What To Do With Leftover Gumbo (10 Tasty Ideas)

Gumbo is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from Louisiana, USA.

It’s traditionally made with a mix of meat or seafood, vegetables, and a roux-based sauce. It’s a popular dish eaten on its own or served with rice, cornbread, or crusty bread.

If you’ve made too much gumbo and have some leftovers, don’t fret. There are many creative and delicious ways to use up the leftovers and avoid any food waste.

From freezing the gumbo for later use to making gumbo soup, or using it as a sauce or salad dressing, there are endless possibilities to get the most out of your gumbo leftovers.

In this article, we’ll provide you with 10 detailed and in-depth ideas for what to do with leftover gumbo, including how to turn it into a pizza topping, tacos or burritos, and even a salad dressing.

Keep reading to learn more about these creative and surprising ways to use up your leftover gumbo and enjoy it in a new and exciting way.

10 Ideas For What To Do With Leftover Gumbo

Gumbo is a great dish to make in bulk, as it only gets better with time. But what can you do if you have leftovers?

Here are ten ideas for how to use up any leftover gumbo:

1 – Freeze The Gumbo

One of the best options for preserving leftover gumbo is to freeze it. This method is perfect for those who don’t want to consume the gumbo immediately but would still like to enjoy it at a later time. Freezing gumbo is simple and only requires a freezer-safe container to store the flavorful dish.

Begin by transferring the gumbo to the container and leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container and label it with the date it was frozen. Properly stored gumbo can last for up to three months in the freezing temperature.

When you’re ready to indulge, just remove the gumbo from the freezer and let it thaw completely in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave until it is hot throughout. The gumbo will maintain its delicious flavor and texture as long as it hasn’t been frozen for more than three months.

2 – Make Gumbo Soup

Another fantastic way to make use of leftover gumbo is by turning it into a soup. This is an effortless way to enjoy the gumbo in a different form and stretch it out for another meal.

Simply add some chicken or vegetable stock to the gumbo until it reaches your desired consistency. Heat on the stovetop until hot throughout and serve it with some crusty bread for a comforting and hearty meal.

If the gumbo contains meat, you can also add some cooked rice or pasta to turn it into a one-pot meal. Gumbo soup is a perfect option for a cozy and easy dinner on a cold night.

3 – Make Gumbo Omelettes

Gumbo omelets are a flavorful and creative way to use up any gumbo. Start by whisking up some eggs and pouring them into a skillet. Once the eggs start to set, add a generous scoop of the gumbo to one half of the omelet.

Top the gumbo with some shredded cheese before folding the other half of the omelet over the top. Let it cook for a bit until the cheese is melted and the omelet is cooked through.

Serve the omelet with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a filling and healthy meal. The gumbo omelet is an easy way to make a breakfast or brunch dish a bit more exciting.

4 – Use Gumbo as a Sauce

Gumbo can also double as a delicious sauce for a variety of dishes. The spicy and savory flavors make it a perfect pairing for meats and vegetables.

Try pouring some gumbo over grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. You can also mix some gumbo into ground meat to make flavorful meatballs, burgers or meatloaf.

For a vegetarian option, pour some gumbo over quinoa or rice or mix it with roasted mushrooms or tofu to make a protein-packed vegan meal.

The gumbo sauce adds new dimensions to your dishes, making them richer and more interesting. Use it to elevate your typical meals and experiment with different pairings.

5 – Use Gumbo in Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a flavorful one-pot meal made with rice, meat or seafood and vegetables. Gumbo can be an excellent addition to this dish, creating a spicier and more flavorful version.

Start by sautéing some onions, peppers, and garlic in a pot before adding sliced sausage or shrimp. Once the meat or seafood is cooked through, add some cooked rice and a generous scoop of gumbo.

Stir all the ingredients together and let them cook for a bit until everything is heated through. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

This gumbo jambalaya variation is a perfect example of how leftover dishes can be transformed into something new and exciting. Use your creativity to add different ingredients to make it your own.

6 – Use Gumbo as a Pizza Topping

Gumbo can also be a unique and surprising pizza topping. Spread some tomato sauce on a crust and then add some slices of sausage or chorizo, peppers, onions, and a generous scoop of the gumbo.

Top everything with some shredded cheese and bake it in the oven. The result is a delicious and unconventional pizza that everyone will love.

7 – Make Gumbo Tacos or Burritos

Another great way to use leftover gumbo is by wrapping it up in a tortilla to make tacos or burritos. Warm up the gumbo in a pan and then add it to a warm tortilla.

Add some lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream to make a delicious taco. Alternatively, add some rice, black beans, and cheese to make a burrito.

This is a quick and easy option for a flavorful and filling meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

8 – Use Gumbo as a Dip

Gumbo can also make a tasty dip for parties and gatherings. Warm up the gumbo and then transfer it to a serving dish.

Top the gumbo with some shredded cheese and bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve the dip with some tortilla chips, bread, or vegetables.

This is a perfect option for a game day or movie night snack that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to use up leftover gumbo and impress your guests at the same time.

9 – Add Gumbo to a Frittata

A gumbo frittata is a delicious and creative way to use up any leftover gumbo. Start by whisking some eggs in a bowl and then add the gumbo and some cheese.

Pour the mixture into a greased pan and let it cook on the stovetop until the bottom is set. Finish it off in the oven until the egg is cooked through.

This is a perfect option for breakfast or brunch and is a great way to use up any leftover gumbo and turn it into a filling and flavorful meal.

10 – Use Gumbo as a Salad Dressing

Gumbo can also be an excellent base for a salad dressing. Simply mix some gumbo with some vinegar, oil, and spices to make a flavorful and unique dressing for your salad.

This dressing is ideal for those who like a bit of spice and heat and can be used to dress any type of salad, from greens to pasta salads or even potato salad.

This is a great way to use up some leftover gumbo and add some new flavors and textures to your salads. It’s also an excellent option for those who like to meal prep and have salads ready for the week ahead.