Mardi Gras Recipes

Celebrate Mardi gras recipe with Bold, Low-Carb Cajun & Creole Flavors, Bring the Spirit of New Orleans to Your Table

Mardi Gras has always been one of my favorite times of the year—the energy, the colors, the music, and, of course, the food. Growing up, I remember watching parades, tossing beads, and sitting down to a table filled with rich, flavorful Cajun and Creole dishes that felt like a celebration on a plate.

But when I started eating low-carb, I thought I’d have to give up some of my favorites—fluffy beignets, spicy jambalaya, creamy étouffée, and that iconic king cake. That didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to keep the bold flavors of New Orleans alive in my kitchen, without the sugar and excess carbs.

So I started experimenting. I swapped rice for cauliflower rice, used almond flour in my beignets, and found ways to get that deep, smoky spice blend without the extra carbs. And let me tell you—the results were just as good as the classics I grew up with.

These Mardi Gras Recipes bring all the best parts of Mardi Gras into your home—the heat, the richness, the comfort—without the carb overload. Whether you’re throwing a full-on Mardi Gras party or just want to bring a little Louisiana magic to your weeknight dinner, this collection has you covered.

So grab your beads, turn up some jazz, and let’s make a meal worth celebrating.

Must-Try Keto Mardi Gras Recipes

1. Cajun Shrimp & Cauliflower Grits

A classic Southern dish made low-carb with creamy, cheesy cauliflower grits.
Why you’ll love it: The shrimp are sautéed in butter, garlic, and Cajun spices, creating the perfect balance of heat and richness.
Pro tip: Add crispy bacon bits on top for extra crunch.
👉 Get the recipe

2. Blackened Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce

Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a bold blackened spice mix, served with a rich garlic butter sauce.
Why you’ll love it: Simple, quick, and bursting with flavor.
Make it a meal: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts or mashed cauliflower.
👉 Get the recipe

3. Keto Jambalaya

All the classic flavors of jambalaya, without the rice! This version uses cauliflower rice to soak up the smoky, spicy broth.
Why you’ll love it: A one-pot meal packed with chicken, sausage, and shrimp—no one will miss the carbs.
Pro tip: Let the spices simmer for at least 15 minutes to deepen the flavor.
👉 Get the recipe

4. Low-Carb Crawfish Étouffée

A creamy, rich stew made with tender crawfish tails, butter, and Cajun spices, served over cauliflower rice.
Why you’ll love it: It’s indulgent, satisfying, and full of authentic Louisiana flavor.
Don’t have crawfish? Swap in shrimp or chicken.
👉 Get the recipe

5. Cheesy Cajun Crab Dip

A creamy, spicy dip loaded with crab meat, cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning, baked until bubbly and golden.
Why you’ll love it: The perfect appetizer for any Mardi Gras gathering!
Serve with: Keto crackers, celery sticks, or pork rinds.
👉 Get the recipe

6. Andouille Sausage & Peppers Skillet

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring smoky Andouille sausage, sautéed onions, and bell peppers.
Why you’ll love it: Full of flavor, high in protein, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Make it a meal: Serve over cauliflower rice or inside a keto wrap.
👉 Get the recipe

7. Low-Carb King Cake

The ultimate Mardi Gras dessert, made keto-friendly with almond flour, cinnamon, and a sugar-free glaze.
Why you’ll love it: Soft, sweet, and just as festive as the original—without the sugar crash.
Make it extra special: Add purple, gold, and green keto-friendly sprinkles for the full Mardi Gras effect.
👉 Get the recipe

Tips for a Perfect Mardi Gras Feast

Mardi Gras food is all about bold flavors, rich sauces, and a little bit of indulgence. But making these classics low-carb without losing that signature taste? That takes a few tricks. After years of tweaking recipes, I’ve found a few go-to tips that guarantee big flavor, easy prep, and zero regrets.

1. Don’t Hold Back on the Spices

Cajun and Creole cooking are all about layers of seasoning. You want smoky, spicy, and savory all in one bite. The key? Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne. If you’re making jambalaya or étouffée, don’t just sprinkle—season in layers. Add a little at the beginning, taste as you go, and finish strong.

2. Make It One-Pan (or One-Pot) for Less Cleanup

The best Mardi Gras dishes—jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp & grits—are naturally one-pot meals. That means maximum flavor and minimum dishes to wash. If you’re making blackened chicken or sausage and peppers, cook everything in the same pan to let those flavors mingle and intensify.

3. Swap Smart to Keep It Low-Carb

Some Mardi Gras staples are heavy on rice, flour, and sugar, but a few easy swaps fix that:
✔ Cauliflower rice instead of white rice in jambalaya and étouffée
✔ Almond flour for dredging shrimp or making beignets
✔ Sugar-free sweeteners for king cake and cocktails

4. Get That Signature Smoky Flavor

Traditional Cajun dishes have that deep, smoky flavor thanks to ingredients like smoked sausage, blackened seasoning, and fire-roasted tomatoes. If you don’t have smoked sausage, add a little smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for the same effect.

5. Let It Simmer for the Best Flavor

A quick meal is great, but if you’re making gumbo, étouffée, or jambalaya, let it cook a little longer. 15–20 extra minutes of simmering makes a huge difference. The flavors deepen, the sauce thickens, and everything just melts together beautifully.

6. Don’t Skip the Toppings

Mardi Gras food is all about layers of flavor—and that includes the toppings. A bowl of jambalaya or gumbo isn’t complete without:
✔ Fresh chopped green onions for a little bite
✔ A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up
✔ A few dashes of hot sauce (because more heat is always welcome)

7. Keep It Fun & Festive

At the end of the day, Mardi Gras is a celebration. Put on some New Orleans jazz, serve your meal with a sugar-free Hurricane cocktail, and don’t be afraid to go all in on the bold flavors.

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, Mardi Gras food isn’t just about eating—it’s about the experience.fun, flavor, and celebration. Set the table with bright colors, festive beads, and classic New Orleans jazz in the background.