Mardi Gras is the time to indulge, so I’ve assembled a collection of appetizers that bring the party! You’ll find great choices that range from spicy to savory to sweet.
I’ve rounded up 20 recipes that are perfect for your celebration.
1. Cajun Pork Boulettes with Spicy Dip
They are even more similar to hush puppies than crawfish beignets are. Though unlike hush puppies, you are going to fill them with herb pork and veggie filling. The exterior is golden brown, deep-fried, and wonderfully crispy.
There is also a ton of Cajun spice to consider.
Think Scotch eggs, though without the eggs. The spicy dip gives more heat, so be ready.
2. Mardi Gras Snack Mix
The great thing about appetizers is how simple they can be. This amazing snack mix doesn’t need any cooking and takes 15 minutes or less to put together. All you have to do is coat your favorite salty snacks in a ranch dressing and olive oil mixture.
That spices them up even more. To finish, top them with your favorite sweet candies for an addicting sweet-n-salty mix.
3. Oysters Rockefeller
Many people are familiar with oysters Rockefeller, but not many know the story behind the name.These luxurious oysters were so rich that the chef named them after the wealthiest person at the time, John D. Rockefeller.
And that tells you everything you need to know about them.They’re rich and overly decadent, and of course, that is what makes them so wonderful.
4. Cajun Turkey Meatballs
Meatballs are another great pick for any occasion. They are easy to make, use few ingredients, and are always amazing. These feature a distinctly Cajun twist, which makes them perfect for Mardi Gras.
You will bake them instead of frying, so they are also a healthy option to try. These meatballs are thick, tender, and have a tangy taste from the Louisiana hot sauce that you will love.
5. Muffuletta Pinwheels
The pinwheels feature flaky, buttery crusts and lots of Italian seasoning to enjoy. They are super cheesy and include olives, red peppers, and more things you love.
It will take you only 30 minutes to make a dozen of these. You may want to make a double recipe, since everyone will be craving a few.
6. Spicy New Orleans Shrimp
The tender shrimp is a must, though it is second to the amazing sauce you will cook it in. The amazing sauce features a robust blend of butter, garlic, Tabasco, Worcestershire, chili sauce, and more.
Oh my goodness, it’s divine. Seriously. It is smoky and hot, spicy and a bit tangy, buttery, and wonderful.
You’ll want to serve this shrimp with lots of bread for dipping.
7. Easy Creamy Crab Mornay Dip
This chunky, creamy dip is salty, cheesy, and earthy with an unexpected taste of sherry. The sherry gives it drier, slightly nutty notes that are hard to describe, but it’s a truly decadent dip that will leave you feeling wealthy.
This is one of those appetizers that would easily cost $15 at a restaurant, but you can make it at home for next to nothing.
8. Crawfish Beignets With Cajun Dipping Sauce
Whatever image of beignets you have in your head, go ahead and delete it. These are super crispy little balls of flavor to enjoy. Shaped a bit like hush puppies, they are crispy like fritters.
They have a beautifully golden crust and an incredible burst of flavor. Serve them with some spicy horseradish sauce for more punch.
9. Glazed Chicken Minis
These are an ideal blend between sweetness and savoriness you will appreciate. The crescent roll crust is both buttery and tender, as well as the chicken being both flavorful and filling.
The combination is unbelievable, and you will need just seven ingredients and 35 minutes to create it.
10. Cajun Sausage Bites With Spicy Dipping Sauce
I can get a bit intense with the spicy dipping sauce, but people who enjoy Cajun food love heat, and Mardi Gras is very Cajun. Whether you use the sauce or not, these bite-sized sausage treats are amazing.
You’ll need three ingredients to make them: crescent roll dough, sausage, and an egg wash. They are like tiny corn dog slices, but much spicier.
11. Muffuletta Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always an appetizer that people love, no matter when you eat them.
Even so, these muffuletta deviled eggs are wonderful for Mardi Gras with the same smooth and tasty centers. All you have to do is throw in some salami, cheese, green onions, and more things to make them special.
You might be surprised to find that these could make you an exception, too.
12. Cheesy Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya Hot Dip
This cheesy Cajun recipe proves you can turn anything into a dip, in this situation it’s jambalaya. This combines chicken, sausage, and shrimp for a hearty, filling choice.
Also, the three types of cheese and Cajun spices will make sure there’s a bunch of flavor. This recipe takes less than an hour to whip together and is better served fresh from the oven.
13. Mardi Gras Mustard Dipping Sauce
Since we are talking about dipping sauces, let me give you one of my favorites of all time. The creamy and spicy sauce packs a wallop of Creole flavor you won’t want to miss. It has a sweet and tangy flavor, similar to honey mustard, though more complex.
The sauce is also wonderful on all kinds of chicken, though it tastes wonderful on salmon and more fish.
14. Shrimp Remoulade Lettuce Cups
Inside these cups are tender, flavorful shrimp, crisp lettuce, and creamy remoulade sauce for you. It is easy to also add some eggs, olives, and extra garnishes if you wish.
However, trust that the sauce-covered shrimp are all that anyone will care about. Everything else is a bonus element.
15. Fried Okra
Fried okra is a comforting, hearty snack that is known for its southern charm. Serve it as either a side dish or a wonderful appetizer.
In either situation, it shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes to make. It only requires eight pantry staples that are simple to find.
This might also be the one way to help kids eat some green veggies.
16. Mardi Gras Hot Muffuletta Dip
If you have ever traveled to New Orleans, you’ve probably had the amazing muffuletta sandwich.
This dip form is just as delicious but much less carb-heavy since there is no bread required. It is a cheesy, chunky dip that has a bunch of salami and fresh veggie flavor.
You can serve it with chips, toasted baguettes, vegetables, or anything else you can imagine because no matter the food, everyone will enjoy it.
17. King Cake Cheese Ball for Mardi Gras
This colorful cheese ball is wonderful as an appetizer or even a dessert option that you can enjoy. It has the thick, creamy taste of any fantastic cheese ball you have ever experienced. This cheese ball features hints of cinnamon, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, but there’s a light tangy taste to the cream cheese you will appreciate.
For more beauty, top it with multi-colored sprinkles for a fun, festive dish.
18. Mardi Gras Grilled Oysters
Grilled oysters are amazing with a flavor that will melt right in your mouth. There are smoky and tangy notes with a touch of New Orleans heat added in for good measure.
Not only that, they are creamy and smooth to taste. You will want to experience every bite of these wonderful oysters.
19. Cajun Shrimp and Corn Cakes
You can create a dozen of these appetizers in just 20 minutes of your time. These cakes are crispy and full of shrimp and sweet corn to enjoy.
Simultaneously sweet, tasty, and spicy, the cake is something that everyone will be craving for an appetizer. If you are making these for a huge party, make extra, because there is no need to fear you’ll have leftovers with these.
20. Smoked Andouille Sausage and Cream Cheese Rolls
Think of these as a wonderful blend of sausage balls and cinnamon rolls you will enjoy. Though not sweet, that is a good way to put it.
They are thick, delicious rolls with a burst of juicy sausage and cream cheese fillings. Not only that, the garlic butter on top sets them up with more burst of amazing flavors.
These are great appetizers, but I enjoy them just as much for breakfast, too.