What to Serve With Empanadas: 20 Tasty Side Dishes

Empanadas are delicious and versatile dishes that can be filled with almost anything. From sweet fillings like apples and cinnamon to savory fillings like beef or chicken, empanadas are perfect for any occasion. But what should you serve with these tasty snacks?

The possibilities are endless! Whether you’re looking for something light to accompany your empanadas or something hearty to make a meal out of them, there is sure to be something that fits perfectly.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with Empanadas are white beans, marinara sauce, sweet potato cubes, french fries, salsa, corn on the cob, acorn squash and tamales. Some people also prefer healthy options like arugula salad, guacamole, chimichurri or jalapeno poppers.

20 Empanadas Sides

If you're looking for the best recipes you can use to accompany empanadas, here's a list of some delicious and easy sides you can serve with them. Keep in mind that there are both sweet and salty recipes here, as well as some hot and spicy ones.

So, make sure to find the one that fits the bill for your specific empanada flavor. Let's take a closer look together.

1. White Beans

You can't go wrong with serving white beans with empanadas. This will create a perfect mixture of tastes that many of us enjoy. There's nothing spicy or hot in this dish, so you can always use some ingredients to make it a bit more seasoned. This will create the perfect balance of flavors which will definitely make your empanada experience even more enjoyable.

2. Calrose Rice

Calrose rice is a classic side dish to serve with your empanadas. The rice provides a perfect contrast to the rich and flavorful filling of your empanada, as well as making for a complete meal. Also, try garnishing your empanadas with some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to liven up the dish.

3. Marinara Sauce

Using marinara sauce with empanadas can be a great way to elevate the flavors of this classic snack. The rich, tomatoey flavor combined with the savory fillings inside the empanada creates an unforgettable taste experience. This is perfect for when you want to make your empanadas a bit heartier and more filling. And, if you want to invite someone for dinner, this is an easy and delicious accompaniment.

4. Cornmeal Porridge

Cornmeal porridge is an exquisite, multipurpose accompaniment that pairs magnificently with empanadas for a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Made from ground corn, it has a sweet, nutty flavor and thick texture that complements the savory filling of an empanada.

5. Tabasco Sauce

Tabasco sauce is an excellent addition to empanadas, adding a little bit of heat and tangy flavor. The spicy kick of Tabasco sauce elevates the savory flavors of the filling and gives it an extra layer of depth. It's also incredibly versatile and can be used as a condiment on almost any dish.

6. Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potatoes make a delicious and nutritious side dish to any empanada. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. And, combining these two flavors together creates a match made in heaven. Plus, you can even make sweet potato empanadas for an extra-special treat!

7. French Fries

The great thing about these french fries is that they can be served with almost any dish, so why not eat them with empanadas?

It's an easy and delicious way to serve empanadas with Instant Pot french fries if you want a complete meal with low calories.

8. Tomato Salsa

Another great addition to the above options, salsa is also a great accompaniment for your empanadas. The freshness of the tomatoes and peppers offers a delicious contrast to the savory filling of an empanada. You can even get creative and make your own salsa with different ingredients like garlic, onions, cilantro, or lime juice.

9. Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob is a tasty and easy-to-make side dish that pairs perfectly with empanadas. This traditional Mexican meal staple is flavorful and versatile, making it the perfect accompaniment. The sweet, buttery flavor of corn complements the savory filling of an empanada, while also providing great taste.

10. Arrabbiata Sauce

Arrabbiata sauce is a perfect accompaniment to serve with empanadas. This Italian classic is made of simple ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, and red chili peppers. It has a distinct, spicy flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada while adding a touch of heat.

11. Roasted Acorn Squash

Roasted acorn squash adds some freshness and sweetness to any meal, and it goes quite well with empanadas. The most important thing to know about the combination of these two foods is that the sweetness of the squash will balance out the savory flavors from the empanada's filling. You can hardly find more perfect harmony. And, remember to serve them together on a plate if you want to spice up the presentation.

12. Tamales

Tamales are another great accompaniment. Make some delicious air fryer tamales with a cornmeal base and fillings of your choice. Enjoy this hearty dish alongside your empanadas for a wonderfully fulfilling meal.

13. Green Salad

A fresh, green salad is a great way to round out your meal when served with empanadas. Salads are incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit any flavor profile. The crunchiness of the lettuce adds texture and contrasts the savory flavors of the empanada filling.

14. Arugula Salad

Arugula salad is a great way to add a fresh and peppery flavor to your meal. The slight bitterness of the arugula pairs well with the savory empanada filling, complementing it nicely. You can top your salad off with some tomatoes, onions, or other vegetables that you might have on hand for an extra flavorful salad that pairs perfectly with empanadas.

15. Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables are a great accompaniment to empanadas and they help to freshen up the meal. Pickles are easy to make at home and you can customize them however you like. They add a zesty and tart flavor to any meal, and they also provide a nice crunchy texture that complements the savory filling of an empanada.

16. Fresh Fruit Salsa

Fruit salsa is a great way to add some extra sweetness and color to any meal, especially if you like adding sweetness to empanadas. Serve it alongside your empanadas for a truly delightful combination of flavors. The tartness of the fruit salsa will contrast nicely with the savory filling, while also providing some much-needed freshness. As for the fruit choice, you can mix it up with whatever is in season, but mangoes and pineapple make for some especially delicious salsa.

17. Jalapeño Poppers

If you like your food spicy, then jalapeno poppers are the perfect complement to empanadas. The spice from the peppers contrasts nicely with the savory filling and adds a nice kick to your meal. Plus, the cream cheese filling adds a nice creamy texture that rounds out the flavors of the dish nicely.

18. Spicy Guacamole

Spicy guacamole is a classic accompaniment that can be served with empanadas. It adds a creamy texture to the dish and balances out the savory flavors of the empanada filling. Additionally, it adds some heat and spice to your meal that will be sure to tantalize your taste buds.

19. Tangy Salsa Verde

For something a little different, try adding some tangy salsa verde to your empanadas. Its bright green color and zesty flavors will add a nice touch of freshness that pairs nicely with the savory filling. The slight acidity of the salsa will contrast perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of the empanada, making for a truly unique and enjoyable experience.

20. Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is another great way to dress up your empanadas. It's made with herbs like parsley and cilantro, so it brings a nice herbal flavor to the party. Additionally, it adds a nice acidic element to the dish that helps to balance out the savory flavors of the empanada filling.

These are just some of the many delicious accompaniments to serve with empanadas. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different recipes to find which ones work best for you. Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy cooking your meal and saving the leftovers for later! Bon appetit.

If you are in a mood, you can make homemade Instant Pot Empanadas and serve them with any of those side dishes.

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