Looking for a delicious and hearty dish to serve this holiday season? Look no further than this mouth-watering holiday gumbo recipe! This Southern classic is packed with bold flavors, tender meats, and hearty vegetables, making it the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold winter night. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with your family, this holiday gumbo recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron and get ready to impress your guests with this easy and flavorful gumbo dish!
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Water, Okra, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose
First on our list is a flavorful and hearty chicken and Andouille sausage gumbo. This classic Cajun dish is perfect for a chilly evening and is packed with delicious flavors. The combination of tender chicken, smoky sausage, and a flavorful roux creates a mouthwatering gumbo that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Serve with rice and hot sauce for an extra kick.
2of 20
Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo (aka Gumbo Ya Ya)
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Flour, Chicken, Black Pepper, Salt, All
If you're a fan of spicy dishes, this gumbo is for you. Made with Andouille sausage, chicken thighs, and a variety of seasonings, this gumbo packs a punch of flavor. The addition of okra adds a unique texture and flavor to this already delicious dish. This recipe is a must-try for any gumbo lover.
3of 20
Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Main Ingredients: Virgin Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Unsweetened
Looking for a lighter option to balance out all the heavy holiday meals? This holiday honeycrisp salad is the perfect choice. Made with fresh greens, crisp apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, this salad is a refreshing and tasty addition to any meal. The homemade vinaigrette dressing ties all the flavors together for a delicious and festive dish.
4of 20
Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Okra, Unsalted Butter, All Purpose Flour
You can't talk about beer can chicken without mentioning the classic gumbo recipe. This version is made from scratch, including a homemade gumbo roux that gives this dish its rich and complex flavor. This gumbo is loaded with shrimp, chicken, and Andouille sausage for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve with rice and cornbread for the ultimate experience.
5of 20
Gumbo from Scratch with a Gumbo Roux
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Andouille Sausage
Another delicious from-scratch gumbo recipe, this one features a gumbo roux made with flour and oil. This adds a deep, nutty flavor to the dish that can't be replicated with store-bought roux. The addition of crab meat takes this gumbo to the next level, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Nothing says holiday season like a glass of spiked eggnog. This recipe takes the traditional holiday drink to the next level with the addition of rum and whiskey for an extra kick. The homemade eggnog is rich and creamy, making it the perfect accompaniment to your holiday meals.
7of 20
Pumpkin Chai Holiday Cupcakes
Main Ingredients: Boiling Water, Tea Bags, All Purpose Flour, Dark Brown
For a unique twist on traditional holiday desserts, try these pumpkin chai holiday cupcakes. The combination of pumpkin and chai spices creates a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for the colder months. Top with a cream cheese frosting for a delicious and festive treat.
8of 20
Seafood Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Beer, Shrimp, Blue Crabs, Salt, Vegetable Oil, Small
If you prefer seafood over meat, this gumbo is for you. Made with a variety of seafood including shrimp, crab, and oysters, this gumbo is a seafood lover's dream. The homemade gumbo roux and spices add a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the seafood. Serve with French bread for a complete meal.
9of 20
New Orleans Gumbo with Shrimp and Sausage
Main Ingredients: Oil, All Purpose Flour, Medium Onion, Bell Peppers
This New Orleans-style gumbo is a must-try for any gumbo lover. Made with a dark roux, shrimp, and Andouille sausage, this dish is packed with flavor. The addition of okra and filé powder gives this gumbo its traditional Creole flavor. Serve over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Looking for a festive drink to serve at your holiday party? This jingle juice holiday punch is the perfect choice. Made with vodka, cider, and sparkling wine, this punch is sure to be a hit with your guests. The addition of cranberries and rosemary adds a festive touch to this delicious and refreshing drink.
11of 20
10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
No holiday meal is complete without a variety of delicious side dishes. This recipe features 10 different side dishes that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. From green bean casserole to sweet potato casserole, these dishes will complement your beer can chicken perfectly and make your holiday meal complete.
12of 20
Slow Cooker Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Shrimp, Andouille Sausage, Bell Pepper
If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious gumbo, this slow cooker recipe is the perfect solution. Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The result is a rich and flavorful gumbo that will have you coming back for more. Serve with rice and hot sauce for a complete meal.
13of 20
Whole30 Instant Pot Seafood Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Filets, Ghee, Cajun Seasoning, Yellow Onions, Bell
This Whole30 and Instant Pot-friendly recipe is a healthier take on traditional gumbo. Made with a variety of seafood and vegetables, this gumbo is packed with nutrients and flavor. The Instant Pot makes this dish quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
14of 20
Chicken Sausage Gumbo Soup
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Celery, Green
For a lighter version of gumbo, try this chicken sausage gumbo soup. Made with chicken sausage, bell peppers, and seasonings, this soup is a healthier alternative to traditional gumbo. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
15of 20
Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Butter, Cooking Oil, All Purpose Flour, Onion, Celery
This recipe takes a classic gumbo and adds a twist by using shrimp and Andouille sausage. The result is a flavor-packed dish that is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers. Serve with rice and hot sauce for a complete meal.
16of 20
Gumbo ~ Shrimp, Chicken, Andouille Sausage
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour, Onions, Red Bell
Another tasty seafood and meat combo, this gumbo features shrimp, chicken, and Andouille sausage. The homemade gumbo roux and spices add depth and flavor to the dish, making it a standout meal for any occasion.
These holiday sausage balls are the perfect appetizer for any party. Made with sausage, biscuit mix, and cheese, these bite-sized treats are packed with flavor. Serve with cranberry sauce for a festive touch.
For a non-alcoholic option, try this holiday punch recipe. Made with cranberry juice, orange juice, and ginger ale, this punch is refreshing and delicious. The addition of orange slices and cranberries make it a beautiful and festive drink to serve at your holiday gatherings.
19of 20
Creole Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Water, Distilled White Vinegar, Okra, Unsalted Butter
This Creole-style gumbo is packed with seafood and Andouille sausage, giving it a unique and flavorful taste. The homemade Creole seasoning adds a spicy kick to the dish, making it a must-try for any gumbo lover. Serve with French bread for a complete meal.
20of 20
Warm Holiday Ham Crescents
Main Ingredients: Fully Cooked Ham, Crescent Dinner Rolls, Mozzarella
Last but not least, we have these warm holiday ham crescents. These savory crescents are filled with ham, cheese, and cranberry sauce for a delicious and festive treat. Serve as an appetizer or alongside your beer can chicken for a complete holiday meal.
The History of Gumbo
Before we dive into the recipe, let's take a quick look at the history of this beloved dish. Gumbo has its roots in Louisiana, where it was originally created by French, Spanish, and African settlers. The name "gumbo" is derived from the West African word for okra, which is a key ingredient in the dish. Over the years, gumbo has evolved and become a staple in Southern cuisine, with each region and family having their own unique spin on the recipe. This holiday gumbo recipe is a compilation of traditional flavors and techniques, resulting in a delicious and authentic dish.
The Ingredients
What makes this holiday gumbo recipe stand out is its flavorful and diverse ingredients. The base of the gumbo is a rich and flavorful roux, made with butter and flour . This is then combined with onions , bell peppers , and celery , also known as the "holy trinity" of Cajun and Creole cooking. Next, we add in chicken and Andouille sausage , adding a depth of flavor and heartiness to the dish. To give the gumbo a holiday twist, we also include smoked turkey and cranberries , adding a festive touch to the dish. And of course, no gumbo is complete without okra , tomatoes , and a variety of herbs and spices , creating a flavorful and aromatic broth.
The Preparation
To make this holiday gumbo recipe, start by making a roux with butter and flour, cooking until it turns a deep golden brown. Then add in the "holy trinity" and cook until softened. Next, add in the meats and allow them to cook and develop their flavors. Once the meats are cooked, add in the remaining ingredients and let the gumbo simmer for about an hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Serve over a bed of rice and garnish with green onions and parsley for a festive touch.
In Conclusion
This holiday gumbo recipe is a delicious and festive addition to any holiday gathering. With its rich and flavorful ingredients, it's sure to become a family favorite. So, next time you're looking for a comforting and hearty dish to serve during the holiday season, give this gumbo recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
