What To Serve With Enchiladas: 31 Sides
Mar 18, 2024
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Our family loves all types of enchiladas –– chicken, cheese, and plenty more. Savory enchiladas taste even better served with delicious sides! Here are some of the very best recipes to try next time you’re not quite sure what to serve with enchiladas.
This list of recipes features everything you need to prepare a full enchilada meal: beans, rice, guacamole, salsa, salad, and more.
Many of these recipes are made with simple fresh ingredients and take only a few minutes to prepare.
Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, salty, or savory flavors, this list is sure to have something that everyone in the family will love! Before we get started, here are a few of our favorite enchilada recipes:
- Ground beef enchiladas – A simple recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Beef and bean enchiladas – Combination of beef and beans makes for a great meal.
- Chicken enchiladas – White chicken enchiladas are creamy and a great alternative to red sauce.
- Butternut squash enchiladas – Looking for a meat free meal? This hearty enchiladas are filled with butternut squash and beans.
Best sides to serve with enchiladas
1. Black Beans
This recipe for black beans is easy to make and loaded with so much flavor from onions, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and green chilis. The chilis are the key ingredient that makes this recipe extra flavorful without adding too much heat. While these beans already taste perfect after simmering, you can also mash them if you prefer a creamier texture.
2. Refried Beans
Creamy refried beans are a great side dish to serve with homemade enchiladas. Take canned beans to the next level by mixing in a few simple ingredients. Shredded cheese is an optional topping but will make this recipe creamier, extra melty, and even more delicious. Ready in just 10 minutes total, you won’t believe how easy this recipe is to make.
3. Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is a classic side dish that’s easy to whip up when you’re not quite sure what to serve with enchiladas. Flavored with chicken broth, tomato sauce, and seasonings, this savory rice is fluffy and so satisfying. Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins or garnishes, including cilantro, diced chilis, or jalapeños.
4. Spanish Rice
Packed with onions, peppers, and plenty of delicious seasonings, this Spanish rice recipe is loaded with savory flavor. What makes this recipe stand apart from others is the addition of fire-roasted diced tomatoes — they add a great taste and texture to the perfectly fluffy rice!
5. Pico De Gallo
Once you’ve tried this homemade salsa, you won’t ever want to go back to the store bought version! Homemade pico de gallo is easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients and has the perfect amount of spice. This salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, so it’s a great recipe to prepare in advance and enjoy all week long.
6. Guacamole
This authentic guacamole recipe is made with creamy ripe avocados, tomato, onion, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Adding fresh lime juice to your guacamole will not only tie all the flavors together but will also prevent the mixture from turning brown.
7. Mexican Coleslaw
Taco salad and creamy coleslaw come together in this delicious Mexican fusion recipe. This perfectly creamy and crunchy dish is packed with colorful veggies that will not only taste delicious but also add a splash of color to your table. You can easily recreate this recipe in just 15 minutes.
8. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Here’s a comforting soup that is sure to warm you right up. Homemade chicken tortilla soup is easy to make in only 40 minutes and is just as tasty as the version you’d find served in restaurants. This hearty and healthy recipe features tender chicken, beans, and veggies and is made complete with the addition of homemade tortilla strips on top.
9. Corn Salad
Fresh corn salad is not only so tasty but also so beautiful with its vibrant rainbow colors. This simple salad is made with fresh corn off the cob, herbs, and veggies, and is topped with a light dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
You can make this recipe in just a few minutes, and it’s also super easy to personalize with additional ingredients such as chicken, cheese, or avocado.
10. Sweet Corn Cake
This copycat of Chi Chi’s corn cakes is so comforting and tastes just like the original recipe. Creamy, sweet, and satisfying, this recipe is a great side dish to serve with enchiladas or to enjoy as a treat after a full meal. For best results, let corn cakes sit for about 10 minutes before serving after you remove them from the oven.
11. Easy Salad
You can never go wrong with this classic side dish! Simple house salad is made with fresh greens, crunchy croutons, colorful veggies, and delicious dressing. You can serve it with any one of your favorite dressings, and also personalize it with your toppings of choice.
12. Tortilla Chips
No need to buy tortilla chips from the store anymore when you can make your own at home! Three ingredients and five minutes are all you need to make these perfectly crunchy homemade tortilla chips in the air fryer. We love how easy the air fryer makes it to prepare this recipe –– no mess, hot oil splatters, or hassle involved.
13. Salsa
Homemade salsa is even better than any salsa you can find in stores. This fresh salsa recipe gets its bold flavor from the combination of tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, cilantro, and plenty of spices. The flavor of this recipe is the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and savory, making it an incredible salsa to serve with enchiladas and so many other recipes.
14. Mexican Street Corn
Not sure what to serve with enchiladas? Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is one of our family’s favorite treats. This savory corn recipe features a creamy garlic mayo, freshly squeezed lime juice, and crumbly cotija cheese. Sprinkle with cilantro and chili powder to add even more flavor and freshness to this popular street food.
15. Texas Caviar
Texas cowboy caviar is made with beans, corn, colorful veggies, and a light and refreshing dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this simple and healthy recipe is so easy to make at home with a handful of fresh ingredients.
Packed with plenty of protein, this recipe is incredibly filling and satisfying. You can serve this side as-is, mix it with rice, or serve it alongside other dishes to make a full meal.
16. Cilantro Lime Rice
Look no further if you’re wondering what to serve with enchiladas! Made with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice, this homemade cilantro rice tastes just like the one served at Chipotle. This quick and easy rice recipe turns out perfectly fluffy and flavorful after being cooked in chicken broth and flavored with a combination of cilantro and lime.
17. Jalapeno Poppers
Baked jalapeño poppers are an explosion of all of the best flavors! Stuffed with cream cheese, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese, these poppers are a tasty treat that you can serve with homemade enchiladas or enjoy on their own. Best of all, this recipe is made with budget-friendly ingredients, making it a great side dish to prepare for any occasion.
18. Charro Beans
Making your own charro beans at home is easy. All you need to do is combine tender canned pinto beans with bacon, onion, garlic, and tomatoes! A note: these flavorful beans are meant to be served with a slightly soupy consistency. Top off this classic side dish with cilantro or shredded cheese to take the recipe to the next level.
19. Watermelon Margarita
Treat yourself to the best frozen watermelon margarita ever! This cool and refreshing cocktail is perfect for the summertime and will taste incredible served with enchiladas and so many other dishes. Made with only four ingredients, this is the perfect drink to serve with a full meal. Try this margarita with a classic salted rim, or with sugar or tajin instead if you want another flavor.
20. Texas Ranch Water
Texas ranch water is a cool and refreshing cocktail that will take your meal to the next level. This delicious fizzy drink is made with only three ingredients: tequila, lime, and Topo Chico sparkling mineral water. Serve this drink with a salted rim for extra flavor and fun!
21. Lime Bars
These margarita-inspired lime bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good margarita. Creamy, sweet, and refreshing, this recipe is a twist on traditional ooey gooey butter cake bars. This dessert gets its amazing flavor from a combination of lime juice and lime zest. If desired, you can add a little bit of tequila to this recipe to make it even more fun and flavorful.
22. Slaw
Crunchy red cabbage slaw is a great side dish to serve with homemade enchiladas. Made with a creamy mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar dressing, this cabbage slaw has a rich and bold flavor. This recipe is incredibly easy to chop and mix, but you can also use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots to save time.
23. Mexican Potatoes
This recipe for Mexican fried potatoes is among our top recommendations for anyone who isn’t sure what to serve with enchiladas. These crispy potatoes can be made in either the oven or on the stovetop, and are flavored with salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, cumin, and oregano.
24. Bean Dip
This creamy bean dip is loaded with flavor in every bite. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and canned refried beans gives this bean mixture a rich and satisfying texture. Salsa, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese enhance the flavor of this classic side even more. Enjoy this dip with tortilla chips or with your favorite enchiladas.
25. Corn Pudding
One of our family’s favorite side dishes is this creamy corn pudding. Sweet, creamy, and simple to make, this comforting recipe is a great easy dish to prepare for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Once you’ve tried this dish, you won’t ever have to wonder what to serve with enchiladas anymore –– you’ll simply want to make this recipe over and over again!
26. Corn Dip
Corn dip with cream cheese is the cold dip you never knew you needed. This easy recipe features crunchy veggies, sweet corn, green chilis, and shredded cheese. It has an amazing taste and texture and is easy to prepare in just a few minutes. Be sure to add freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten the flavor and tie the whole dish together.
27. Tomato Avocado Salad
Healthy, crunchy, and packed with beautiful colorful veggies, this cucumber tomato avocado salad is fresh, satisfying, and will taste phenomenal when served with homemade enchiladas. This delicious salad features a light homemade dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
28. Restaurant Style White Sauce
This restaurant style white dipping sauce is typically served with tortilla chips. Creamy, flavorful sauce that is on the mild side. It’s great with any Tex-Mex meal.
29. Fajita Vegetables
Add a side of veggies to your enchilada dinner. Place them on top of the enchiladas or on the side, they add nice flavor and color.
30. Taco Sauce
Want a little extra sauce on the side? Try this easy to make taco sauce. This simple sauce will add a some extra spice to the enchiladas.
31. Churro Cheesecake
This cheesecake is a great, churro inspired dessert. Flakey crust filled with a delicious cheesecake filling and topped with cinnamon and sugar. All of the churro flavors combined into wonderful dessert bars.
Let me know if you have any other ideas you think I should add this the enchilada side dish list.