What to Serve with Gumbo

If you plan to make my New Orleans style Chicken & Sausage Gumbo for 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 partner to gumbo. A low-carb option could be cauliflower 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 my Creole Coleslaw and 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 my recipe for cornbread in 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 my Loaded Baked Potato Deviled Eggs and Cheddar & Bacon Deviled Eggs would 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!