You don’t need a trip to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras with your kids. From local bakeries serving festive treats to easy, no‑stress recipes and fun ways to celebrate at home, South Charlotte families have plenty of ways to let the good times roll.
Whether you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday for the first time or it’s an annual tradition, here are simple, family‑approved ways to bring Mardi Gras magic home.
Where to Find Mardi Gras Treats at Local Charlotte Bakeries
One of the easiest ways to celebrate Mardi Gras is with dessert — and Charlotte bakeries deliver. Many offer king cakes or colorful pastries during the season, so be sure to check availability or pre‑order when possible.
🥐 Suárez Bakery (Park Road)
A go‑to for South Charlotte families, Suárez Bakery is well known for its king cakes, doughnuts, cookies and pastries. Their king cakes are especially popular, so ordering ahead is highly recommended.
🥖 Amélie’s French Bakery
With multiple Charlotte locations, Amélie’s brings French flair to Mardi Gras season. Look for pastries, beignets‑style treats and festive desserts that pair perfectly with a family celebration.
🍰 Renaissance Pâtisserie (SouthPark)
If you’re looking for something a little extra special, Renaissance Pâtisserie offers beautiful French desserts, éclairs and tarts that make Mardi Gras feel like a treat for parents and kids alike.
🧁 Manolo’s Bakery
This longtime Charlotte bakery is a favorite for sweet breads and pastries and has offered king cakes in past Mardi Gras seasons. It’s a great spot to grab something festive — and different — for Fat Tuesday.
Parent tip: Grocery store bakeries like Harris Teeter, Publix and Fresh Market often carry king cakes or Mardi Gras‑themed desserts if you’re short on time.
Easy Mardi Gras Recipes Families Will Actually Make
Skip complicated recipes and bring the flavor with shortcuts that still feel festive.
🍲 Shortcut Jambalaya Using Zatarain’s
You’ll need:
- Zatarain’s Jambalaya Mix
- Andouille sausage, sliced
- Cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- Shrimp (optional)
Prepare the mix according to the package directions. Add sausage and chicken as it cooks, then stir in shrimp at the end if using. It’s filling, flavorful and easy enough for a weeknight Mardi Gras dinner.
👑 King Cake Cinnamon Roll Hack
You’ll need:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Purple, green and gold sprinkles or food coloring
Arrange cinnamon rolls in a circle on a baking sheet to form a ring. Bake according to package directions. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk to make icing, then decorate with sprinkles or colored glaze. Kids can help decorate — and no one misses the traditional trinket.
🍗 Kid-Friendly Cajun Chicken Bites
- Frozen chicken nuggets or tenders
- Light Cajun seasoning or paprika
Bake chicken according to package directions. Sprinkle lightly with seasoning and serve with honey, ranch or ketchup on the side.
Simple Mardi Gras Fun to Do at Home
You don’t need a parade to celebrate. These easy ideas keep the fun high and the mess low.
🎭 DIY Mardi Gras Masks
Use cardstock, crayons, markers, stickers and feathers to create colorful masks. Let kids wear them during dinner or dessert for an instant Mardi Gras vibe.
📿 Bead Toss Game
Set out bowls or baskets and take turns tossing beads inside. Younger kids can color‑match; older kids can turn it into a points game.
🎶 Living Room Parade
Put on upbeat music, hand out beads or scarves and parade through the house. Bonus points for noise‑making instruments made from pots and wooden spoons.
Let the Good Times Roll — South Charlotte Style
Mardi Gras doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. A quick trip to a local bakery, an easy dinner with bold flavors and a few fun activities at home are all it takes to make Fat Tuesday special for your family.
Laissez les bons temps rouler, South Charlotte!
