If you are celebrating Mardi Gras, you will love these delicious, tried and true Gluten Free Mardi Gras recipes. They are perfect for any fat Tuesday celebration!
Table of Contents
What is Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a fun festival in late spring that is celebrated by many people in the world including France, Brazil, and the United States (especially New Orleans).
It is traditionally celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Mardi Gras is known for its colorful parades, costumes, masks, and parties, and is often associated with wild indulgence and partying, and over-the-top revelry. It is considered almost a kick-off for the period of fasting and reflection that comes with Lent.
If you have ever been to a Mardi Gras event in New Orleans, you know how much fun it can be. The downside is that it is often difficult to find gluten free foods in New Orleans. Mr. Fearless Dining was there for a conference, and it was a struggle for him to find gluten free things to eat there.
If you are new to gluten free, I have a lot of easy gluten free resources including this easy beginner’s guide to living gluten free.
What do people eat at Mardi Gras?
During Mardi Gras, people often enjoy traditional cajun foods. Some of the more popular Mardi Gras dishes include:
- Jambalaya: a Creole dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
- Gumbo: a stew made with a roux base and typically containing meat or seafood, vegetables, and a blend of spices.
- Crawfish Boil: a seafood dish made by boiling crawfish, potatoes, and corn in a spicy broth. If you have never made crawfish, this is a great crawfish boil tutorial to try!
- Rice and Beans – a cajun rice and beans dish that often includes rice and beans and occasionally meat.
- Beignets: a type of deep-fried doughnut dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.
- King Cake: a sweet cake decorated with icing and sprinkles in the Mardi Gras colors (purple, green, and gold), often served during the festival season.
The Best Gluten Free Mardi Gras Recipes:
I like to start with dessert first because that is my favorite thing to make. The gluten free beignets are easy to make, and they are such a fun recipe!
Gluten Free Beignets
Sandi Gaertner
If you haven't tried making gluten free beignets yet, you are in for a special treat. These fried beignets are light and fluffy. They are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside!
Check out this recipe
Gluten Free King Cake
A deliciously easy gluten free king's cake for Mardi Gras.
There are several meals that are considered traditional to serve over Mardi Gras. Here are my favorites:
Instant Pot Jambalaya
This Instant Pot Jambalaya recipe is a Cajun inspired one dish recipe with shrimp, andouille sausage, chicken and rice that will make a spicy dinner for your family.
Gluten Free Jambalaya Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Sandi Gaertner
Easy jambalaya stuffed baked potatoes. This baked potato recipe is perfect for Mardi Gras!
Check out this recipe
Cajun Rice and Beans with Sausage
Sandi Gaertner
A budget friendly delicious cajun rice and beans dish. This makes a hearty meal with lots of yummy leftovers!
Check out this recipe
Crawfish Etouffe
If you are looking for a great crawfish etouffee recipe, this is the one! This recipe is made with all real food, clean ingredients and is gluten free.
Shrimp and Grits
Creamy shrimp and grits is a classic Southern dish. Rich and full of flavor but quick enough to make for an easy weeknight meal.
Gluten Free Air Fryer Catfish
Sandi Gaertner
Everyone will love this crispy delicious gluten free air fryer catfish. I also include stovetop frying directions for those who do not own an air fryer.
Check out this recipe
Dirty Rice
This dirty rice recipe has yummy cajun flavors, hearty meat, and lots of aromatic veggies to make a super quick and delicious dinner!
Lastly, here are a couple of easy appetizers to serve. They both have delicious cajun flavors.
Hot Jambalaya Dip
Everyone will love this Mardi Gras food as an addition to your Fat Tuesday party menu.
Muffletta Deviled Eggs
These Muffuletta Deviled Eggs bring a taste of the Big Easy in a deviled egg to your Mardi Gras celebrations.
