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    Home » Round Up

    What To Eat With Jambalaya

    Published on Aug 8, 2022 Modified: Aug 8, 2022 by Alexandria Drzazgowski.

    Jambalaya is a delicious and flavorful recipe popular in New Orleans, Louisiana! Here are 24 amazing side dish recipes to serve alongside your jambalaya. 

    Bowl of Jambalaya ready to eat with a spoon tucked in.

    Jambalaya is a rice dish that is popular in Southern Louisiana! Its origins most likely stem from Jollof rice, a dish popular in West Africa. Jollof can be made using any ingredients that you have on hand, but the two main ingredients that must be included are rice and tomatoes. The same is true for this dish! An alternate theory for Jambalaya’s origin is that it is derived from Spanish Paella.

    Jambalaya is a great way to experience the food and culture of Louisiana, especially if you’re looking for insight into cajun dishes. Make this traditional southern dish as a main course or as a great side to serve with a cajun or creole meal!

    Jump to:
    • FAQs
    • Difference Between Creole and Cajun Versions
    • Favorite Jambalaya Recipes
    • Expert Tips for Making Jambalaya
    • What to Serve with Jambalaya
    • Side Dish Recipe Ideas
    • Creole Green Beans
    • Cajun Honey Jalapeno Slaw
    • Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough
    • Pickled Shrimp
    • Roasted Pepper Salad
    • Maque Choux
    • Smothered Green Beans
    • How To Make Smoked Brats
    • Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil
    • Zesty Louisiana Creole Coleslaw
    • Black Eyed Peas
    • Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
    • Oven Roasted Okra

    FAQs

    What’s In Jambalaya

    There are many ways to customize jambalaya according to taste preferences, cultural impact, and familial traditions. However, most recipes for jambalaya more or less contain similar ingredients: 
    Shrimp 
    Andouille Sausage: Get andouille sausage if you like spicy. If you don’t like spicy, you can choose another sausage! 
    Rice: Long Grain white rice is a good choice, but you can also use Basmati or Jasmine rice
    Chicken: Chicken breast or thighs are both great. 
    Celery + Onions: These along with the bell peppers make up the Holy Trinity
    Bell peppers: Green Bell Pepper and red bell pepper
    Tomatoes (sometimes)
    Cajun seasoning
    Additional spices 

    What is the Difference Between Jambalaya and Gumbo

    Gumbo and Jambalaya are both very popular dishes that are served in Louisiana, USA (particularly New Orleans)! Though the dishes have similar elements, there are a lot of differences between the dishes. 

    The main ingredient in Jambalaya is rice! It is also usually cooked with andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, crawfish, ham, or other protein. The rice is mixed with spices, vegetables, sometimes tomatoes, and the desired protein for a delicious meal! 

    Gumbo is similar to a soup or stew. It’s usually made with a protein or meat, like shrimp, chicken or sausage. The stew is thickened by a roux (made with flour and butter) as well as okra or a filé. Gumbo is not cooked with rice, but it is usually served in a bowl with rice after the gumbo has finished cooking. 

    Can you Freeze this Recipe? 

    I do not recommend freezing jambalaya, as frozen rice does not thaw the best. If you want to try freezing it, you can put it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before warming. 

    Is it Spicy? 

    You can season your jambalaya to your spicy preference. If you love spicy food, you can add cayenne pepper, a lot of cajun seasoning, and spicy sausage. If you do not want a spicy jambalaya, cut down on these ingredients or omit them altogether. 

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    Difference Between Creole and Cajun Versions

    Different groups of people make jambalaya in different ways. Creole cooks will make this dish using tomatoes, forming a “red jambalaya” or a “creole jambalaya”. Cajun jambalaya does not include tomatoes.

    Favorite Jambalaya Recipes

    There are so many ways to make jambalaya, including classic, familial recipes as well as recipes that add a special twist. Check out some of the best jambalaya recipes: 

    • You can never go wrong with a classic recipe! My favorite classic Jambalaya is this recipe by Cafe Delights. 
    • For a quicker, hands-off recipe, you may want to try cooking the rice a different way. Check out this Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe! 
    • If you want a healthier version of a classic jambalaya, try this Brown Rice Jambalaya recipe. 
    • No meat? No problem. Here is a vegan adaptation of your favorite creole recipe. 

    Expert Tips for Making Jambalaya

    • You can add bacon to this dish and saute the vegetables in bacon grease for some extra flavor
    • Add green onions as a topping

    What to Serve with Jambalaya

    Here are some ideas for the best side dishes to prepare when making this New Orleans classic at home:

    • Greens & vegetables: Collard greens, Swiss chard (sautéed chard), green beans, sweet potatoes, corn maque choux, sweet corn, black beans
    • Salads: Green salad, cucumber tomato salad, caesar salad
    • Bread: Hush puppies, cheddar biscuits, corn bread
    • Sauces: Hot sauce

    Side Dish Recipe Ideas

    Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

    Corn on the Cob in a basket
    This Instant Pot Corn on the Cob is an easy way to cook a classic summer favorite. The corn on the cob will be cooked beautifully and completely in under 10 minutes. Serve it up with butter and salt and you’re in for a summer treat from heaven! Enjoy!
    Read More

    Succotash

    Corn succotash on a blue plate surrounded by a brown linen and spices.
    Lima Beans and Corn Succotash recipe is a simple but filling stew of corn, lima beans and other vegetables that can be served as a side dish or the main course.
    Read More

    Creamed Corn

    Creamed corn in a serving crock topped with black pepper.
    Homemade Creamed Corn in the Instant Pot is about to make your weeknight dinners so much easier and delicious. With a 3 minute cook time, you'll have a family favorite side on the table in no time!
    Read More

    Green Goddess Salad

    Bowl of freshly prepared green goddess salad.
    This Green Goddess Salad Recipe is light and fresh and chock full of healthy produce. The fresh olive oil and vinegar drizzled over the top forms a healthy dressing that goes so well with the crunchy pistachios.
    Read More

    Quinoa Salad

    Quinoa salad in a glass bowl mixed with red onions, cheese, and chickpeas.
    This Quinoa Salad with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese is a blend of pure deliciousness. This superfood makes an awesome base to a salad topped with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It is healthy and perfect as either a side dish or a main course!
    Read More

    Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

    A baked sweet potato topped with pecans and cranberries with parsley on the side.
    This post will teach you How to Make Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot, one of the very best side dishes! These Sweet Potatoes are smooth and soft and the perfect hands-off recipe.
    Read More

    Creamed Peas

    A serving crock filled with Instant Pot Creamed Peas.
    This recipe for Creamed Peas comes together in under 10 minutes, and is one of the most beloved sides on our dinner table!
    Read More

    Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

    3 baked zucchini sticks on a platter.

    Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks (from iFoodReal) are topped with a simple cheese herb mixture and ready in 30 minutes. This simple snack or side dish is big on flavor, low calorie, and ready to be enjoyed plain or with your favorite dip!

    Read More

    Cajun Shrimp Cocktail

    Cajun shrimp cocktail on a serving plate with a side of cocktail sauce and lemon wedges as a garnish.

    This Cajun shrimp cocktail (from Lauren from Scratch) is delicious like the original, with a zesty twist. Plump and juicy shrimp are coated with Cajun spices and roasted, then dunked into a tangy homemade Cajun cocktail sauce.

    Read More

    Easy Drop Biscuits

    Easy drop biscuits laying on a towel in a basket ready to serve.

    You must try this super easy drop biscuit recipe (from Dizzy, Busy and Hungry) for mouth-watering biscuits made with no yeast or butter, and with no rolling or cutting required. Just mix up a few basic ingredients, drop on a baking sheet or muffin tin, and enjoy in less than 20 minutes!

    Read More

    Sweet Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter

    Corned bread in a cast iron cut into slices with butter on the side.

    This honey and buttermilk cornbread recipe (from FoodWorthFeed) is baked in a cast iron skillet and served with sweet and salty whipped honey butter! It’s our all time favorite cornbread recipe – perfect for sharing at cookouts, potlucks, holidays and family parties.

    Read More

    Creole Green Beans

    Creole green beans in a glass baking dish.

    Creole Green Beans (from Flavor Mosaic) are savory and spicy and delicious with bacon, onions, tomatoes, chilies, and cajun seasoning and make a perfect Cajun Side Dish for Mardi Gras or any time.

    Read More

    Cajun Honey Jalapeno Slaw

    Cajun honey jalapeno slaw sitting behind two small bowls of it ready to eat.

    Cajun Honey Jalapeño Slaw (from Flavor Mosaic) is a light and refreshing vinegar-based cole slaw, with no mayonnaise, but sweetened with honey, and spiced with cajun seasoning, worcestershire, and hot sauce. Makes a great side dish for a barbecue, picnic, or pot luck.

    Read More

    Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough

    Jalapeno cheddar sourdough bread cooling on a wire rack with a slice cut off.

    Jalapeño cheddar sourdough (from The Flavor Bells) is something you have to try if you are searching for a cheese-based sourdough recipe. It is spicy, tangy, cheesy, and perfectly savory bread for all occasions. The pickled jalapeños give it spice and tang. And how can you go wrong with cheddar in bread!

    Read More

    Pickled Shrimp

    Pickled shrimp in a glass jar with a couple shrimp laying in front of the jar.

    This easy recipe for pickled shrimp (from Coley Cooks) is paired with crispy fried green tomatoes and creamy remoulade for a delicious, Southern inspired summer appetizer that everyone will love!

    Read More

    Roasted Pepper Salad

    Roasted pepper salad on a white square serving plate with a small container of red pepper flakes and some sliced bread next to it.

    Impress your taste buds with this Roasted Pepper Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette (from Vegan Huggs). It’s a fresh, colorful dish, bursting with sweet & smoky flavors.

    Read More

    Maque Choux

    Bowl of maque choux.

    Maque Choux (from Flavor Mosaic) is a creamy, spicy Cajun side dish made of corn, onions, red and green bell peppers, garlic, heavy cream, and Cajun spices.

    Read More

    Smothered Green Beans

    Smothered green beans in a frying pan.

    You can quickly whip up this comforting side of easy Smothered Green Beans (from Budget Delicious) for dinner tonight and any holiday meal in less than 25 minutes.

    Read More

    How To Make Smoked Brats

    Plate of smoked brats ready to eat.

    Smoked brats (from The Typical Mom) are a delicious lunch or dinner idea you can make in your pellet or electric smoker this week! If you haven’t tried smoking bratwurst in a Traeger yet, try this! 

    Read More

    Grilled Corn on the Cob in Foil

    Several pieces of Grilled corn on the cob on a plate with a seasoning and aioli sauce dripping down the side.

    This grilled corn on the cob in foil (from Easy and Delish) has no husk and is topped with jalapeno-lime aioli and Parmesan cheese. It is quick and easy to make and so delicious, ideal to serve in barbecue cookouts and more! Plus, find out how to grill corn easily!

    Read More

    Zesty Louisiana Creole Coleslaw

    Louisiana Creole Coleslaw with a pair of salad tongs next to the bowl.

    When it comes to coleslaw, hands down, Louisiana takes home the medal. This creole coleslaw (from Laura Fuentes) adds the perfect crunch to your pulled pork recipes or as an epic festive side.

    Read More

    Black Eyed Peas

    Small bowl of black eyed peas recipe with diced onions and a slice of bread next to the bowl.

    This black eyed peas recipe (from Christina’s Cucina) is a great start to the new year, as it’s supposed to bring good luck! Not only do we need every type of luck more than ever before, but it’s the easiest recipe ever, and tasty, too!

    Read More

    Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Close up of garlic roasted brussels sprouts.

    These Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts (from Cooktoria) are really tender and tasty. This easy recipe takes a few simple ingredients and creates a mouthwatering side dish you’ll be excited to serve.

    Read More

    Oven Roasted Okra

    A serving bowl of oven roasted okra.

    If you’re tired of making the same old vegetables, add this oven roasted okra (from A Sweet Alternative) to your repertoire of easy vegetable side dishes. This baked okra is simple yet full of flavor and so delicious. It’s a great dairy-free, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free side dish to add to the rotation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive and tasty enough to serve to dinner party guests.

    Read More

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