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What to Serve with Gumbo

December 15, 2023 by Corinne Schmitt

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Wondering what to serve with gumbo? No need to overthink it—I’ve got the down-low on easy, delicious picks that’ll make your gumbo even better.

Southern Fried Okra on a serving plate with text title What to serve with Gumbo.

Gumbo is a top-notch comfort food. It’s a bowl full of love for most of us (unless spicy isn’t your thing, and that’s okay!). It’s a knockout on its own, but to take it from great to legendary, you need a side that’s equally delicious.

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Gumbo

Whether you’re a fan of rice or a cornbread lover at heart, I’ve got the perfect side dishes to suit your fancy. These recipes are all super good and just the thing to balance out the bold flavors of gumbo.

Rice Sides to Serve with Gumbo Soup

Rice and gumbo are like peanut butter and jelly—they just belong together. Here are some rice sides that you’re absolutely gonna love with your favorite gumbo recipe.

1. Plain White Rice

A spoon is being used to scoop rice out of a bowl.

Plain White Rice

No muss, no fuss—this Plain White Rice is my go-to for a quick, fluffy base for gumbo. Just wash the rice, add the right amount of water, and let your Instant Pot work its magic.

2. Tender Brown Rice

A bowl of brown rice with green onions.

Tender Brown Rice

Don’t like white rice? Don’t worry, brown rice works well with gumbo too. Nutty, chewy, and wholesome, it’s a guilt-free addition to your gumbo feast.

3. Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice

A crock pot full of beans and sausage with a wooden spoon.

Savory Cajun Red Beans and Rice

Bring a little Mardi Gras to your table with these spicy, savory red beans and rice. It's great on its own, or you can serve it with gumbo to make your meal even more filling.

4. One Pot Brazilian Dirty Rice

A bowl filled with rice and herbs on a wooden table.

One Pot Brazilian Dirty Rice

Travel to Brazil with your spoon! This one-pot wonder packs a carnival of flavors and is sure to impress.

Potato Side Dishes for Your Favorite Seafood Gumbo Recipe

If rice isn’t hearty enough, try these potato sides:

5. Baked Loaded Potato Salad

Cheesy potato salad on a plate.

Baked Loaded Potato Salad

This isn’t just a potato salad; it’s a fiesta in a bowl! It's creamy, flavor-packed, and downright irresistible.

6. Quick and Easy to Make Potato Croquettes

Two white bowls with fried calamari on them.

Quick and Easy to Make Potato Croquettes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these potato croquettes are little bites of heaven. They’re so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried them sooner!

7. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with ketchup.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a hit in my house. They're nice and crispy, just the right amount of sweet, and much healthier than regular fries.

Best Sides Dishes Featuring Corn

Corn’s not just for popping; it’s a versatile veggie that can bring some serious oomph to your table.

8. Instant Pot Fluffy Cornbread

Instant Pot Fluffy Cornbread

What’s gumbo without this classic recipe? This Instant Pot version is fluffy, slightly sweet, and oh-so-easy to whip up. It’s the perfect sponge for all that gumbo goodness.

9. Hush Puppies

Hush Puppies

Little golden nuggets of joy, hush puppies are the ultimate southern comfort food. Serve them warm for a meal to remember.

10. Grilled Polenta Loaf

A plate with two pieces of bread and a side of salsa.

Grilled Polenta Loaf

Grill marks, golden crust, and a whole lot of yum! This grilled polenta loaf is a rustic, flavorful side that’s just perfect with any sausage gumbo recipe.

11. Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob and potatoes on a plate.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Looking for a quick and easy side dish for gumbo? Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is your answer. You only need very basic ingredients and 18 minutes to prep and cook this one.

12. Southern Corn Pudding

Corn casserole on a plate with a spoon.

Southern Corn Pudding

Corn Pudding is another delicious side dish that goes great with gumbo. It’s a little sweet, a little savory, and totally irresistible throughout.

13. Maque Choux

A bowl of corn salad with peppers and onions.

Maque Choux

This classic is a colorful, flavorful Louisiana favorite. If there’s one gumbo side dish that just might upstage your main, it’s Maque Choux.

14. Cream Cheese Grits

A spoonful of mashed potatoes in a pot.

Cream Cheese Grits

Cheesy, creamy, and utterly comforting. These cheese grits are the kind of side you’ll want to eat straight from the pot.

Bread Side Dishes to Serve with Gumbo

Here’s a lineup of bread sides that will make your heart (and stomach) happy.

15. Homemade French Bread

Sliced bread with butter on a baking sheet.

Homemade French Bread

Nothing beats the smell of Homemade French bread. Crusty on the outside, super soft on the inside, it’s the perfect side dish for mopping up all that gumbo goodness.

16. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread on a white plate with parsley.

Garlic Bread

The garlicky taste of Garlic Bread perfectly complements the flavors of gumbo. It’s so good, you might need to make extra!

17. French Cheese Puffs

Cheesy biscuits in a bowl next to a wicker basket.

French Cheese Puffs

Light, airy, and cheesy, these French cheese puffs are little bites of heaven. Pop one in your mouth and let the magic happen.

18. Air Fryer Bread Pudding

plate of bread pudding topped with butter

Air Fryer Bread Pudding

Got some leftover bread? Don't throw it—toss it in the air fryer and make this awesome Bread Pudding. This works as a dessert, but you can serve it as a sweet side.

19. Quick and Easy Biscuit

Air Fryer Biscuits

No time? No problem. These Quick and Easy Biscuits are a snap to make. They’re fluffy, buttery, and absolutely great for dipping.

20. Homemade Crackers

Rosemary crackers in a blue dish with sprigs of rosemary.

Homemade Crackers

Why buy when you can DIY? These Homemade Crackers are surprisingly simple and way better than what you get at the store.

Vegetable Sides That Go Well with Gumbo

Want something light and healthy? These veggie sides are the way to go.

21. Simple Coleslaw

Coleslaw in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

Simple Coleslaw

This Simple Coleslaw is a fresh, crunchy side that balances out the gumbo’s bold flavors. It’s easy to whip up and never fails to impress.

22. Grilled Seasoned Okra

Fried okra in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Grilled Seasoned Okra

Fire up the grill for some Grilled Seasoned Okra. It’s smoky, it’s tasty, and it plays super nice with the equally fiery gumbo.

23. Southern Fried Okra

A plate of fried okra with dipping sauce.

Southern Fried Okra

If you enjoyed Grilled Okra, try this one. When okra is fried, it gets a crispy, golden exterior that’s just plain good.

24. Green Bean Almondine

Green beans with almonds on a white plate.

Green Bean Almondine

Fancy up your gumbo night with some Green Bean Almondine. It’s simple, has a nice crunch, and incredibly easy to whip up.

25. Easy Green Salad Recipe

A bowl of salad with tomatoes, cucumbers and croutons.

Easy Green Salad Recipe

Sometimes, you just need something fresh to balance it all out. A simple green salad does the trick.

❓ FAQs

What are the 2 rules of gumbo?

Always start with a dark roux for depth and don’t forget the ‘Holy Trinity’—bell pepper, onion, and celery—for that classic flavor.

How should gumbo be served?

When it’s ready, serve the gumbo with any of the side dishes mentioned earlier. You can also throw some parsley or green onions on top to give it a nice touch.

What is the secret to good gumbo?

Take your time with the roux. Cook it slow until it’s just right—dark but not burnt. That’s where all the flavor’s at!

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