Gumbo is already a feast in itself, but pairing it with the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. Whether you’re looking to balance the bold flavors with a classic staple or want to try something unexpected, there are plenty of options to explore. From fluffy cornbread and crispy hush puppies to refreshing salads and smoky fries, this list offers something for everyone. Dive in to find the perfect accompaniment for your next gumbo night!
What is Gumbo?
Gumbo, a hearty and flavorful stew with roots in Louisiana, is a beloved staple of Creole and Cajun cooking. Known for its rich, spiced broth and bold flavors, gumbo often features a mix of meats like chicken, sausage, or seafood, alongside vegetables like okra, bell peppers, and onions, and is often served over white rice. Its unique flavor profile draws on African, French, Spanish, and Native American culinary traditions, making gumbo a deeply layered dish that embodies the cultural diversity of Southern American cuisine.
What is Traditionally Served with Gumbo?
- Rice is the classic side for gumbo, providing a neutral base that lets the rich stew shine.
- Cornbread is another favorite, with its slightly sweet, crumbly texture adding a delightful contrast to gumbo’s savory depth.
- For a rustic touch, try serving gumbo with crusty French bread — perfect for soaking up every bit of the flavorful broth.
- Okra, often found in gumbo itself, can also make a great side. Fried okra, with its crispy coating, brings a fun, flavorful crunch.
- And let’s not forget hush puppies! These golden fried cornmeal bites have a crisp outside and tender center, making them a wonderful pairing for the hearty stew.
35 Gumbo Side Dishes
1
MOON and spoon and yum
Smoky Baked Purple Sweet Potato Fries
Easy to make purple sweet potato fries with a delightful smoky and savory flavor. Naturally plant-based.
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2
Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe
My simple and delicious roasted okra recipe turns the biggest okra skeptics into okra lovers! This tasty side dish is smoky and savory with a delightful texture.
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3
How to Make Easy Quick Pickled Cabbage
Learn how to make quick and easy pickled cabbage recipe in this informative post! Pickled cabbage can add a dash of crunch and tang to a variety of dishes, making it a wonderful condiment to have on hand in the refrigerator.
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4
MOON and spoon and yum
Zesty Butter Beans
Zesty, creamy, and delicious butter beans can be enjoyed as is stew-style or served over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
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5
Air Fryer Hush Puppies (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
I’m heading back to my Southern roots with this healthy air fryer spin on Hush Puppies! They are super tasty, easy to make + gluten-free & vegan.
Check out this recipe
6
Art of Natural Living
New Orleans Fried Oyster Salad – Art of Natural Living
Spicy and crunchy with a taste of the Gulf, New Orleans Fried Oyster Salad is an easy and delightful way to armchair travel!
Check out this recipe
7
Strength and Sunshine
Vegan Southern Potato Salad (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free, Eggless)
Super easy Vegan Southern Potato Salad, just like the classic! Traditional Southern-style mustard potato salad that’s eggless, gluten-free, & allergy-free!
Check out this recipe
8
Ugly Duckling Bakery
Raw Carrot Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette
Raw carrot salad is a versatile side dish with paper-thin carrot slices and honey lime dressing. Add vibrant color and crunch to your plate.
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9
Ugly Duckling Bakery
Garlic Bread Baguette
Food52’s 4-hour baguettes helped redeem the stone baguette baker while conjuring up perfectly crispy baguettes in an afternoon.
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10
Erica’s Recipes
Coleslaw Pasta Salad
Coleslaw Pasta Salad has all the crunch and flavor of coleslaw in a delicious macaroni salad perfect for a potluck or summer barbecue.
Check out this recipe
11
Cooking for an Army
Apple Juice Carrots for a Crowd
Apple Juice Carrots for a Crowd is an affordable, family favorite recipe, easy to make for 25, 50, even 100 people with only 3 ingredients.
Check out this recipe
12
Carne Diem
Jalapeno Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Pork Jowl
Jalapeno black eyed peas are a quick and easy side dish to whip up for your southern dinner. Add in smoked pork jowl and you are flavor heaven.
Check out this recipe
13
Love Incredible Recipes
Beetroot Salad with Pomegranate (Best Beet Recipe) — Love Incredible Recipes
This beetroot salad with pomegranate is easy, quick and tasty – and my favorite way to enjoy beets! Perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs, you will definitely want to try this vibrant, simple and healthy salad.
Check out this recipe
14
Soulfully Made
Andouille and Crawfish Pimento Cheese Fries
What says Mardi Gras better than Andouille and Crawfish Pimento Cheese Fries!! The New Orleans inspired dish certainly screams “laissez les bon temps rouler”
Check out this recipe
15
Strength and Sunshine
Vegan Jalapeño Cornbread (Gluten-Free) – Strength and Sunshine
The best Vegan Jalapeño Cornbread! Moist, tender, this gluten-free jalapeño cheddar cornbread has a perfect balance of sweet and spicy!
Check out this recipe
16
Erica’s Recipes
Green Chile Brown Rice Casserole
Green Chile Brown Rice Casserole is a cheesy, easy side dish to complement your main course with creamy sour cream, green chile, and jalapeno.
Check out this recipe
17
Carne Diem
Southern Style Cheesy Jalapeno Grits
These jalapeno cheddar cheese grits are the perfect southern comfort food and make the perfect side to some Cajun shrimp.
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18
Sustain My Cooking Habit
How to Make Rice and Peas
Prepared in 30 minutes, everyone will love this easy-peasy, classic and delicious rice and peas recipe, also referred to as risi e bisi.
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19
The Short Order Cook
Bacon Fried Corn – The Short Order Cook
Fresh summer corn that is bacon fried in a skillet is a Southern classic side dish. It’s salty, sweet, crisp, & comforting.
Check out this recipe
20
Eating Works
Keto Greek Salad (Gluten Free)
This keto greek salad is full of zesty flavor and yet won’t put you out of ketosis. Perfect for anyone on a keto or low carb diet.
Check out this recipe
21
VegBuffet
Air Fryer Corn On The Cob in Indian Style {Vegan, Healthy}
This easy Air fryer Corn on the Cob, roasted to perfection, made in Indian style, crispy from out & tender within is incredible appetizer.
Check out this recipe
22
The Default Cook
Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Butter – The Default Cook
This kid-friendly side dish is sure to be a hit, and with just 5 ingredients these crockpot mashed sweet potatoes couldn’t be easier!
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23
I Heart Eating
Homemade Buttermilk Biscuits
Homemade buttermilk biscuits are light and fluffy biscuits that are made with just six ingredients. They make a tasty breakfast treat!
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24
A Cedar Spoon
Lemon Arugula Salad Recipe with Parmesan Cheese
This Lemon Arugula Salad is light, and perfect with any meal. It mixes arugula, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and pine nuts with a light lemony dressing.
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25
Eating Works
Baked Risotto Gorgonzola Recipe: Gluten Free
This creamy gluten free baked risotto gorgonzola is easy because you don’t have to stir it! Making tasty risotto was never easier!
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26
MOON and spoon and yum
Air Fryer Zucchini (Vegan, Keto, Gluten-Free)
This easy, healthy Air Fryer Zucchini squash recipe is packed with flavor for the perfect side dish, appetizer or snack. Naturally vegan, keto and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe
27
Eating Works
Easy Rainbow Roasted Carrots
These are the most flavorful easy Roasted Rainbow Carrots. Learn how to cook rainbow carrots that are vegetarian, gluten-free and nut free.
Check out this recipe
28
A Cedar Spoon
Easy Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing
Easy Kale Salad Recipe with Lemon Dressing is ready to eat in under 5 minutes. This kale salad is simple, yet full of flavor from the freshly grated Parmesan, lemon.
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29
My Chef’s Apron
Mücver (Turkish Zucchini Fritters) – Chocolates & Chai
Mücver are Turkish fritters made with zucchini (courgettes), crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, mucver are perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
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30
Eating Works
(Healthier) Copycat Buffalo Wild Wings Potato Wedge Recipe
This copycat Buffalo Wild Wings potato wedge recipe is everything you love about the original only healthier. These fries are so good you’ll eat them right off the baking sheet while they’re still too hot!
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31
Sweetly Splendid
Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls Recipe (with video!) – Sweetly Splendid
Even if you’re not an experienced baker, you can make soft, buttery dinner rolls in only an hour. This recipe for easy yeast rolls for beginners won’t leave you feeling intimated or worried. The easy to follow steps will give you light and fluffy yeast rolls every time.
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32
fANNEtastic food
15-Min Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Yogurt Dressing (No Mayo)
This broccoli cauliflower salad is crunchy, super nutritious, and packed with flavor! Plus, you can easily prep it ahead of time.
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33
Chew Out Loud
French Bread Recipe
This Crusty French Bread boasts a crispy golden crust and a soft and chewy center. Just a handful of basic ingredients needed. Easy!
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34
Get Inspired Everyday!
Sautéed Green Beans (no blanching!) | Get Inspired Everyday!
These easy to make Sautéed Green Beans with a hint of garlic don’t need to be blanched and are cooked all in one skillet in just minutes.
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35
Cooking Gorgeous
Mango Pico de Gallo – Fresh Mango Salsa
Try this Mango Pico de Gallo – Fresh Mango Salsa recipe if you are looking for a quick, tasty, and colorful appetizer.
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