What To Serve With Gumbo – 17 Delicious Side Dishes

If youre wondering what to serve with your gumbo, youve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 17 of the most popular side dishes for gumbo.

In a rush? Heres the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with gumbo are cilantro-lime black bean rice, potato salad, french bread rolls, or healthy slaw. Try pickled jalapenos, green bean salad, quinoa salad, and roasted veggies for a healthier option. You can also try cornbread, hushpuppies, fried okras, or potato wedges.

Ready? Lets jump right in.

Cilantro-lime black bean rice 

White rice is the traditional accompaniment to gumbo.

But why not make your supper more filling by upgrading to this rice dish with beans?

Aside from being more filling, this rice dish also has a citrusy flavor that will cut through the heat of your gumbo.

And it only takes 20 minutes to get this cilantro-lime black bean rice on the table around the same time as regular white rice would take.

Potato salad

Not feeling a rice dish to accompany your gumbo?

A traditional Southern potato salad is an excellent substitute.

The cold and creamy potatoes are a delicious contrast to your gumbos flavorful and spicy broth.

When you bring this Southern potato salad to potlucks and parties, youll be everyones favorite person.

French bread rolls

These French bread rolls are the perfect accompaniment to any gumbo.

Theyre soft and fluffy, with a beautiful golden-brown crust, just like their big brother, the French baguette.

Perfect for mopping up your gumbos finger-licking good broth.

Theyre also easy to make at home these rolls call for basic ingredients that are most likely in your pantry already.

Youll feel like a pro baker when you pull these crusty French bread rolls out of the oven.

Healthy slaw

Gumbo can get heavy, so this healthy slaw is the best side dish to add a fresh, contrasting bite.

It’s a lighter take on regular coleslaw.

Instead of mayo, this slaw is dressed with a simple tangy lemon dressing.

Prepare a double batch of this healthy slaw if youre bringing it for a crowd.

Jalapeno cornbread

Think plain bread is a tad too boring for your gumbo?

Loaded with shredded cheddar cheese and jalapeno bits, this cornbread is anything but plain or boring.

And dont worry, it doesnt use the jalapeno seeds so it isnt too spicy. You get a mild sweetness and earthiness from the jalapenos instead.

Whether youre making it for your family dinner or for a party, dont expect this jalapeno cornbread to last long.

Hushpuppies

These crispy morsels go well with gumbo, particularly seafood gumbo.

They are extra crispy on the outside, with soft and fluffy insides that just melt in your mouth.

Their size makes it incredibly easy to pop one in your mouth, and before you know it youve already demolished half a plate.

Pop these hushpuppies alongside your gumbo for a truly indulgent meal.

Pickled jalapenos

Gumbo can be a complete meal on its own, so if you just want a simple side to brighten things up, these pickled jalapenos are the way to go.

They have a slight crunch and the right balance between tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Mix them in with the gumbo, or dip the jalapeno slices in the broth for a quick refresh.

These pickled jalapenos may be made at home and do not need to be canned.

Crab cakes

Beef up your gumbo meal with a serving of these crab cakes.

These crab cakes, made with jumbo lump crab, are extra meaty which means you wont need to use too much filler.

They go great with any gumbo, but if you want a seafood-filled meal, serve these crab cakes before a piping hot bowl of seafood gumbo.

No seafood lover will be able to resist smothering these jumbo lump crab cakes with the gumbos broth.

Fried okras

Not a fan of okras?

Well, these fried okras might just change your mind.

The okra slices are coated with cornmeal, making them extra crunchy.

Frying them also helps eliminate the okras sliminess, which is a turn-off for many people.

If your gumbo doesnt already include okra, you should definitely make these crispy fried okras for the complete Southern cuisine experience.

Maque choux

Add fresh and vibrant splashes of color to your gumbo with this maque choux.

Its a classic Southern side dish made of sauteed corn and peppers.

This dish gets its bold flavors from bacon grease (YUM) and cajun seasoning. It certainly packs a punch!

This corn maque choux is great for busy weeknights when youre short on time.

Green bean salad

Craving a green salad to go with your gumbo, but dont just want leaves?

This green bean salad may be just what youre looking for.

Its a fun salad filled with various crispy and soft ingredients for a nice textural contrast.

Everything is tied together with a phenomenal vinaigrette (that you can make with the ingredients from your pantry).

Aside from gumbo, this green bean salad would also be an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving spread.

Buttermilk fried chicken

Make the ultimate Southern comfort meal by making fried chicken to go with your andouille gumbo.

Nothing comes close to buttermilk fried chicken when it comes to fried chicken recipes.

You get extra juicy and tender chicken with an ultra crunchy skin thats simply to die for.

Plus, every bite is flavorful and delicious no part of your chicken is left unseasoned or bland.

Youll want to have this buttermilk fried chicken for lunch or dinner every week.

Potato wedges

Got gumbo leftovers?

Serve it with these potato wedges to make it a full snack.

These wedges are lightly flavored, making them the perfect base for your spicy and bold gumbo.

And the best thing about these?

Theyre SUPER crispy.

Squash gnocchi

Ready to go on a culinary fusion adventure?

Make these squash gnocchi to go with your gumbo for a fun Italian addition to a Southern classic.

These orange-hued dumplings have a nutty flavor amplified by tossing them in a sage brown butter sauce. Its a warming, autumnal flavor that pairs well with gumbo.

Scoop a heaping serving of your gumbo over these squash gnocchi for a nourishing meal.

Prawn toast

Shrimp toast is guaranteed to be a massive hit when you serve it as an appetizer or side dish to your gumbo.

Lightly crisp and with a tasty prawn mousse filling whats not to love about them?

I personally also love the sesame coating, which gives the toast a delectable nutty taste.

This sesame prawn toast is quite addicting.

Sweet potato quinoa salad

You can serve this sweet potato quinoa salad with your gumbo for a light meal that will still satisfy any growling stomach.

This quinoa salad, made with fresh and healthy ingredients, is an excellent alternative to rice.

And the dried cranberries add a nice crunch so it doesnt get too mushy.

Follow Chelseas Messy Aprons lead and make a simple lemon vinaigrette for your quinoa salad.

Balsamic roasted veggies

Got no more energy to make a side dish for your gumbo?

As a side dish, these roasted vegetables come together fast.

Take whatever you have left in your fridge, chop it up, and chuck it on a baking pan. Done!

These balsamic roasted veggies make for a great last-minute dish during those hectic nights.

The best side dishes for gumbo

• Cilantro-lime black bean rice
• Potato salad
• French bread rolls
• Healthy slaw
• Jalapeno cornbread
• Hushpuppies
• Pickled jalapenos
• Crab cakes
• Fried okras
• Maque choux
• Green bean salad
• Buttermilk fried chicken
• Potato wedges
• Squash gnocchi
• Prawn toast
• Sweet potato quinoa salad
• Balsamic roasted veggies