How to Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Jambalaya Party Bar

Kristan Roland | Confessions of a Cookbook Queen

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.

How to Make a Jambalaya Bar Photo

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?

How to Make a Jambalaya Bar Picture
How to Make a Jambalaya Bar Image

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?

How to Make a Jambalaya Bar Pic

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.

File 1 - How to Make a Jambalaya Bar
File 2 - How to Make a Jambalaya Bar

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.

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File 4 - How to Make a Jambalaya Bar

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!

File 5 - How to Make a Jambalaya Bar
File 6 - How to Make a Jambalaya Bar

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!

File 7 - How to Make a Jambalaya Bar

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How to Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Jambalaya Party Bar

    5 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 box Zatarain's Jambalaya Rice Mix
  • 2 1/2 cups Water
  • 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil, or olive oil
For the Toppings:
  • Andouille Sausage
  • Cooked Ham
  • Shrimp
  • Corn
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • Red Beans

Directions

  1. In a 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, mix rice mix, water, and oil, stirring to combine.
  2. Bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 25 minutes or until rice is tender.
  4. While rice cooks, prepare toppings.
  5. Serve buffet style and enjoy!

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Published:
Modified:
Author:
Cuisine:
Cajun
Category:
Dinners
Tags:
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Related Recipes:
Dinner Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes, Party Food Recipes, Jambalaya Recipes, Rice Recipes, Sausage Recipes, Cajun Recipes, Seafood Recipes, Shrimp Recipes
Recipe Yields:
5 servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Related Post:
Published:
Author: Kristan Roland
Recipe Yields: 5 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 5

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 21
Calories 184

% Daily Value*
4%
Total Fat 3g
1%
  Saturated Fat 0g
18%
Sodium 440mg
11%
Total Carbohydrate 34g
1%
  Dietary Fiber 1g
  Sugars 0g
8%
Protein 4g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Kristan Roland

About Kristan

Kristan is known for her candy creations and hilarity on Confessions of a Cookbook Queen. We know where her true genius is, though: fanciful fanatical cupcake and cake creations!

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