Mardi Gras isn’t just about beads and parades—it’s a full-on feast for the senses! This year, bring the celebration to your kitchen with three show-stopping recipes that are as vibrant and indulgent as the celebration itself. Start with Creole Cream Cheese Wonton Cups, bite-sized treasures that are creamy, tangy, and impossible to resist. Follow up with the rich and flavorful Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta, a dish that’s overflowing with the bold spices and hearty goodness of Louisiana. And don’t forget a sweet finale with Mardi Gras Streusel Bread, a festive treat that’s as colorful and comforting as it is delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a parade of friends or simply bringing a taste of New Orleans to your own table, these recipes will make your Mardi Gras celebration unforgettable 🎭

The recipes can be found here:

 

No Mardi Gras celebration would be complete without a bite-sized appetizer that’s bursting with flavor—and these Creole Cream Cheese Wonton Cups fit the bill perfectly! Crispy wonton wrappers cradle a creamy, tangy filling seasoned with Tony Chachere’s Lite Creole Seasoning, bright green onions, and just a hint of red onion for a subtle kick. Topped with a slice of savory Andouille sausage and finished with a zesty Creole-inspired sauce, these little cups are a party on a plate—perfect for nibbling while you sip, dance, or toss beads.

The recipe can be found here.

To make them, start by preheating your oven to 425°F and giving a muffin tin a light spray of cooking oil so nothing sticks.

In a bowl, stir together softened cream cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, red onion, and a sprinkle of Tony Chachere’s Lite Creole Seasoning for a flavorful base that’s impossible to resist.

While that comes together, whisk up a quick sauce by mixing French dressing with a touch of lime juice, sugar, and a bit more Creole seasoning—this will be drizzled over the baked cups and served on the side for dipping.

Press each wonton wrapper into the muffin tin to form little cups, fill them with the creamy mixture, and top each one with a slice of cooked Andouille sausage.

After baking for 10–11 minutes until the wrappers are golden and crisp, drizzle them with the sauce and sprinkle on extra green onions for a fresh pop of color.

The recipe can be found here.

After everyone has enjoyed the crispy, creamy bite of your Creole Cream Cheese Wonton Cups, it’s time to bring out a main course that really captures the bold flavors of Mardi Gras. The Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta is rich, creamy, and loaded with tender shrimp, smoky Andouille sausage, and a colorful mix of bell peppers and onions—all tossed in a luscious Parmesan-cream sauce with just the right amount of Cajun spice. Cooking it is easier than it looks and you’ll have a showstopper dish that keeps the Mardi Gras celebration going, pairing beautifully with your appetizer while adding a hearty, comforting centerpiece to the table.

The recipe can be found here.

Start by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s just al dente. Drain it, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick, and set it aside while you build the rest of the dish.

Next, season your shrimp and Andouille sausage with Cajun seasoning and sear them in a hot skillet until they’re perfectly cooked and slightly golden. If you prefer, you can cook them separately, but either way, set them aside once they’re done so you can focus on the sauce. In the same skillet, melt some butter with a splash of olive oil and sauté your diced onions, garlic, and chopped bell peppers until they’re soft and fragrant. Stir in drained diced tomatoes, letting everything mingle and release those rich, vibrant flavors.

Now comes the indulgent part: pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, then season the sauce with extra Cajun seasoning, a touch of cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and irresistible. If it feels a little thin, you can whisk in a small mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.

Finally, fold in the cooked pasta, shrimp, and sausage, letting everything simmer together for a few minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce and the flavors really come alive. Once it’s all coated in that luscious, cheesy, spicy sauce, finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley.

If there are leftovers, just add a splash of cream or stock when reheating to keep the sauce silky and smooth.

The recipe can be found here.

After the rich, creamy indulgence of the Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta, it’s time to end your celebration on a sweet and colorful note. What better way to do that than with a Mardi Gras Streusel Bread? This festive loaf is bursting with green, purple, and gold jimmies, swirling through a tender, buttery batter and topped with a crumbly, colorful streusel. It’s playful, comforting, and just the right touch of sweetness to close out your Mardi Gras feast. While everyone is still savoring the flavors of shrimp, sausage, and creamy Parmesan, the aroma of this baked bread will fill your kitchen and get everyone excited for dessert. Whether sliced and shared at the table or enjoyed as an after-party snack, this streusel bread brings the perfect final flourish to your Mardi Gras spread.

The recipe can be found here.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×5 loaf pan with Crisco, then dusting it with a bit of flour so your bread releases easily after baking. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt, then pour this into the butter mixture and stir until it’s fully incorporated. Next, add the sour cream and milk, whisking until everything is combined, and gently fold in the Mardi Gras mix jimmies—the green, purple, and gold sprinkles that make this bread so festive. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer, ready for the finishing touch.

Now it’s time to make the streusel topping. In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, jimmies, melted butter, and a touch of vanilla extract until the mixture becomes crumbly and colorful. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the batter, creating that signature sweet, crunchy layer that makes every slice irresistible. Bake the bread for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it rest in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

When it’s cool enough to slice, serve it up and watch the vibrant colors and buttery sweetness bring smiles all around. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container once completely cooled, making it a perfect treat to enjoy the next day—or whenever you want a little Mardi Gras magic.

The recipe can be found here.

With these three dishes—the crispy, creamy Creole Cream Cheese Wonton Cups, the rich and flavorful Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta, and the colorful, sweet Mardi Gras Streusel Bread—you’ve got a full celebration of flavors, colors, and textures that capture the spirit of Mardi Gras right in your own kitchen. From the first bite to the last slice, each recipe brings a little bit of New Orleans to the table, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or anyone ready to join the party. So, let the flavors of Mardi Gras take center stage—Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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