I’ve rounded up 12 tasty side dishes that will transform this delicious favorite into an unforgettable meal! Jambalaya is not your ordinary rice dish. This scrumptious Creole masterpiece is all about rich and spicy flavors that will give your palate eternal bliss. It basically has everything. From Andouille sausages, chicken, and crawfish, to sweet tomatoes, bell peppers, celery, and rice, the flavors are irresistible. It’s a combination of West African, Spanish, and French cuisines, and it’s terrific.
What to Serve With Jambalaya
Since it’s loaded with starch, protein, and vegetables, technically you can eat it on its own. But if you’re wondering what goes with jambalaya, you’ve come to the right place! If you’re having trouble thinking of dishes that will go with the complex flavors of jambalaya, I have you covered. Here are 12 fantastic side dishes to pair with jambalaya.
1. Marie Callender’s Cornbread
Corn is a staple in Louisiana creole cuisine, so expect tons of corn-based sides in this list. Let’s start things off with cornbread. This buttery southern favorite can be prepared either sweet or savory, depending on your taste preference. I prefer sweet cornbread with my jambalaya, but if you want savory bread, just go easy on the sugar and you’re all set.
2. Cajun Buttered Corn on the Cob
Aside from making cornbread, do you know what else you can do with corn? Grill it! It’s a simple summer side that goes well with anything. It’s sweet, crunchy, and smells fantastic – everything your hearty jambalaya needs! This Cajun buttered corn will keep the spicy flavors alive and compliment the rice dish perfectly. That said, you can make it with normal butter if you want to tone down the heat. Either way, it’s super easy to prepare. Just grill the cobs for 15-20 minutes, slather them with butter, sprinkle them with a bit of cajun seasoning (optional), and they’re done.
3. Cheddar Biscuits
Sure, jambalaya is already so hearty, but if you’re feeding a huge crowd, make sure they’ll leave full and happy by serving them some fluffy cheddar biscuits. The mild savoriness of the cheddar plus the garlicky flavor of the biscuit complement your Cajun entrée oh so well. And if you’ve ever been to Red Lobster, you’ll know that these babies are addictive! So make extra!
4. Air Fryer Hush Puppies
Here’s another classic southern staple that features corn: hush puppies. And yes, these fluffy deep-fried fritters taste amazing with jambalaya – even when they’re not deep-fried! Again, there’s just something about the combination of garlicky Andouille sausage and sweet corn that is completely irresistible. It’s even more delicious when you know they’re made in the Air Fryer.
5. Tossed Green Salad
For those who find jambalaya a bit too heavy, this side is for you. Give your main entrée a light partner with a simple, tossed green salad. It’s crunchy and refreshing, and super nutritious. Plus it balances out the heartiness of the jambalaya. Serve this on the side of your entrée and you won’t feel as guilty eating such a high-calorie dish. Just combine your favorite greens, nuts, proteins, veggies, cheese, and dressing, and you’re good to go! I suggest adding avocado slices and goat cheese, too, as their creamy and tangy flavors complement jambalaya well.
6. Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad
Here’s another light and refreshing dish to round out your jambalaya meal. It’s a bright and beautiful plate, bursting with summer flavors that pair wonderfully well with the hearty dish. And it’s easy to prepare, too! Just slice up some tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh dill, mix them up and coat in an apple cider vinaigrette, and you’ll have a cool and refreshing salad.
7. Garlic Parm Grilled Oysters
What better way to pair your savory and spicy jambalaya than with some sweet, buttery, and briny oysters? I like eating my oysters raw with some vinegar, but if you’ve got a sensitive tummy, grilled oysters also make a fabulous jambalaya side. I especially love them with lots of garlic and salty parmesan. And of course, if you’re serving grilled oysters, you’d better prepare some remoulade sauce to go with!
8. Black Eyed Peas With Smoky Collards And Cheesy Grits
I know what you’re thinking, and yes, this is a meal on its own! But when you break it down, you’ll see it’s really an ideal collection of sides that go with hearty jambalaya. The cheesy grits bring a wonderful creamy element, while the greens bring a hunt of smoky, herby goodness. And who doesn’t love black-eyed peas? Of course, you could stick with regular greens if you prefer. But I highly recommend going all out. After all, jambalaya is a family feast. That means it deserves the best on its side!
9. Cracker Barrel Fried Okra
If you want another nutritious side but want to stick to a southern theme, then okra is the way to go. This slimy veggie transforms into an addictive dish when coated in batter and deep-fried until golden brown. Alternatively, you can sautee it in bacon grease and make a salad. Mix it with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and bacon, and drench in a sweet vinegar dressing.
10. Savory Crepes
Surprised? Yup, savory crepes make an appetizing side dish to jambalaya too! While it takes a while to prepare them, they only require basic pantry ingredients. So, if you’ve got flour, eggs, butter, milk, and sugar, you’re all set. But don’t forget to flavor your crepes with garlic, thyme, and parsley so they’re wonderfully savory.
11. Crispy Oven-Fried Zucchini Chips
Zucchini has gotten popular over the recent years, and for good reason. It’s crunchy, nutritious, versatile, and easy to work with! You can fry it, saute it, or eat it raw. This veggie is so refreshing, it gives a delightful contrast to the uber-rich jambalaya. And this baked recipe is by far my fave!
12. Cajun Corn Maque Choux
I’ll end this list with yet another corn-based dish because, as you know, corn and jambalaya truly make an excellent pair. Corn maque choux is a vegetable dish made with corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers. The Louisiana classic may be simple, but it’s packed with so much flavor! And despite the fancy name, it’s easy to make, too. Just saute the veggies, flavor with broth and seasonings, and let it simmer. Drain any excess liquid, and you’re all set! If you want to add a depth of flavor to the dish, you can add some sugar, vinegar, and Dijon mustard to the dish. Yum! Click on a star to rate it!
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