Learn how to make a jambalaya bar for one flavorful Mardi Gras party! Let your guests choose toppings to create their perfect bowl of the Cajun classic.
This is a sponsored post for Zatarain’s, but all opinions and ideas are my own.
I’m just going to be honest and say that this time of year is not my favorite. All of the holidays are over, the tree is put away, presents stop coming in the mail, and it’s freezing cold outside.
Like, really February? You need to get your stuff together.
Naturally, I am always looking for excuses to celebrate. And by “celebrate,” I mean dress up, eat yummy food, and not stress myself out. If cocktails are involved, it’s a bonus. But cocktails are always involved because do you even know me?
Mardi Gras is right around the corner so you better believe that I am ON TOP OF THIS SITUATION. My husband and I have visited New Orleans several times and it’s one of our favorite spots for a long weekend.
Yummy food, amazing people, and the best drinks ever — what isn’t to love?
The kids haven’t gotten to experience New Orleans yet, so I decided that a Mardi Gras dinner party needed to happen.
Thankfully, Zatarain’s makes it SO easy to put together a yummy and authentic New Orleans meal without a ton of fuss.
My kiddos are particularly partial to “buffets” — they just feel fun and special — so I decided to put together a jambalaya bar, using Zatarain’s jambalaya and all the fixings!
There are SO many ways to put together a jambalaya buffet and none of them require a ton of fuss. Use any meat you have — leftovers are great, or throw some chicken or Andouille sausage in a skillet.
Roast a giant pan of veggies, cube up some cornbread, heat up a can of red beans… the possibilities are endless and this works great with whatever you have hanging out in the pantry.
I happened to have some corn and zucchini on hand, but you can use whatever you like to make it your own. Vegetables are not traditional in jambalaya, so feel free to use your creativity here!
Another bonus? Kiddos never complain when a meal involves festive masks, beads, and making your own bowl of jambalaya with whatever you want in it!
I hope you take advantage of such a fun holiday and let Zatarain’s make celebrating EASY and DELICIOUS. Life’s too short not to celebrate!
By the way, you should also consider making Cajun turkey this Thanksgiving! Your guests will love it.
Are you tired of the dinner routine?
Stuck in a rut or looking for fun new recipes to try?
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How to Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Jambalaya Party Bar
Ingredients
- 1 box Zatarain’s Jambalaya Rice Mix
- 2 1/2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil or olive oil
- Andouille Sausage
- Cooked Ham
- Shrimp
- Corn
- Roasted Vegetables
- Red Beans
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, mix rice mix, water, and oil, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 25 minutes or until rice is tender.
- While rice cooks, prepare toppings.
- Serve buffet style and enjoy!