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Jambalaya is one of the most popular American Creole and Cajun dishes for a good reason. And when it comes to choosing sides to go with this savory rice dish, you need ones that will either complement or stand up to the big, bold flavors! Ever wonder what to serve with jambalaya? Keep reading for over 20 of my best recommendations for dishes to serve with jambalaya.
Jambalaya is an American Creole and Cajun savory rice dish that’s especially popular in New Orleans and southern Louisiana. And if you’ve ever tried it, then you know each bite delivers big on flavor!
Recipes for jambalaya are often passed down through generations, so there can be a lot of variety. Typically, this savory rice dish includes meat, seafood, the holy trinity of vegetables, and bold seasoning. The New Orleans Creole style is made with tomatoes while the Cajun version omits them.
Aside from the seasonings, the ingredients themselves are packed with flavor. You almost always find andouille sausage and strong vegetables like onions and bell peppers. So, when it comes to choosing your side dish, you need something that won’t get drowned out!
From comfort foods like cornbread or hush puppies that reset your taste buds to bold sides like Cajun corn on the cob, this list is packed with recipes that will enhance your jambalaya experience. And of course, don’t forget to include dessert!
1. Cucumber Tomato Salad
Looking for a light and refreshing side you can enjoy on its own or with your main course? This cucumber salad is sure to become a go-to!
There’s a reason this summer staple is a potluck favorite. You can eat it as-is or pair it with fish, chicken, pork, or steak. Hands-on prep only takes about 15 minutes, then let it chill for an hour and you’re ready to go!
2. Caesar Salad
This traditional caesar salad is anything but boring! It’s crisp and simple while still offering big, bold, fresh flavor. Does it get much better than that?
Caesar is a tried-and-true recipe that has long been known for its ability to stand up to hearty pasta dishes. That’s what makes it the perfect side dish with rich and flavorful jambalaya!
3. Collard Greens
When it comes to classic southern dishes, collard greens have always been a preferred side. This comforting recipe has a down-home, fresh-off-the-farm touch that makes it irresistible!
The key is to slow-simmer the collard greens with bacon, onion, garlic, and just the right blend of seasonings. The result is a mouth-watering blend of flavors you’ll want to make again and again.
4. Swiss Chard
For a healthy, easy side that comes together in just minutes, sautéed Swiss chard is a delicious way to add more veggies to your menu!
Swiss chard is easier to find due to its longer growth season. But you can also use rainbow chard with its beautiful, vibrant colors that will delight your eyes just as much as your stomach.
5. Southern-Style Green Beans
No one will ever believe this recipe started with canned beans! The beans won’t fall apart, and the flavors taste like this dish has been cooking all day. In reality, it only takes 30 minutes to go from can to table!
6. Cajun Corn On The Cob
Creamy cajun mayo sauce and a sprinkling of salty crumbled cheese over perfectly baked corn make this dish a summer staple! It’s similar to Mexican street corn, but with a Cajun twist.
It’s up to you if you want to add crumbled feta or cotija cheese. Feel free to throw on some chopped cilantro and Cajun seasoning to taste, then make sure you serve warm!
7. Creamed Corn
For classic southern comfort food, it’s hard to beat creamed corn with Parmesan and cream cheese. It requires hardly any prep work and tastes like a million bucks. You simply can’t go wrong!
8. Fried Green Tomatoes
This easy dish is made with buttermilk and cornmeal, then served with an optional spicy Louisiana rémoulade sauce for iconic southern fare. You’ll be so glad you finally tried making these at home!
9. Fried Okra
True southerners like their okra fresh and fried. No heavy crust or overkill sauces here!
These bites are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and are finished with just the right sprinkle of sea salt. I always recommend making an extra-big batch because your family will be begging for more!
10. Hush Puppies
When it comes to comforting bread sides, you won’t find anything more delicious than hush puppies. What could be better than bites of corn batter that are fried to crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside perfection? Dip them in your jambalaya, then enjoy your leftovers with sweet honey butter or spicy mayonnaise!
11. Cheddar Biscuits
You could call these copycat Red Lobster cheddar biscuits, but in reality, they’re even better than the restaurant version! When you want something warm and buttery that can be ready in 20 minutes, it doesn’t get much better than this easy recipe.
The rich baked cheddar flavor and garlic butter glaze on top give the biscuits the perfect savory flavor. And once you see how much better homemade rolls taste, you’ll want to whip up a batch at every available opportunity!
12. Cornbread
What’s a classic southern meal without cornbread? This super easy-to-make recipe is tender, buttery, moist, and oh-so-perfect to pair with jambalaya or other southern cuisine. Best of all, it’s fast and simple to whip up on even the busiest weeknights!
13. Sweet Corn Cake
Mexican-inspired moist spoon cake is loaded with fresh corn flavor. Rather than serving it in wedges or squares, you’ll scoop or spoon it right onto your plate or into your bowl!
This cake has a delightfully strong corn flavor through and through. Sugar, butter, and cream give it just the right texture to make it irresistible.
14. Cajun Corn Maque Choux
If you’re looking for an outstanding southern dish, a favorite of creole cuisine, that can stand up to even the heartiest jambalaya, corn maque choux is just what you need. This classic Cajun recipe includes corn and green bell peppers sautéed in bacon grease and seasoned with big, bold Cajun flavors.
Fair warning: this is the kind of dish that will knock everyone’s socks off. It may even rival your main course!
15. Garlic Bread
How can you get more comforting than garlic bread? Soft, warm bread slathered in an herb-and-butter blend and toasted to perfection is what dreams are made of!
The crispy, flakey crust and rich garlic flavor make this simple yet decadent side dish an instant classic. Best of all, it’s so easy to make!
16. Seasoned Rice
Fluffy, seasoned, buttery rice can complement almost any dish. In all seriousness, with flavor like this, you could eat the rice all on its own. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months… so go ahead and make a big ole batch!
17. Cajun Cauliflower Rice
Looking for a low-carb option for your jambalaya? This cauliflower rice filled with veggies like green, yellow, and red bell pepper, packs in all the spicy flavors of a Louisiana style Cajun rice while keeping the carbs minimal. Talk about a win-win!
18. Chargrilled Oysters
Get ready to fall in love with NOLA-style oysters! Each shell is filled with a lemony, garlicky butter sauce, then topped with cheese and chargrilled to golden-brown perfection. It’s a mouth-watering way to serve more seafood alongside your hearty jambalaya.
19. Fruit Salad
After an intense dish like jambalaya, why not cool down your taste buds with a dessert like ambrosia salad? This delicious recipe can be made in minutes for a creamy fruit salad that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.
You’ll love how easy it is to make. Maraschino cherries, pineapple mandarin oranges, coconut, and whipped topping come together in wonderful, sweet simplicity!
20. Bread Pudding
This sweet and creamy dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth! Turn stale bread into comforting decadence that can beautifully round out even the biggest, boldest main courses.
Cozy bread pudding is made by soaking leftover bread in the warm flavors of nutmeg and cinnamon, then smothering in a lovely vanilla sauce. It’s an old fashioned dessert done just right.
21. Beignets
You can’t talk about classic New Orleans fare without mentioning beignets! With this fail-proof recipe, anyone can make these soft, pillowy treats. Just dust with powdered sugar and be sure to serve warm.
📖 Recipe
What To Serve With Jambalaya
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen corn
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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