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Home » Recipe Collections

31 Cajun & Creole Recipes That Bring the Mardi Gras Vibes

Published: Feb 23, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Cajun & Creole recipes are all about bold flavors, big comfort, and a whole lot of soul. Whether it’s something crispy, creamy, or packed with spice, these dishes know how to bring the party. We’re talking rich sauces, deep seasonings, and just the right kick to keep things interesting. Some are quick and easy, others are slow and hearty, but every single one is packed with flavor. If you're looking to bring some Mardi Gras vibes to your table, this list has you covered.

Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cajun Shrimp Dip

Cajun Shrimp Dip. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Baked until golden and bubbling, Cajun shrimp dip is a cheesy, flavor-packed appetizer perfect for any gathering. Whether served with crackers or bread, this dish is a crowd-pleaser at any Mardi Gras celebration.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Dip

Air Fryer Oysters

Air Fryer Oysters. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer oysters are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, making them a standout Mardi Gras appetizer. Whether served with dipping sauce or on a po’ boy, they bring the taste of the Gulf Coast straight to your table with a Cajun & Creole twist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Oysters

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Air fryer blackened shrimp is coated in a bold Cajun spice blend and cooks in minutes. It’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful seafood dish without deep frying or long prep times, bringing classic Cajun & Creole flavors to the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blackened Shrimp

Louisiana Cajun Chicken Pasta

Louisiana Cajun Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Louisiana Cajun chicken pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with bold spices for a comforting meal. Tender chicken and pasta soak up a fiery sauce, making it a must-try for anyone craving authentic Cajun & Creole recipes.
Get the Recipe: Louisiana Cajun Chicken Pasta

Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp

Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Air fryer Cajun shrimp delivers bold heat and crispy texture in minutes, making it an easy way to bring Louisiana-style seafood to your table. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, this quick recipe brings the flavors of classic Cajun & Creole cooking without the need for deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cajun Shrimp

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Chicken and sausage gumbo is a rich, slow-simmered dish loaded with bold spices, tender chicken, and smoky sausage. This Louisiana favorite is a must-have for anyone craving traditional Cajun & Creole recipes with deep, comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Sausage Gumbo

Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Shrimp and rice in a skillet.
Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Cajun seafood rice casserole is a hearty one-pan dish filled with bold seasoning, shrimp, and flavorful rice. This easy meal delivers the comforting taste of spicy Cajun & Creole cuisine with minimal effort, perfect for a Mardi Gras-inspired feast.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer whole chicken wings come out crispy on the outside and juicy inside, packed with bold Cajun heat. They’re a simple and flavorful option for game days, parties, or weeknight dinners that highlight classic Cajun & Creole seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Whole Chicken Wings

Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cajun shrimp pasta is creamy, fiery, and packed with bold flavors that make it a standout dish. The rich sauce clings to the pasta and shrimp, bringing the unmistakable taste of Cajun & Creole recipes to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Muffaletta Sandwich

Muffaletta Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The muffaletta sandwich layers deli meats, cheese, and a bold olive spread between thick, crusty bread. This New Orleans staple is a must for any Mardi Gras celebration, bringing the signature flavors of Cajun & Creole cuisine together in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Muffaletta Sandwich

New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Overhead image of new orleans bbq shrimp on a plate.
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

New Orleans BBQ shrimp is cooked in a buttery, spiced sauce that coats every bite in rich flavor. This classic Louisiana dish is a must-have for any Mardi Gras celebration, delivering the bold, signature taste of Cajun & Creole cooking straight from the Big Easy.
Get the Recipe: New Orleans BBQ Shrimp

Bananas Foster Pancakes

Close-up image of bananas foster pancakes on a plate.
Bananas Foster Pancakes. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Bananas Foster pancakes take a classic New Orleans dessert and turn it into a thick, fluffy breakfast treat. Topped with caramelized bananas and syrup, these pancakes bring a sweet and indulgent twist to any Cajun & Creole-inspired spread.
Get the Recipe: Bananas Foster Pancakes

Baked Shrimp & Grits Casserole

Baked Shrimp & Grits Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Baked shrimp and grits casserole blends creamy, cheesy grits with Cajun-spiced shrimp for a rich, satisfying meal. This oven-baked dish makes it easy to enjoy the bold flavors of Cajun & Creole cuisine with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Baked Shrimp & Grits Casserole

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Andouille Sausage

Sheet Pan Shrimp and Andouille Sausage. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sheet pan shrimp and Andouille sausage is a quick and easy meal that delivers big flavor in just 35 minutes. With smoky sausage, tender shrimp, and bold seasoning, this simple Cajun & Creole dish is perfect for a fuss-free dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp and Andouille Sausage

Crispy Cajun Tofu Bites

Crispy Cajun Tofu Bites. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Crispy Cajun tofu bites are pan-fried, baked, or air-fried for a crunchy, flavorful snack. Coated in bold spices, they bring a spicy twist to plant-based Cajun & Creole recipes while keeping prep simple.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Cajun Tofu Bites

Low-Carb Jambalaya

Low-Carb Jambalaya. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Low-carb jambalaya keeps all the bold flavors of the classic dish while cutting down on the carbs. With spicy sausage, shrimp, and a rich tomato-based sauce, it’s a healthier way to enjoy Cajun & Creole comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Jambalaya

Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread

Close-up image of olive salad muffaletta spread in a glass jar.
Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Olive salad muffaletta spread combines green and black olives with bold seasonings for a tangy, briny topping. Whether spread on sandwiches or served as a dip, it’s a quick way to enjoy the bold, punchy flavors of Cajun & Creole recipes.
Get the Recipe: Olive Salad Muffaletta Spread

Salmon Chowder

Salmon Chowder. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This thick and hearty salmon chowder is loaded with rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a comforting meal. With Cajun-inspired spices and tender seafood, this dish brings a taste of Louisiana’s best flavors to your bowl.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Chowder

Cajun Salmon Fillets with Shrimp & Cream Sauce

Overhead image of cajun salmon fillets with shrimp & cream sauce.
Cajun Salmon Fillets with Shrimp & Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Cajun-spiced salmon fillets and shrimp are coated in a rich, creamy sauce that enhances their bold, seasoned flavor. This simple yet impressive dish delivers the heat and spice of Cajun & Creole recipes in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Salmon Fillets with Shrimp & Cream Sauce

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Close-up image of air fryer hush puppies on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Hush Puppies. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer hush puppies are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, making them a perfect addition to any Southern-style meal. These quick and easy bites bring a classic Cajun & Creole side dish to your table with less oil and no deep frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Overhead image of fried green tomatoes on a wooden board.
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air-fried green tomatoes are coated in a cornmeal and breadcrumb mixture, creating a crispy, golden crust with every bite. This lighter take on a Southern favorite adds crunch and flavor to any Cajun & Creole spread, making it a great addition to Mardi Gras menus.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

Roasted Cajun Chicken

Close-up image of roasted cajun chicken on a wooden board.
Roasted Cajun Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Roasted Cajun chicken is brined for extra tenderness and coated in bold spices for deep, rich flavor. This simple, no-fuss dish is an easy way to bring the bold taste of Cajun & Creole cooking to your table for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cajun Chicken

Baked Popcorn Shrimp

Baked Popcorn Shrimp. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Baked popcorn shrimp are coated in a seasoned mayo mixture and breadcrumbs before baking to crispy perfection. These bite-sized seafood snacks are a quick and flavorful way to bring classic Cajun & Creole recipes to life.
Get the Recipe: Baked Popcorn Shrimp

Blackened Walleye

Blackened Walleye. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Blackened walleye is coated in a flavorful Cajun spice rub and pan-seared in minutes for a crispy crust and tender fish. This Louisiana-style seafood dish delivers a bold kick of heat, making it a standout among Cajun & Creole recipes.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Walleye

Creamy Cajun Coleslaw

Close-up image of creamy cajun coleslaw.
Creamy Cajun Coleslaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy Cajun coleslaw combines crisp cabbage with a tangy, spiced dressing for a fresh, flavorful side dish. This crunchy slaw pairs perfectly with rich Cajun & Creole meals, balancing out bold flavors with its refreshing bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cajun Coleslaw

One Pot Cajun Rice

One Pot Cajun Rice. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

One-pot Cajun rice is packed with bell peppers, sausage, and bold spices, making it a full-flavored meal with minimal cleanup. This simple dish brings the essence of Cajun & Creole recipes to your kitchen in a quick and easy way.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cajun Rice

Instant Pot Cajun Spiced Chickpea Soup

Instant Pot Cajun Spiced Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Instant Pot Cajun spiced chickpea soup transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, spicy dish with deep, rich flavors. With bold seasoning and tender chickpeas, this one-pot meal is an easy way to enjoy plant-based Cajun & Creole cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Spiced Chickpea Soup

Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Chicken, sausage, and rice in instant pot with wooden spoon.
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Instant Pot Cajun chicken rice comes together in just 30 minutes with bold spices and tender chicken. This easy, one-pot meal makes it simple to enjoy the flavors of Cajun & Creole recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice

Air Fryer Catfish

Air Fryer Catfish. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Air fryer catfish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bringing a healthier twist to a Southern classic. Coated in bold Cajun spices, this dish is perfect for anyone craving authentic Cajun & Creole flavors with less oil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Catfish

Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cajun shrimp deviled eggs bring bold spices and creamy texture to a party classic. These bite-sized appetizers pack a punch of Cajun & Creole heat, making them a must-have for any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Deviled Eggs

Blackened Mahi Mahi

Blackened Mahi Mahi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Blackened mahi mahi is pan-seared to perfection with a smoky, spicy crust that locks in moisture and flavor. This quick and easy dish is a staple in Cajun & Creole seafood cooking, delivering a bold kick of heat with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Mahi Mahi

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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