Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday. The last day of Carnival. The day before Lent. Whatever you want to call it, one of the biggest parties of the year is HERE, and we are ready to go all-out and celebrate. If you're throwing or attending a Mardi Gras party, might we suggest coming prepared with a guaranteed smash-hit spread?
Whether you're looking to whip up something hot and savory, prepared with easy homemade Cajun seasoning (recipe here), something pillowy and sweet, or even a pungent boozy treat, we've got you covered with these delicious New Orleans-inspired snacks:
1. New Orleans Style Bread Pudding
What makes it New Orleans style? Canned peaches, fruit cocktail and some delicious spices like allspice and nutmeg all get mixed right into the thick of things for a little unexpected excitement.
2. Mardi Gras King Cake
What's Mardi Gras without the sweet, gooey, brightly colored bread packed with little tiny plastic babies? We don't have the answer, and we don't want to know. Make the cake!
3. Alligator Sausage Sliders with Roasted Red Pepper Remoulade
If you don't have gator on hand, you are welcome to use ground chicken or chicken sausage. Not sure if you like alligator? Sliders are the perfect opportunity to try something new! Especially if you pair them with a safe choice like:
4. Shrimp Po' Boy Sliders
These little fried shrimp sandwiches boast seriously big flavor. A surefire hit!
5. Cereal Milk Punch
You know the delicious milk left over when you're done with your cereal? Yeah, that. Mix that up into a creamy, dreamy cocktail with some vanilla and smoky-sweet bourbon. Just be careful: this easy-to-drink treat packs a sneaky punch.
6. Loaded Slow-Cooker Grits
If you're cooking for a big party, make sure to utilize your slow cooker for one less dish to worry about! These grits are super delicious -- how could they not be with butter, bacon and cheese? Plus, making them in the slow cooker means that they'll stay nice and warm as you finish up your cooking.
7. Homemade Beignets
Beignets are a MUST! Bonus: they are way easier to make than most other fried pastries. Just make sure that your oil is super hot, so that they puff up properly.
8. Warm Gumbo Dip
Seafood, cream cheese, a ton of seasoning and CHIPS. Who can resist?
9. Bananas Foster Upside Down Cupcakes
There's always money in the upside-down cupcakes.
10. Jelly Shots
Yeah, we know those jiggly, sugary alcoholic shots in little paper cups are polarizing at best. But these elegant, perfectly flavored versions of the old standby are a million miles away.