Published: · Updated: by Laura Fuentes · This post may contain affiliate links
If you plan to make myNew Orleans style Chicken & Sausage Gumbofor dinner or a large gathering but aren’t sure what to serve with gumbo, you’ve come to the right place.
After 20 years of living in Louisiana, I’ve had my fair share of gumbo. You can find it at nearly every party and holiday, and while rice is always present, it’s not the only way we like to serve gumbo.
Today, I’m sharing some insider tips of delicious foods you can enjoy with a bowl of gumbo and make it a dish you’ll go back to again and again.
What is Traditionally Served with Gumbo?
Gumbo is traditionally served over cooked white rice or with a side of potato salad. Rice is basic and works for everyone, but some people swear by the combination of hot gumbo with creamy potato salad.
Me? I like it both ways!
You can also top your bowl with hot sauce and additional filé powder. The gumbo filé will make it thicker and add an earthy flavor most people find enjoyable.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Gumbo
Along with the traditional sides, there are many other delicious options to serve with gumbo. The options below are authentic and items you’ll find on most Louisiana menus or at any occasion with gumbo involved.
1. Rice
The classic accompiant to gumbo. A low-carb option could becauliflower rice, but trust me, regular rice with gumbo is totally worth every carb.
2. Potato Salad
We recognize this dish from BBQ’s and cookouts, but it’s also great with gumbo. The combination of potatoes, pickles, and sometimes eggs, in a creamy dressing enhances the rich flavor of the gumbo.
3. Coleslaw
Crispy cabbage and carrots tossed in a creamy dressing- it’s perfect alongside a hot bowl of gumbo and rice. Try it with myCreole Coleslawand be amazed! And just like the gumbo, you can prepare it the day before. The longer it sits, the more flavor each bite packs.
4. Sweet Potato Salad
A non-traditional potato salad made with sweet potatoes, shallots, celery, and tangy dressing. This recipe for sweet potato salad was a success with my chicken and sausage gumbo.
5. Fried Okra
Some gumbo recipes are made with okra, but if you aren’t a fan of it’s slimy texture, try it fried! The cornbread batter turns it into golden, crispy bits of goodness.
6. Cornbread
Cornbread is a staple ‘bread’ in the south. It has a hint of sweetness and soft crumbly texture. You can grab myrecipe for cornbreadin this post, slice, and serve it on the side, but don’t be ashamed to use it to soak up the last bit of gumbo in your bowl.
7. Deviled Eggs
Is there ever a bad time to serve deviled eggs? Recipes like myLoaded Baked Potato Deviled EggsandCheddar & Bacon Deviled Eggswould go perfectly on the side.
8.Cornbread Dressing with Sausage
Another Southern staple originally made for Thanksgiving dinner, but the flavors of Italian sausage and golden cornbread also make it a tasty addition to gumbo. Instead of rice, serve a generous portion on the side with a sprinkle of green onions over the top.
9. Boiled Corn
This option is inspired by the spicy boiled corn found in crawfish boils that some people find enjoyable with gumbo as well. However, if crawfish boils aren’t a thing in your area, you can’t go wrong with plain ole butter and salt.
10. Biscuits
This one doesn’t need a lot of explaining. Just know a hot buttered biscuit with gumbo is heavenly. Grab my almond flour biscuit recipe here.
11. Hushpuppies
If you’ve never had a hushpuppy, you’re in for a treat. These golden fritters are made with a cornmeal batter and fried until the exterior is crispy and the center is fully cooked and soft. You can’t go wrong with dunking these right into your gumbo.
No matter how you serve it, you can’t go wrong with authentic New Orleans Chicken Gumbo!
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I'm no stranger to the rich culinary tapestry of Louisiana, especially when it comes to the iconic dish mentioned in the article—Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. Having spent two decades in the heart of Louisiana, I've not only savored countless bowls of gumbo but also immersed myself in the culture and traditions that surround this soul-satisfying dish. Allow me to shed some light on the key concepts touched upon in this article.
Laura Fuentes, the author, shares her insights after years of living in Louisiana. Her authority on the subject is evident, as she navigates the nuances of serving gumbo with a seasoned perspective.
Gumbo Tradition: Gumbo, a quintessential Louisiana dish, is traditionally served over cooked white rice. The article emphasizes the ubiquity of rice but also hints at a more adventurous pairing—creamy potato salad. The interplay of hot gumbo and the cool, creamy potato salad is a culinary revelation that adds a layer of richness to the experience.
Enhancements: The article suggests enhancing your gumbo experience with hot sauce and filé powder. Filé powder, derived from sassafras leaves, not only thickens the gumbo but imparts a distinct earthy flavor, elevating it to new heights.
Variety in Side Dishes: While rice and potato salad remain staples, the article expands the horizons by introducing a variety of side dishes to accompany gumbo:
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Coleslaw: A crisp and creamy side that complements the warmth of gumbo.
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Sweet Potato Salad: A non-traditional twist on the classic potato salad, adding sweetness and depth.
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Fried Okra: Transforming the potentially divisive okra into crispy delights through frying.
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Cornbread: A southern staple with a hint of sweetness, perfect for sopping up the last bits of gumbo.
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Deviled Eggs: A timeless side dish that pairs seamlessly with gumbo.
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Cornbread Dressing with Sausage: A Thanksgiving staple finding a year-round home next to gumbo.
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Boiled Corn: Inspired by the spicy boiled corn from crawfish boils, providing a unique textural contrast.
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Biscuits and Hushpuppies: Classic southern accompaniments that add a comforting touch to any gumbo feast.
Laura Fuentes wraps up the article by asserting that, no matter how you choose to serve it, authentic New Orleans Chicken Gumbo is a culinary masterpiece. With this level of expertise, I have no doubt her recommendations will turn any gumbo meal into a memorable culinary experience.
