What To Serve With Jambalaya – 50 Best Side Dishes

Oh, boy.

You’ve done it.

You’ve cooked up a steaming hot pot of jambalaya.

And now, you’re left with the biggest question of all: what the heck do you serve with it?

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

We’ve scoured the culinary universe to bring you a collection of 50 different, unique, and delicious side dishes that’ll pair perfectly with your jambalaya masterpiece.

From pasta to potato, vegetable to seafood, we’ve got it all.

So sit tight and get ready to feast your eyes on these tasty options.

Here’s what to serve with jambalaya, my friend.

Read Also:

• How To Thicken Jambalaya (10 Simple Ways)
• What Vegetables Go in Jambalaya? (15 Best Veggies)
• What Salad Goes With Jambalaya? (15 Best Salads)
• Jambalaya Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Jambalaya

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes With Jambalaya?

1. Keep the Spice in Check: Listen, we love a good spicy jambalaya as much as the next person. But sometimes you need a little relief from all that heat. Side dishes like potato salad and coleslaw provide a much-needed respite from the spice, while still complementing the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
2. Add Some Variety to Your Plate: Let’s face it, jambalaya can be a little heavy on the rice and meat. By serving side dishes like roasted broccoli and honey-glazed carrots, you can add some much-needed variety to your plate. Plus, you’ll get some extra nutrients in too.
3. Impress Your Guests: Look, anyone can make a basic jambalaya. But if you really want to impress your guests, you need to go the extra mile. Serving side dishes like beignets and bananas foster will show your guests that you’re a culinary genius who knows how to pull out all the stops.
4. Make It a Meal: Sure, jambalaya is delicious on its own. But if you want to turn it into a full meal, you need some side dishes to round it out. Breads like French baguettes and garlic knots are the perfect vehicle for sopping up all that sauce, while soups and stews like gumbo and minestrone make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
5. Why Not?: Look, life is short. Why not go all out and serve a feast fit for a king (or queen)? By serving side dishes with your jambalaya, you’re showing your guests that you’re not afraid to take risks and have a little fun in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love a good side dish?

What To Serve With Jambalaya – 50 Best Side Dishes

Jambalaya is a flavorful and hearty one-pot dish, but it can often be missing something.

To complete your meal, here are fifty side dishes that will perfectly complement the flavors of your jambalaya:

Pasta Sides

Ah, pasta.

The carb-loaded comfort food that never lets us down.

But what type of pasta should you serve with your jambalaya?

Fear not, we have some options for you:

• Pesto Pasta Salad: Want to balance out the spicy heat of your jambalaya? Add some pesto pasta salad to the mix. The fresh herbs and creamy dressing will cool your taste buds right down.
• Fettuccine Alfredo: Keep it classic with some creamy fettuccine alfredo. The rich sauce will complement the flavors of the jambalaya perfectly.
• Caprese Pasta Salad: Feeling fancy? Whip up a caprese pasta salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s like a little taste of Italy on your plate.
• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio: Keep it simple with spaghetti aglio e olio – a.k.a. spaghetti with garlic and oil. This dish lets the flavors of the jambalaya shine, while still providing some satisfying carbs. Plus, it’s super easy to make.

Rice Sides

Listen, we know that jambalaya is already a rice-based dish. But sometimes, you just need more rice, you know?

Here are some rice-based side dishes that’ll make your taste buds sing:

• Fried Rice: Want to add some Asian flair to your jambalaya feast? Whip up some fried rice. It’s savory, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying.
• Cajun Rice: Feeling extra spicy? Add some Cajun rice to your plate. The bold, zesty flavors will complement the jambalaya perfectly.
• Red Beans and Rice: Want to go full-on New Orleans? Add some red beans and rice to your plate. It’s a classic dish that’ll transport you straight to the Big Easy.
• Coconut Rice: Need to cool down after all that heat? Add some coconut rice to the mix. It’s subtly sweet and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
• Spanish Rice: Want to add some Latin flair to your plate? Whip up some Spanish rice. The tomato-y goodness will complement the flavors of the jambalaya perfectly. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser.

Potato Sides

Listen up, spud lovers. You can’t go wrong with some classic potato sides.

Here are some options that’ll make your jambalaya feast even more satisfying:

• Mashed Potatoes: Nothing screams comfort food quite like mashed potatoes. Creamy, buttery, and oh-so comforting, they’re the perfect complement to your spicy jambalaya.
• Potato Salad: Need something cold and refreshing to balance out the heat? Potato salad is your answer. It’s creamy, tangy, and will provide a much-needed respite from all that spice.
• Roasted Potatoes: Want to add some crunch to your meal? Roast up some potatoes. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior make for the perfect texture contrast to your jambalaya.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Feeling a little adventurous? Whip up some sweet potato fries. They’re a little bit sweet, a little bit salty, and oh-so satisfying.
• Baked Potato: Keep it simple with a classic baked potato. Load it up with butter, sour cream, and chives, and you’ve got the perfect side dish for your jambalaya. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t love a good baked potato?

Vegetable Sides

Don’t forget your veggies, folks! They may not be as exciting as carbs, but they’re still an important part of any balanced meal.

Here are some veggie-based side dishes that’ll make your jambalaya feast even more nutritious:

• Roasted Broccoli: Want to add some green to your plate? Roast up some broccoli. It’s crispy, savory, and will complement the flavors of the jambalaya perfectly.
• Grilled Asparagus: Feeling fancy? Grill up some asparagus. It’s a little bit earthy, a little bit smoky, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
• Creamed Spinach: Need something creamy and indulgent to balance out all that spice? Creamed spinach is your answer. It’s rich, velvety, and oh-so satisfying.
• Honey Glazed Carrots: Want to add a touch of sweetness to your plate? Honey glazed carrots are the way to go. They’re slightly sweet, slightly savory, and will provide a much-needed respite from all that heat.
• Sauteed Mushrooms: Feeling earthy? Saute up some mushrooms. They’re savory, umami-packed, and will add a little extra depth to your jambalaya feast. Plus, they’re a great source of protein and fiber.

Side Salads

Sometimes you just need something fresh and crisp to balance out all that spice. That’s where side salads come in.

Here are some options that’ll add some crunch to your jambalaya feast:

• Caesar Salad: Want something classic and comforting? Whip up a Caesar salad. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons will complement the bold flavors of the jambalaya perfectly.
• Greek Salad: Feeling Mediterranean? Add some Greek salad to the mix. The tangy feta, juicy tomatoes, and crispy cucumbers will provide a much-needed respite from all that heat.
• Coleslaw: Need something cold and refreshing to balance out all that spice? Coleslaw is your answer. It’s tangy, crunchy, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
• Caprese Salad: Want something fresh and summery? Whip up a caprese salad. The juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil will add a touch of elegance to your jambalaya feast.
• Mixed Green Salad: Feeling indecisive? Toss together a mixed green salad. It’s fresh, light, and will complement the flavors of the jambalaya perfectly. Plus, you can add any veggies you have on hand.

Breads & Sandwiches

Ah, carbs. Is there anything they can’t do? When it comes to pairing with jambalaya, bread and sandwiches are always a good choice.

Here are some options that’ll make your jambalaya feast even more satisfying:

• French Baguette: Want something crusty and delicious to mop up all that sauce? Grab a French baguette. It’s the perfect vehicle for all your jambalaya needs.
• Cornbread: Feeling Southern? Whip up some cornbread. It’s slightly sweet, slightly savory, and will complement the bold flavors of the jambalaya perfectly.
• Garlic Knots: Want to add some extra garlic-y goodness to your plate? Bake up some garlic knots. They’re chewy, buttery, and oh-so satisfying.
• Po’ Boy Sandwich: Feeling extra hungry? Whip up a po’ boy sandwich. The crispy fried shrimp or oysters, tangy remoulade, and pillowy bread make for the perfect handheld meal.
• Grilled Cheese: Want something comforting and nostalgic? Make a grilled cheese. It’s crispy, cheesy, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya. Plus, who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese?

Soups & Stews

When it comes to warming, comforting meals, soups and stews are always a good choice.

Here are some options that’ll make your jambalaya feast even more satisfying:

• Chicken Noodle Soup: Feeling under the weather? Whip up some chicken noodle soup. It’s comforting, warming, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
• Tomato Soup: Want something classic and comforting? Make some tomato soup. It’s creamy, tangy, and will provide a much-needed respite from all that heat.
• Gumbo: Need something extra spicy? Whip up some gumbo. It’s like jambalaya’s spicier, more liquid-y cousin. The bold flavors and stew-like texture make for the perfect pairing with your jambalaya.
• Chili: Feeling extra cozy? Make some chili. It’s hearty, savory, and will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, you can load it up with all your favorite toppings.
• Minestrone Soup: Want something a little lighter? Make some minestrone soup. The hearty vegetables, pasta, and beans will complement the flavors of the jambalaya perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in.

Other Side Dishes

Okay, folks. We’ve covered the basics. But sometimes you need something a little more adventurous to spice up your jambalaya feast.

Here are some options that’ll make your taste buds tingle:

• Deviled Eggs: Want to add some protein to your plate? Whip up some deviled eggs. They’re creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Corn on the Cob: Feeling nostalgic? Grill up some corn on the cob. It’s sweet, smoky, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya. Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in.
• Fried Okra: Feeling Southern? Fry up some okra. It’s crispy, savory, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya. Plus, it’s a great way to switch things up.
• Mac and Cheese: Want something extra indulgent? Make some mac and cheese. It’s creamy, cheesy, and will complement the flavors of the jambalaya perfectly. Plus, who doesn’t love a good mac and cheese?
• Baked Beans: Feeling extra hungry? Whip up some baked beans. They’re savory, slightly sweet, and will provide a much-needed respite from all that spice. Plus, they’re a great source of protein and fiber.

Desserts

What’s a meal without dessert, right?

Here are some sweet treats that’ll make your jambalaya feast even more indulgent:

• Bread Pudding: Want something classic and comforting? Whip up some bread pudding. It’s warm, custardy, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
• Beignets: Feeling extra fancy? Make some beignets. These fluffy, powdered-sugar-coated pastries are like little bites of heaven.
• Pecan Pie: Feeling extra Southern? Make some pecan pie. It’s rich, nutty, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
• Bananas Foster: Need something a little flamboyant? Make some bananas foster. The caramelized bananas, butter, and rum make for a show-stopping dessert that’ll impress all your guests.
• Pralines: Want something small and sweet to end your meal? Make some pralines. These sweet, nutty, candy-like treats are the perfect way to end your jambalaya feast on a high note.

Wines & Drinks

No meal is complete without some liquid refreshment.

Here are some drinks that’ll make your jambalaya feast even more enjoyable:

• Hurricane: Want to get in the Mardi Gras spirit? Whip up a hurricane. This rum-based cocktail is sweet, fruity, and packs a punch.
• Sazerac: Feeling classic? Make a Sazerac. This New Orleans classic cocktail is made with rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters. It’s a little bit spicy, a little bit smoky, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya.
• Abita Beer: Want something local? Crack open an Abita beer. This Louisiana-based beer company has a variety of brews that pair perfectly with spicy foods like jambalaya.
• Sweet Tea: Feeling Southern? Make some sweet tea. It’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the jambalaya. Plus, it’s a great way to cool down after all that spice.
• Chardonnay: Want to go classic with your wine pairing? Opt for a buttery chardonnay. The richness and full body of the wine will complement the flavors of the jambalaya perfectly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there’s no excuse for a boring jambalaya feast.

With these 50 different, unique, and delicious side dishes, drinks, and desserts, you’ll have everything you need to spice up your meal and impress your guests.

From carb-loaded pastas to refreshing salads, indulgent desserts to boozy cocktails, there’s something for everyone.

So go ahead and mix and match to your heart’s content. Who says you can’t have cornbread AND coleslaw? Or gumbo AND mac and cheese? The only rule is that there are no rules.

So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to take your jambalaya feast to the next level. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.