer it on rice.

        Reply
      • Alice E

        February 07, 2018 at 2:07 pm

        I think it is the jambalaya in the spaghetti squash recipe, only served over rice. If you link to the recipe one of the pics in it looks like the topping on the rice, at least to me.

        Reply

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