🥣 Gumbo Soup Recipe: How to Make Authentic Louisiana Gombo Soup at Home

Gumbo soup, also known as Gombo soup, is a rich, flavorful dish deeply rooted in Louisiana and American Creole cuisine. Whether you’re craving a homemade gumbo soup or searching for an authentic gumbo soup recipe, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about this Southern classic.

If you’ve ever wondered what is in gumbo soup, how to make gumbo soup, or what gumbo soup is made of, this article has all the answers. You’ll discover the key ingredients, traditional cooking steps, and the secrets that make this dish one of the most beloved comfort foods in the U.S.

From learning what gumbo soup ingredients you need to cook a small batch to scaling up to a recipe for 1 gallon of gumbo soup, this guide covers every detail to help you cook like a true New Orleans chef.

Craving more Louisiana vibes? Discover the story and sweets of Mardi Gras with our King Cake Mardi Gras Dessert Guide.

Want to level up any pot of soup? Read What Gives Soup the Best Flavor and What Is the Secret to a Good Soup.

🥘 What Is Gumbo Soup? A Taste of Louisiana in Every Bite

Gumbo soup, or gombo, is a thick, flavorful stew that combines meats, seafood, vegetables, and a seasoned broth. Originating from Louisiana, it reflects a blend of West African, French, Spanish, and Native American influences — a true symbol of multicultural cooking.

There are two main types of gumbo soup:

• Creole Gumbo – Includes tomatoes, often enjoyed in New Orleans.
• Cajun Gumbo – Has no tomatoes and features a darker roux for a smoky flavor.

Whether you’re making American gumbo soup with chicken and sausage or a seafood variation, the result is always comforting, spicy, and delicious. Serve it with rice, cornbread, or French bread for a complete Southern meal.

🧄 The Key Components of a Perfect Gumbo Soup Recipe

Every homemade gumbo soup starts with the right balance of ingredients that give it depth and texture.

1. Proteins & Meats

• Chicken gumbo soup – Rich and hearty using thighs or shredded chicken.
• Andouille sausage – Adds a smoky, spicy kick.
• Shrimp gumbo – Sweet and briny for seafood lovers.
• Seafood gumbo – Combines shrimp, crab, or crawfish for luxury flavor.
• Turkey gumbo – Perfect for using leftover turkey.

2. Vegetables & Aromatics

No gumbo soup recipe is complete without the Holy Trinity: onion, celery, and bell pepper. Add garlic for warmth and okra for thickness. Creole-style versions also include diced tomatoes for tang.

3. Broth & Liquids

• Chicken broth or seafood stock create the base.
• Worcestershire sauce adds umami.
• Season generously with salt, black pepper, and Cajun spices.

4. Thickening Agents

A true gumbo soup needs body:

• Roux (flour + fat) – Gives color and richness.
• Filé powder – Ground sassafras, added before serving.
• Okra – Natural plant-based thickener.

5. Seasonings & Spices

Classic Cajun and Creole seasoning, paprika, cayenne, bay leaves, and white pepper give gumbo its unforgettable depth.

If your roux or broth needs a boost, these tips will help: How to Make Soup Thick and Creamy and Why Do Chefs Put Vinegar in Soup?.

New to building deep flavor? Don’t miss Actually Good Homemade Vegetable Soup: Flavor Tips.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Gumbo Soup Step by Step

Gombo Soup Recipe: How to Make a Traditional New Orleans Classic

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• Author: Janet
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This authentic gombo soup recipe is a flavorful, hearty Louisiana classic packed with chicken, andouille sausage, okra, and a rich Cajun-spiced broth. Whether you love Creole gumbo or Cajun gumbo, this dish brings the taste of New Orleans right into your kitchen. Serve it over white rice with a side of cornbread for the ultimate Southern comfort meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins & Meats:

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced
• 1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
• ½ lb shrimp (optional, for seafood gumbo)

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh okra, sliced (or frozen okra)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (for Creole gumbo)

Broth & Liquids:

• 6 cups chicken broth (or seafood stock)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Thickening Agents:

• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or butter)
• 1 tsp filé powder (optional, for thickening)

Seasonings & Spices:

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Serving & Garnishes:

• 3 cups cooked white rice
• ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• French bread or cornbread (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Roux:

• In a large pot, heat ½ cup oil or butter over medium heat.
• Slowly whisk in ½ cup flour, stirring continuously.
• Cook until the roux turns a deep brown color (about 15-20 minutes).

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

• Add onion, bell pepper, and celery to the roux. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add Broth and Meats:

• Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring as you go.
• Add chicken and andouille sausage, then mix well.

4. Add Spices and Simmer:

• Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne, thyme, bay leaves, and Worcestershire sauce.
• Let the soup simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add Okra and Tomatoes:

• Stir in okra and diced tomatoes. Simmer for another 15 minutes.

6. Finish and Serve:

• Remove bay leaves. If using filé powder, stir it in just before serving.
• Serve over cooked white rice, garnished with green onions.

Notes

• For seafood gumbo, add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• If you prefer a thicker gumbo, add more roux or filé powder.
• For a spicier flavor, increase the cayenne pepper.
• This dish freezes well—store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Creole, Cajun, Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (without rice)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Gombo soup, gumbo soup, traditional gumbo recipe, homemade gumbo, Creole gumbo, Cajun gumbo

Step 1 – Make the Roux

In a large pot, heat ½ cup of oil or butter. Whisk in ½ cup of flour, stirring constantly until the roux turns dark brown (about 20 minutes). This step defines the flavor of your gumbo soup base.

1. Heat ½ cup of oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Slowly whisk in ½ cup of flour, stirring continuously.
3. Keep stirring until it turns a deep brown color (this takes 15-20 minutes).

Step 2 – Add the Holy Trinity

Stir in chopped onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, then add garlic.

Step 3 – Add Broth and Proteins

Slowly pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Add andouille sausage, chicken, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper.

Step 4 – Add Vegetables and Simmer

Add diced tomatoes (for Creole gumbo) and sliced okra. Reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes.

Step 5 – Season and Serve

Adjust seasoning with Cajun spices, salt, and pepper. Optionally, add a teaspoon of filé powder before serving. Serve your homemade gumbo soup hot over rice with cornbread or crusty bread.

Love hearty bowls like gumbo? Try our Louisiana-style cousin next: Easy Swamp Soup Recipe and learn What Is Swamp Soup.

Looking for a protein-packed alternative? Make this comforting Black Bean Soup Recipe (and see the Benefits of Black Beans).

Best Sides to Serve with Gombo Soup

Pairing your gumbo soup with the right side dishes enhances the meal. Some great options include:

• White or brown rice – The classic way to enjoy gumbo soup over rice.
• Cornbread – Adds a slight sweetness to balance the spice.
• French bread – A crusty loaf to soak up the flavorful broth.

Gumbo pairs beautifully with a side of authentic Southern cornbread or over fluffy white rice. Want to learn more about what makes cornbread truly Southern? Check out this guide for the perfect pairing.

• Cornbread is the classic pairing—bake a skillet of Southern Cornbread or go with Southern-Style Unsweetened Cornbread.
• Curious about the debate? Here’s Why Southerners Do Not Put Sugar in Cornbread and What Makes a Southern Cornbread.
• Prefer bread rolls? These pillowy Bubba’s Dinner Rolls (No-Knead) are perfect for soaking up gumbo.

🍚 Best Sides to Serve with Gumbo Soup

Pair your American gumbo soup with:

• White or brown rice – the traditional base.
• Cornbread – Adds sweetness and texture.
• French bread – Perfect for soaking the flavorful broth.

Love classic Southern sides? Try our Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe or Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe next!

How to Store and Reheat Gumbo Soup

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days in a sealed container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months (without rice).
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often.

Gumbo soup actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight!

Whether you make it thick and rich or light and brothy, gumbo is a dish that brings people together. If you love unique Southern soups, you might also enjoy this Swamp Soup recipe, which has similar bold flavors with a twist.

Meal-prep fans: get faster weeknights with Instant Pot Black Bean Soup (Fix Bitter Taste).

Frequently Asked Questions About Gombo Soup

This gombo soup recipe brings the warmth and tradition of New Orleans straight to your kitchen. Try it today, and enjoy a true Southern classic!

• Love lighter, veggie-forward soups? See Is Swamp Soup Healthy? and Can Swamp Soup Be Made Vegetarian/Vegan?.

🌶 Final Thoughts

This gumbo soup recipe brings the warmth and heritage of Louisiana right to your kitchen. Whether you make a Creole or Cajun version, it’s a dish that celebrates flavor, culture, and comfort. Try it tonight — your family will love it!