What to Serve with Gumbo (15+ Sides You’ll Love)
There are times when we want to try something new with our favorite dishes. It can be quite boring having the same meals over and over again. I have been there, especially when it comes to the delicious and rich Creole sauce gumbo.
Whenever I made gumbo, I would always serve it with white rice, and after a while, the excitement over gumbo waned in my house. So, I rolled up my sleeves and went to work looking out for other recipes to pair with gumbo
After several practical tries and raving feedback, I want to share these side dishes with you, so you’re never stuck on the same old, same old when gumbo is on the menu.
Below are 15 of the best gumbo side dishes.
Side Dishes For Gumbo
- Rice
- Cornbread
- Steam bread
- Deviled eggs
- Crackers
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Fresh okras
- Fried cabbage
- Fried plantain
- Fresh vegetables
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Potato salad
- Cajun fries
- Crab cakes
Rice
As I mentioned earlier, rice is a common gumbo side dish. But if you are looking for something other than traditional white rice, you can try tarragon fried rice. It is a gumbo side dish that is full of flavor and very easy to prepare.
To make tarragon rice, you will need, Tarragon leaves, Green onion, Long grain rice, Butter, Olive oil, Lemon juice, and Salt.
When paired together, both dishes complement each other very well. The gumbo is rich and the tarragon rice provides lightness and zest that rounds out the meal.
Cornbread
Another great gumbo side dish is cornbread. It is a classic southern dish that can be enjoyed with gumbo or on its own. There are many different ways to make cornbread, so you can find a recipe that fits your taste.
Cornbread is made with cornmeal, which gives it a sweetness that helps offset gumbo’s spiciness.
However, one of my favorite ways to make cornbread is by adding jalapeno peppers to the batter. It gives the cornbread a little bit of spice which melds perfectly into the spicy gumbo dish.
Furthermore, cornbread has a slightly crumbly texture, which helps to absorb some of the excess liquid in gumbo.
Steam bread
I had never tried steamed bread and gumbo before until quite recently, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Steam bread is a type of bread that is popular in the Caribbean. It is made with flour, water, yeast, and sugar. The dough is then steamed instead of baked, which gives it a soft and fluffy texture.
When served with gumbo, the steam bread soaks up all the delicious flavors of the gumbo and makes for a very hearty meal.
Deviled eggs
Deviled eggs are beloved in my household and are a great gumbo side dish. Deviled eggs are easy to make and can be made ahead of time.
The rich, creamy yolks provide a delicious contrast to the spicy gumbo, and the eggs also help to round out the flavors of the dish.
Plus, deviled eggs are a great way to use up any leftover gumbo that you might have. Whether you’re serving deviled eggs as an appetizer or a side dish, they will surely be a hit with your guests.
Crackers
Crackers and gumbo may seem like an odd pair, but it does work. This is because the flaky and salty crackers help to balance out the richness of gumbo.
In addition, crackers provide a crunchy contrast to the gumbo, which makes for a more interesting texture.
There are many different types of crackers that you can use, but I prefer saltines or Ritz crackers. A bite of crackers with a spoon of gumbo is heavenly.
Buttermilk biscuits
If you are looking for a gumbo side dish that is both hearty and flavorful, then buttermilk biscuits are a great option.
Buttermilk biscuits are made with flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and buttermilk. They are light and fluffy on the inside with a crispy
In addition, buttermilk biscuits soak up the gumbo gravy, which makes for a delicious and filling meal. It also helps to cut down on the spiciness of the gumbo
Fresh okras
Another great gumbo side dish is fresh okras. Okras are a type of vegetable that is native to Africa. They are often used in gumbo and other southern dishes.
Okras are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they have a unique flavor that pairs well with gumbo. Plus, they add beautiful color to the dish. In addition, their slimy texture helps to thicken gumbo.
To prepare fresh okras, you will need to wash them and then slice them into thin pieces. You can then add them to the gumbo pot or cook them separately and add them in at the end.
Fried cabbage
Fried cabbage is another great gumbo side dish. It is a classic southern dish that is made with cabbage, bacon, and onions.
Fried cabbage has a crispy texture and a smoky flavor that pairs well with gumbo. Plus, it is a hearty dish that will fill you up.
To make fried cabbage, you will need to cook the bacon and onions in a large skillet. Once they are cooked, you can then add the cabbage and fry it until it is crispy.
You can use any cabbage for this dish, but for taste, I prefer to use savoy cabbage.
Fried plantain
Fried plantain is a great side dish for gumbo because it adds a nice flavor. It is a starchy, sweet fruit that can be found in most Caribbean and African dishes.
I usually use sweet ripe plantain, but if you want a more savory dish, you can use unripe plantain.
Furthermore, fried plantain is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and potassium. Fried plantain is a great side dish for gumbo because it is full of flavor and nutrients.
Fresh vegetables
Fresh vegetables are a great side dish for gumbo. They add flavor and texture to the dish, and they are a healthy option for those who are watching their weight.
Fresh vegetables also have a high water content, which helps to keep the gumbo from drying out. Additionally, fresh vegetables are a good source of fiber and vitamins, both of which are essential for good health.
When choosing fresh vegetables for gumbo, it is important to select ones that will complement the flavors of the dish.
For example, if the gumbo is spicy, then a milder vegetable such as carrots or celery would be a good choice. If the gumbo is more savory, then a heartier vegetable such as broccoli or cauliflower would be a better option.
Potatoes
Potatoes are another great gumbo side dish. They are filling and full of nutrients, and they can be cooked in many different ways.
One popular way to cook potatoes for gumbo is to fry them. This gives the potatoes a crispy texture that pairs well with the gumbo.
Another option is to bake the potatoes. This is a healthier option, and it allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors of the gumbo.
No matter how you choose to cook them, potatoes are a great gumbo side dish that is sure to please everyone.
Cauliflower
When you cook cauliflower, it takes on a creamy texture, making it a perfect addition to gumbo. Cauliflower is also a good source of fiber and vitamins.
To prepare cauliflower for gumbo, you will need to cut it into small pieces. You can then add it to the gumbo pot or cook it separately and add it at the end.
When I’m cooking separately, I like to sautee the cauliflower in some olive oil to give it a little flavor. Then I add it to the gumbo pot towards the end of cooking.
I find that cauliflower pairs well with chicken gumbo, but you can experiment and see what you like best.
Potato salad
I just love potato salad as a side dish for gumbo. I think the potato salad adds a lot of flavor to the gumbo and it is a great way to dress up the dish.
Additionally, the salad helps to add a bit of texture to the gumbo. Some ingredients to add to your potato salad are celery, onion, dill pickle, and hard-boiled egg.
Of course, you can add any other ingredients that you like. Just be sure to mix everything well so that the flavors combine. I find that a simple potato salad is all you need to take your gumbo up a notch.
Cajun fries
Cajun fries are a classic side dish that goes well with gumbo and an interesting twist on potato fries. They are made by frying potatoes in a cajun seasoning mix.
This gives the potatoes a spicy, smoky flavor that pairs well with the gumbo. Additionally, the fries add some crunch to the dish.
If you want to try something different, you can also bake the potatoes in the cajun seasoning mix. This is a healthier option, and it allows the potatoes to absorb more of the flavors.
Crab cakes
Crab cakes are another gumbo side dish that is sure to please. They are full of flavor and have a crispy texture that pairs well with gumbo.
I always prefer to make my crab cakes, and it is quite easy to do. To prepare crab cakes, mix crab meat, bread crumbs (I like to use panko bread crumbs), egg, mayonnaise, and Old Bay seasoning.
Next, form the mixture into small patties and cook them in a skillet with some oil. I also like to serve my crab cakes with a little bit of remoulade sauce on the side.
A list of other options
Vegetable side dishes for Gumbo:
- Pickled jalapenos
- Green bean
- Coleslaw
- Quinoa salad
Starchy side dishes:
- Easy Ratatouille
- French bread rolls
- One pot of greek rice
- cheese bread
Miscellaneous side dishes
- Cilantro-lime black bean rice
FAQ
What is a good salad with gumbo?
I think a potato salad is a great gumbo side dish. It adds a lot of flavor to the gumbo and it is a great way to dress up the dish. Additionally, the salad helps to add a bit of texture to the gumbo.
What are some good vegetables for gumbo?
When choosing fresh vegetables for gumbo, I like to select ones that will contrast the gumbo flavors. For example, if the gumbo is spicy, then a milder vegetable such as carrots or celery would be a good choice. If the gumbo is more savory, then a heartier vegetable such as broccoli or cauliflower would be a better option.
What kind of bread goes with gumbo?
There are a few different types of bread that go well with gumbo. You can make a gumbo roux and use it as a dipping sauce for French bread. Other options are to make steam bread or cornbread to go with your gumbo.
Conclusion:
I hope you enjoyed reading this! As you can see, there are many different gumbo side dishes to choose from. You can go with a classic like a potato salad or try something new like cajun fries. No matter what you choose, your gumbo will be sure to please. So get cooking and enjoy!