What to Serve with Gumbo? 20 Best Side Dishes

Think again if you think gumbo is exclusively good in New Orleans.

Gumbo is one of the world’s most flexible and popular foods.

Wherever you live, youll find a version of it.

In reality, the term gumbo was derived from the Cajun stew of the same name.

You may either create a simple version from scratch or utilize existing mixes.

The wonderful thing about gumbo is that you can cook it anyway you want.

There are endless seafood gumbo options to pick from.

There are even more alternatives if you like chicken gumbo.

You may even make your own from scratch, combining your favorite components to create your own distinct flavor.

Your selections will decide what you serve with gumbo.

Some people like it spicy, some prefer it mild.

Some love it sweet, others like theirs savory.

With so many possibilities, it’s simple to pick the ideal gumbo side dish.

Also read: What Vegetables Go in Gumbo? The Top 18 Vegetables

What to Serve with Gumbo – 20 Best Side Dishes

Gumbo is one of those classic dinners that is so wonderful that it doesn’t even need a side dish.

When serving a side dish, however, it should have a robust taste.

Here are a few options to consider:

1. Rice

Gumbo is one of those foods that doesn’t need anything more than soup.

However, rice served hot and steaming complements gumbo well.

Rice is also a nutritious supplement. It supplements your meal with fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Rice has a great bland taste that serves as a neutral background for all of the robust ingredients in your gumbo.

Rice is a great side dish option if you’re searching for something different.

You may serve your rice alongside or even in instead of the noodles.

2. Steam-Bread

Gumbo is a delicious, traditional Cajun stew.

It often incorporates a wide range of ingredients, including chicken, turkey, sausage, ham, okra, corn, andouille, shrimp, and, on occasion, cornbread or steaming rice.

While the specific ingredients vary depending on locale, gumbo is usually eaten over rice or bread.

Rice or bread is utilized as a soil for the gumbo’s spices and tastes to soak into.

If you’re searching for a simple side dish to go with your gumbo, try serving it with steamed bread.

It has just enough crunch and texture to stand up to gumbo’s roux-based sauce.

It also works well as a dump-and-stir recipe.

You may use any sort of bread for this, including white bread or rolls.

I like egg-free bread since it does not go mushy when immersed in a saucepan of boiling water.

3. Cornbread

Gumbo is a spicy, stew-like soup from the French West Indies.

It was introduced to New Orleans by French colonists and is now regarded as a staple of the city’s cuisine.

Gumbo is often prepared with okra, however it may be made without in specific situations, such as when preparing shrimp gumbo.

In any case, cornmeal or any other form of bread works well as an accompaniment.

Serve your cornbread beside the gumbo, or top it with the cornbread mix and enjoy it with the rest of the gumbapalooza.

4. Crackers

Gumbo is one of the world’s most popular soups and is popular across the American South.

A typical gumbo is made with just okra, fil powder, onions, celery, garlic, and spices.

That being said, there are many various sorts of gumbos, and you should experiment to find out the ones you like the most.

Try serving your gumbo with crackers.

The tastes of the soup and crackers complement each other well.

You also have the additional benefit of getting to eat some tasty crackers, which is always a plus.

5. Brown Rice

Gumbo is a stew-like food from the southern United States.

It’s normally cooked with pork and fish, but you can simply create a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with veggies.

Brown rice is the greatest option for rice. It tastes and feels nuttier than white rice.

Gumbo may be served with either white or brown rice.

If you want something more filling, you may top your rice with fried chicken or sausage.

6. Fried Cabbage

If you’re searching for a low-fat vegetable-based side dish, cabbage is a fantastic choice.

It’s not only healthful, but it’s also highly adaptable, making it ideal for gumbo.

Fried cabbage is the ideal side dish for individuals who prefer their soups extra substantial but don’t want to overpower the meal.

The cabbage may be served with the gumbo or used as a topping for the gumbo.

It’s also worth noting that the cabbage will soften after cooking in the gumbo, so it should be served soon after taking it out of the pan.

7. Tarragon Fried Rice

Gumbo is one of those foods that you just must try in person.

It’s all about the broth and the spices, which combine to produce a fantastic culinary experience.

Rice and okra are a popular combination in Louisiana, and fried rice is the ideal accompaniment to a hefty bowl of gumbo.

If you want something healthful and low-calorie, this is one of your finest options.

You may serve it with gumbo or as a side dish.

8. Fresh Okra

Gumbo is one of the most adaptable stews in the world, and it’s an excellent method to highlight the flavors of the season.

Gumbo may be made using a variety of different components.

Add any veggies you have on hand as a starting point.

Make sure to include okra, which adds a unique taste to the meal.

Serve your gumbo over a loaf of crusty French bread for a real New Orleans-style gumbo.

9. Fresh Vegetables

You can’t go wrong with gumbo, a substantial and savory vegetable side dish.

Because the broth in this traditional New Orleans recipe is rich with veggies, herbs, and spices, fresh vegetables are an excellent addition.

A variety of vegetables can add a lot of flavor to your gumbo, so feel free to mix and match from the list below.

You may substitute zucchini for okra in a typical Cajun-style gumbo.

If you want to make it even healthier, skip the rice and replace it with a whole grain pasta like farfalle (for a farfalle pasta recipe, see this page).

10. Cauliflower

Cauliflower may be eaten in a variety of ways.

Cauliflower is one of the most adaptable vegetables available, whether as a side dish or as a main entrée.

Gumbo is one of those foods that is always excellent but is often forgotten about.

If you want to boost the ante on this traditional dish, serve it with some steamed cauliflower.

The cauliflower lends a subtle taste to this thick and rich stew.

Cauliflower is also rich in vitamin C and fiber, as well as being low in calories.

Its a perfect addition to your next meal.

11. Fried Plantains

Gumbo is one of those traditional Southern meals with a lengthy ingredient list.

Fried plantains may be served as an appetizer or side dish to complement your gumbo if you want something fast and easy.

The plantain, sometimes known as the banana, is a wonderful tropical fruit with a crisp texture and a hint of sweetness.

It goes well with spicy, flavorful gumbos and jambalaya.

Fried plantains may be consumed as a snack or in other recipes such as fritters and crepes.

12. Buttermilk Biscuits

Gumbo is a versatile meal that may be eaten at any time of day or night.

If you want to serve gumbo with buttermilk biscuits as a side dish that is both tasty and filling, this is the meal to go with.

The soup’s substantial texture and flavor are ideal for dipping a biscuit in.

If you like a somewhat sweeter side, try adding some fresh fruits such as peaches or apples.

13. Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potato chips go well with Cajun-style gumbos like gumbo.

These crunchy chips go well with Creole, red pepper, or brown rice gumbos.

Crispy sweet potato chips complement the earthiness of beans, and you can add some heat with jalapenos or cayenne pepper.

14. Grilled Corn

Gumbo is a typical southern stew composed with various spices and seafood.

It’s a fantastic recipe that can be served in big numbers, making it ideal for entertaining.

Look no farther than this recipe for grilled corn if you want to present some healthful foods.

The sweetness of grilled corn pairs well with the spice-filled broth of your gumbos.

The crunchy and salty tastes work well as a side dish as well.

This grilled corn may be served as a standalone side dish or with your gumbo.

15. Mashed Potatoes

Gumbo is one of those foods that appears to have existed for eons.

It’s a classic New Orleans stew cooked with seafood or chicken, but it may also be made with other meats or vegetables.

Gumbo is often eaten with rice, but it also works well with mashed potatoes.

The gumbo’s spiciness will counteract the sweetness of the potatoes.

For an added kick, serve your gourmet mashed potatoes with a side of spicy sauce.

16. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a wonderful addition to gumbo.

In fact, rice pilaf is often regarded as the fifth or additional component in classic gumbo.

It offers a delicious, nutty taste that compliments the gumbo’s thick meatiness.

Rice pilaf is also a great side dish since it goes with almost everything.

17. Raw Nopales Salad

Salads and gumbos are excellent ways to get more veggies into your diet, and raw nopales are one of the greatest options.

Nopales (pronounced no-PAHL-eez) are uncooked prickly pear cactus pads that are excellent.

They have a somewhat sweet taste, are crunchy, and have a fibrous texture. They provide meals like gumbos a distinct texture and a subtle bitterness.

Raw nopales may be found in most big supermarkets alongside the cucumbers in the vegetable department.

Serving gumbo with raw nopales elevates the meal to a whole new level.

18. Italian Peperonata

Alternatively, veggies.Gumbo is a thick stew cooked with a variety of ingredients, most notably chicken, seafood, shellfish, sausage, and vegetables.

Because of the vast range of ingredients needed to prepare gumbo, it may be both healthful and indulgent.

However, one component is nearly always included in gumbo, and that element is pasta.

Pasta gives the meal weight, thickness, and a pleasing chew.

If you add pasta to your gumbo, serve it with a side dish of chopped red or yellow bell pepper, or both!

Serve it with peperonata, which is just chopped red or yellow bell peppers sautéed in olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

19. Easy One Pot Greek Rice

Gumbo is a centuries-old dish that originated in Louisiana.

It’s a substantial, delicious stew that goes well with rice or grits.

If you want to jazz up your gumbo, consider serving it with this simple one-pot Greek rice.

The lemon and orange aromas complement the rich flavors of the shellfish in the soup well.

You may use whatever sort of seafood you choose, but shrimp is a good choice.

To give it a bit of a kick, add some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

20. Easy Ratatouille

Gumbo is the ultimate comfort food.

Its so simple, yet so satisfying.

Gumbo may be made using a variety of vegetables, each with its own distinct taste.

While celery is a classic addition to gumbo, the tastes of ratatouille are ideal.

Ratatouille is a meal that can be produced with a number of different components, so it’s no surprise that it’s become a popular choice.

Rice and beans are the most typical gumbo side dish combinations.

However, ratatouille is a terrific alternative if you want something a bit more unusual.

Conclusion

Gumbo is a spicy, thick stew from the French Louisiana area.

It’s usually cooked with chicken or fish, but you can simply adapt it to use any meat or poultry you have on hand.

This flexible meal pairs well with a variety of side dishes, but these seven are among the finest.

They are simple to adjust, and you will undoubtedly discover a combination that works well for you and your family.