Frito Pie is a comfort food classic that delivers rich, savory flavors with every bite. The layered combination of chili, cheese, and crispy corn chips is irresistibly good.
But what side dishes can turn this comfort food into a complete meal? Here are a list of 15 tasty side dishes that not only pair beautifully with Frito Pie but also round out your meal in the most delicious way.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with Frito Pie are Spanish rice, guacamole, Tostilocos, pineapple salsa, Birria Quesadillas, pico de gallo, creamed corn, eggplant salad, Tabasco, chicken burrito bowl, sweet potato fries, black bean salad, chips and salsa, roasted jalapeños, and cornbread.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
1. Spanish Rice
Spanish rice adds both color and flavor to the dining table. Infused with spices and sometimes mixed with vegetables like bell peppers or peas, this rice side dish brings a savory depth that can complement the richness of Frito Pie. Plus, it’s filling without being overwhelming, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.
2. Guacamole
Guacamole is a versatile side that provides a creamy contrast to the crunchy texture of Frito Pie. Packed with heart-healthy avocados, a hint of lime, and your choice of spices, this dish brings freshness that can lighten up the dense flavors in the pie. It's like a mini salad but more fun, providing a medley of tastes that dance well with the Frito Pie.
3. Tostilocos
Imagine a plate of Tostilocos next to your Frito Pie; it's a snack lover's dream come true! These Mexican street snacks are loaded with an array of flavors and textures from cucumbers, jicama, and lime juice. They offer a crisp, refreshing contrast to the Frito Pie, making each bite a new experience.
4. Pineapple Salsa
The tangy and sweet character of pineapple salsa brings a different kind of zing to the meal. Its vibrant flavors are a fantastic counterpoint to the rich, meaty elements in the Frito Pie. With each spoonful, you get a burst of fruitiness that makes you want to keep digging in for more.
5. Birria Quesadillas
Birria quesadillas serve as a meaty, cheesy side that doubles down on comfort food elements. Stuffed with tender meat that has soaked up an array of spices, these quesadillas offer a symphony of flavors. They can be a little heavy, so they pair best with Frito Pie for those really hungry days or special occasions.
6. Pico de Gallo
Adding a fresh element like pico de gallo brings a lightness to the heavy, cheesy nature of Frito Pie. The blend of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro offers a refreshing, uncooked contrast that cuts through the richness and adds some color to the meal.
7. Creamed Corn
If you're a fan of corn in all its forms, creamed corn is a natural pick. This comfort food classic is slightly sweet and velvety, making it a rich addition that still keeps in line with the Frito Pie's corn chip base.
8. Eggplant Salad
For something a bit lighter but still full of flavor, an eggplant salad can be a wonderful choice. Grilled or roasted eggplant is tossed with herbs and a light vinaigrette. It offers a break from the heaviness of the Frito Pie while still being substantial and satisfying.
9. Tabasco
Sometimes all a hearty dish like Frito Pie needs is a kick of heat. A few dashes of Tabasco can awaken your taste buds and bring out the flavors of the pie. It's a simple addition, but sometimes simplicity is all you need for a memorable meal.
10. Chicken Burrito Bowl
If you're searching for a more wholesome side, a chicken burrito bowl might be the way to go. It's filled with lean protein, veggies, and grains. The mix of flavors and textures works well with Frito Pie, offering a nutritious balance to the indulgence.
11. Sweet Potato Fries
For a sweeter counterpart to the savory Frito Pie, try some sweet potato fries. Their natural sweetness and crispy exterior can lighten up the meal and add a new flavor dimension that's absolutely enjoyable.
12. Black Bean Salad
Adding a black bean salad can provide a healthy, fiber-rich alternative that complements the Frito Pie. The salad brings in elements of freshness with its medley of black beans, corn, and avocado. It's a refreshing way to balance out the dish.
13. Chips and Salsa
This might sound redundant, but the classic combination of chips and salsa can actually serve as a great side. The fresh salsa and crisp chips offer a contrast to the heavier, meatier elements of the Frito Pie.
14. Roasted Jalapeños
If you love a bit of heat, roasted jalapeños are a fantastic addition. The roasting process mellows out the spice a bit, and what you're left with is a smoky, flavorful pepper that pairs well with the Frito Pie.
15. Cornbread
For something that will soak up the Frito Pie's flavorful juices, a slice of cornbread is hard to beat. Its slight sweetness and crumbly texture make it an excellent partner to the rich and spicy pie.
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Ingredients
- 1 Frito Pie
Instructions
- Make the best Frito Pie using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat Frito Pie with Spanish rice, guacamole, Tostilocos, pineapple salsa, Birria Quesadillas, pico de gallo, creamed corn, eggplant salad, Tabasco, chicken burrito bowl, sweet potato fries, black bean salad, chips and salsa, roasted jalapeños, and cornbread.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂