Packed with andouille sausage and brimming with Cajun seasoning, Jambalaya is a flavorful dish that truly embodies the spirit of Southern cuisine and Louisiana tradition. But what to serve with Jambalaya remains a question for many.
In this blog post, we delve into an array of side dishes that enhance the rich complexity of Jambalaya. These accompaniments will not only underscore its robust symphony of spices, the distinctive flavor of andouille sausage, and the perfect consistency of its rice, but will also provide a well-rounded dining experience. From the zest of refreshing salads to the comforting warmth of buttery cornbread, we’re about to unfold a world of flavors that make an excellent pair with this cherished Creole masterpiece.
from the classics to the unconventional. Here are the best side dishes for Jambalaya.
Appetizers to Serve with Jambalaya
Southern Pimento Cheese
Get a taste of Southern comfort food with this Southern pimento cheese recipe. Combining sharp cheddar cheese, creamy mayonnaise, and flavorful pimentos, this spread is perfect for crackers, sandwiches, or even as a veggie dip.
Crab Beignets with Tangy Remoulade Sauce
Immerse yourself in a true culinary treat with the crab beignets with a tangy remoulade sauce recipe. These golden, crispy fritters are packed with succulent crab meat, and when paired with a side of tangy remoulade sauce, they create a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. This recipe offers an exquisite blend of textures and flavors that make it an ideal appetizer or party food.
Cheddar Bacon Stuffed Celery Sticks
Elevate your appetizer game with these cheddar bacon-stuffed celery sticks. The recipe involves stuffing crisp celery with a creamy, savory blend of cheddar and bacon, resulting in a low-carb, high-flavor snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cheese-Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers are a fast and tasty snack for any occasion and make a great side dish or appetizer for Jambalaya. Filled with cheese and then topped with cheese, they are the ultimate in cheesy goodness! The best part? These are easy to make in your air fryer or toaster oven.
Oysters on the Half Shell
Indulge in the briny elegance of fresh oysters with this simple preparation that highlights their natural, oceanic flavors. Served with a splash of sharp vinegar to cut through their rich, creamy texture, this dish makes a perfect appetizer or centerpiece for a sophisticated seafood feast. Whether enjoyed raw or grilled, the pairing of oysters and vinegar creates a harmonious balance that will delight seafood lovers.
Savory Crepes with Fresh Herbs
The Savory Crepes with Fresh Herbs recipe is a delightful culinary journey to the heart of French cuisine. Brimming with an assortment of fresh herbs, these crepes offer a savory twist to the classic sweet treat. This recipe combines the soft, delicate texture of crepes with the robust flavors of herbs, making it an ideal choice for a unique brunch or a light dinner.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken Bacon Bites
Whether you’re looking for holiday appetizers or backyard BBQ bites, these Sweet and spicy sriracha bacon chicken bites are delicious and easy to make. And yes, they go perfectly with any version of Jambalaya.
Firecracker Shrimp
Ignite your taste buds with the firecracker shrimp recipe. These shrimp are marinated in a spicy-sweet sauce, then quickly sautéed for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and makes a sensational starter or a main dish with some added sides. Use this delicious recipe for Boom Boom Sauce for dipping.
Carb-y Side Dishes for Jambalaya
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Savor the rustic charm of this traditional American staple with the Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread recipe, offering a perfect golden crust on the outside and a moist, fluffy texture on the inside. It’s the quintessential comfort food, carrying a hint of sweetness that pairs impeccably with a variety of dishes. It’s also perfect for mopping up leftover Jambalaya sauce! Find yourself with leftovers? Here’s what to do with leftover cornbread.
Smoked Corn on the Cob
Ignite a new love for a classic side with this smoked corn on the cob recipe. Slowly smoked to infuse a deep, woodsy flavor, each kernel pops with a sweet and smoky taste that’s unlike any corn you’ve had before. It’s a simple yet impactful way to elevate your barbecue or cookout menu. It’s the perfect side dish for any Jambalaya recipe.
Garlic Butter Smashed Sweet Potatoes
This recipe for garlic butter smashed sweet potatoes transforms the humble sweet potato into a culinary delight, complete with a crispy exterior and a tender, buttery interior. Infused with the robust flavor of garlic, these potatoes make a delightful side dish for Jambalaya. And before you get cooking, here’s how to tell if a sweet potato is bad.
Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
The crock pot black eyed peas recipe takes a Southern classic and infuses it with slow-cooked flavor, yielding a hearty and satisfying dish. It’s a perfect blend of smoky taste, savory ingredients, and ease of preparation in a crock pot makes it a go-to choice for convenient, wholesome meals. Want to add a whole other level of taste to these peas? Add few tablespoons of bacon grease! Fan of bean dishes? Try these crispy butter beans.
Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits
Relive the signature taste of Red Lobster at home with this recipe for their famous Cheddar Biscuits. Packed with sharp cheddar cheese and brushed with garlicky butter, these biscuits are the perfect combination of tender, flaky, and irresistibly cheesy.
Garlic Bread
Embrace the simple, timeless appeal of perfectly toasted Garlic Bread with this recipe. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and suffused with the aromatic flavor of garlic and butter, it’s the ultimate companion to pasta dishes or a mouth-watering appetizer on its own.
Veggie Side Dishes for Jambalaya
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Unleash the potential of Brussels sprouts with this crispy Brussels sprouts recipe. The use of an air fryer results in sprouts that are perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside, creating a side dish that even skeptics will adore.
Zucchini Fritters
With this zucchini fritters recipe, transform this versatile vegetable into a delightful snack or side, featuring a crispy exterior surrounding a tender, flavorful interior. These fritters are a perfect way to sneak in extra veggies and can be paired with a variety of dips for a flavor boost.
Chipotle Veggies
Spice up your vegetable intake with this Chipotle copycat veggies recipe. A combo of colorful bell peppers and sweet onions, this side dish delivers a satisfying savoriness and a heat level that can be tailored to your liking, making it a versatile accompaniment to any main course.
Instant Pot Collard Greens
Experience the down-home comfort of Southern cooking with these Instant Pot collard greens. Thanks to the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot, you’ll enjoy these tender, flavorful greens, cooked with smoky bacon or ham hock, in no time at all.
Cajun Fried Okra
Impress your guests by serving tasty Cajun fried okra, featuring a spicy, crispy coating that encapsulates tender, juicy okra. This delectable snack offers a pleasing crunch and a burst of Cajun heat with each bite.
Crack Green Beans
This crack green bean casserole recipe takes the traditional holiday dish to the next level with a flavorful, creamy sauce and a generous topping of crispy fried onions. It’s a comfort food favorite with an irresistible twist that will have everyone reaching for a second helping.
Sauteed Swiss Chard
Highlight the natural goodness of leafy greens with the sauteed Swiss chard recipe. This nutritious side dish, with its vibrant colors and a pleasant blend of bitter and sweet flavors, adds a delightful contrast to any meal.
Smashed Cucumber Salad
Discover a fresh, unique twist on the salad with this smashed cucumber salad recipe. The smashing process releases the cucumbers’ natural juices, resulting in a refreshingly crisp and hydrating salad that’s a perfect cooling side dish for spicy entrees.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Refresh your palate with a cucumber tomato salad recipe, offering a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. This side dish showcases the natural flavors and textures of summer produce, making it an ideal accompaniment for a variety of main dishes.
Desserts to Serve with Jambalaya
Bread Pudding
Indulge in the comforting sweetness of this classic bread pudding recipe. Featuring a soft, custard-soaked interior and a golden, crispy top, this dessert offers a nostalgic taste of home with every bite.
Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
Old-fashioned rice pudding transports you back to grandma’s kitchen with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. With just the right amount of vanilla and a dusting of cinnamon, it’s a humble yet satisfying dessert that warms the heart and palate.
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
With this gluten-free Oatmeal raisin cookies recipe, you can indulge in a classic cookie without any gluten concerns. These cookies deliver a delightful chewiness from the oats, sweetness from the raisins, and a hint of cinnamon warmth, proving that gluten-free treats can be just as delicious as their traditional counterparts.
Traditional Pecan Pie
Experience the sweet allure of Southern tradition with a scrumptious pecan pie recipe. This quintessential dessert boasts a lusciously sweet filling punctuated with crunchy pecans, all cradled within a buttery, flaky pastry. With its harmonious balance of textures and deeply satisfying flavors, pecan pie is a delightful conclusion to any meal. Looking for more dessert ideas? Check out our list of Texan desserts.
What to Serve with Jambalaya FAQs
What is traditionally served with jambalaya?
Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful dish that stands well on its own, but it is often accompanied by a variety of sides to enhance the meal. Here are a few traditional accompaniments:
- Cornbread: The sweetness of cornbread provides a nice contrast to the spicy flavors in jambalaya.
- Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad can help balance the rich, hearty flavors of jambalaya.
- Okra: Fried okra or okra cooked with tomatoes is often served with jambalaya in Louisiana.
- Collard Greens or Green Beans: These green sides can add a bit of freshness to the meal and complement the flavors well.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy nature of coleslaw can offer a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of jambalaya.
Remember, though, that food pairings are a matter of personal preference, and you should serve your jambalaya with whatever side dishes you enjoy!
Is jambalaya a main or side dish?
Jambalaya is typically served as a main dish. Originating from Louisiana in the United States, it’s a hearty one-pot meal that includes a variety of ingredients, including rice, a mix of meats (such as chicken, sausage, and often seafood like shrimp or crawfish), and a blend of vegetables and spices. The mixture is slowly cooked together until the flavors meld, resulting in a dish that’s filling and flavorful enough to be the centerpiece of a meal. However, like many dishes, it can also be served as a side if preferred, especially in the context of a larger spread of dishes.
Is jambalaya supposed to be wet or dry?
Jambalaya is usually somewhere in between – it’s not supposed to be as dry as a fried rice dish, but it’s also not meant to be as soupy or wet as a gumbo or a stew.
The rice in jambalaya is cooked in the same pot with the meats, vegetables, and stock, which allows it to absorb those flavors and some of the liquid. The end result is a dish where the individual grains of rice are typically distinct and tender, but the overall dish is moist and flavorful.
Of course, personal preferences and variations in recipes can affect the final consistency of jambalaya. Some people may prefer their jambalaya a bit more on the dry side, while others might like it a bit more moist. But in general, it should be somewhere in the middle.
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Have questions or suggestions about what to serve with a Jambalaya dinner? Leave them in the comments below.
