Empanadas are baked or fried turnover pastries that are popular in Latin America, Spain, and Europe. These half-moon-shaped treats are typically filled with ingredients including meat, cheese, and vegetables. While empanadas can be enjoyed as a delicious meal on their own, pairing them with a side dish will make the meal complete. Here are 27 of our favorite recipes if you’re not quite sure what to serve with empanadas.

 

What we love most about empanadas is that there are so many different ways to make them, sweet filling, or savory filling, they are all delicious. There are also so many delicious sides to eat them.

This list of side dishes contains plenty of sweet, spicy, and savory recipe ideas that will elevate your meal.

Some of the best side dishes for empanadas are refried beans, sweet corn cakes, queso, and corn on the cob.

Your taste buds will surely be in for a treat when you pair empanadas with any of these sides.

1. Mexican Black Beans

Mexican black beans are ready in just 15 minutes! They get their delicious flavor from onion, garlic, diced chiles, cilantro, salt, and cumin. Serve them warm after sauteeing, or mash them up to enjoy a different texture.

2. Refried Beans

This easy recipe takes canned refried beans to the next level with a few simple ingredients: hot sauce, cumin, salt, and sour cream. Top it off with shredded cheese for gooey, melty perfection!

3. Cilantro Lime Rice

This stovetop cilantro lime rice tastes even better than Chipotle’s version! Fluffy, zesty, and fresh, this garlic-infused white rice dish tastes as delicious as it smells. 

4. Mexican Street Corn Salad

This creamy corn salad is one of the best side dishes for summer. Grilling the corn will give the dish an incredible smoky flavor, and swapping some of the mayo with Greek yogurt will lighten up the recipe too.

5. Corn Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, this baked corn pudding casserole is one of our favorite treats! Perfectly creamy and slightly sweet, this southern-inspired recipe will pair incredibly well with savory empanadas.

6. Mexican Coleslaw

Elevate your favorite coleslaw recipe with corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, and beans. This creamy and colorful coleslaw mix has the perfect amount of heat in every bite and is topped off with a fresh citrus dressing. 

7. Green Salad

Salad is a great healthy side that pairs well with hearty empanadas. Use fresh ingredients such as avocado, red onions, and cherry tomatoes, then finish it off with tangy goat cheese crumbles and balsamic vinaigrette! This simple green salad can be served with a wide variety of dishes.

8. Charro Beans

Not sure what to serve with empanadas? Serve up a heaping portion of charro beans! These pinto beans get their delicious flavor from a combination of bacon, onion, garlic, and spicy tomatoes.

9. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad is healthy, delicious, and a reliable side for any meal. You can personalize this recipe with your favorite fruits, but don’t forget the most important ingredient –– lemon juice!

10. Sweet Potato Fries

Air fryer recipes make cooking simple, so you’ll have perfectly crispy sweet potato fries in just a matter of minutes!

11. Texas Caviar

Also known as “Cowboy Caviar,” Texas Caviar is a mixture of corn, beans, and veggies. This protein-packed mix is loaded with flavor and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. 

12. Mexican Potato Salad

Creamy and full of flavor, this corn and potato salad is delicious served hot or cold. We think this is one of the best side dishes to serve with empanadas because of how versatile it is!

13. Sweet Corn Cake

Pair this Mexican sweet corn cake with savory empanadas for an unmatched combination. This copycat recipe is inspired by the original from Chi Chi’s Mexican Cantina!

14. Pico De Gallo

Salsa is sure to enhance your empanada eating experience, and fresh pico de gallo salsa is easy to make with just a few basic ingredients. Even if you’re not sure what to serve with empanadas, you can never go wrong with salsa.

15. Salsa Verde

Green salsa will add a unique tangy and spicy flavor to your meal. Want to keep your salsa mild or take the heat level up a notch? Check out the recipe tips for how to control the spice level.

16. Nacho Cheese Sauce

Ready in 5 minutes, this copycat nacho cheese sauce tastes just like Taco Bell’s! You can make this 3-ingredient recipe by mixing store-bought cheese dip, milk, and pickled jalapeño brine.

17. White Sauce

Mexican white sauce is a creamy salsa-like dip that goes well with chips, empanadas, and more. The key ingredient in this recipe is Miracle Whip, combined with the delicious flavors of garlic and jalapeño. 

18. Mexican Street Corn On The Cob

Elote is one of the best side dishes to serve with empanadas. With fresh corn covered in a tangy sauce, creamy cotija cheese, and chili powder, the flavors in this combination are unmatched.

19. Baked Plantains

Baked plantains are moist, scrumptious, and also healthy with no added sugar! Pair these sweet rounds with savory empanadas to enjoy the delicious complementary flavors together.

20. Guacamole

Flavored with spices and lime juice, guacamole is an easy foolproof option when you’re not sure what to serve with empanadas. Once you’ve mastered homemade guacamole, you won’t ever want to go back to the store-bought version!

21. Strawberry Salsa

Here’s a tasty fresh salsa recipe for anyone who prefers sweet flavors over spicy! This recipe is perfect for summertime and will taste amazing with empanadas. Made with fresh strawberries, diced avocado, and cucumber, this salsa is the perfect compliment to delicious empanadas.

22. Mexican Style Rice

Filled with flavorful peppers, onions, and spices, Mexican rice is not only comforting, but also incredibly easy to make in the oven. 

23. Chimichurri Sauce

Parsley, cilantro, garlic, and oregano are the key ingredients that give this green sauce such an addicting taste. Blend your ingredients in a food processor and drizzle on top of empanadas or use it as a dipping sauce.

24. Chips And Salsa

Fire-roasted canned tomatoes will help you make a mouthwatering salsa in under 5 minutes. Chips and salsa are a combination that is simply impossible to resist.

25. Queso

The veggie mixture in this queso dip adds so much flavor and texture. Cream cheese and evaporated milk are the secret ingredients that give this dip its rich, creamy texture.

26. Ranch Water

This refreshing and easy tequila cocktail would be great to serve alongside emapanadas. So easy to make as a single drink or into a pitcher for a crowd.

27. Mexican Sweet Potatoes

These amazing sweet potatoes and made with sweet and spicy seasonings. Such an easy recipe with minimal ingredients. It’s a great side dish for many Mexican inspired meals.

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