Empanadas are a beloved dish worldwide. These delicious pockets of dough, filled with various ingredients such as meats, vegetables, or cheese, are versatile and enjoyed by many cultures. Whether baked or fried, empanadas make for a satisfying meal. But to take your empanada experience to the next level, choosing the right side dish is essential. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with empanadas, from classic pairings to more creative and healthy options.
Why Choosing the Right Side Dish for Empanadas Matters
When serving empanadas, the main goal is to balance flavors and textures. Empanadas are often rich, filled with savory ingredients like beef, chicken, or cheese, so pairing them with a complementary side dish is key. The right side dish not only enhances the flavors but also provides variety in texture, turning your empanada meal into a more rounded experience.
For example, if you have a crispy, fried empanada, a refreshing side dish like a salad or salsa can offer a cool contrast. On the other hand, if your empanada is baked and filled with something hearty like pork, you may want a starchy side, like rice or potatoes, to create a more filling meal. By choosing the right accompaniment, you’ll elevate your empanada dish, making it even more enjoyable for your guests or family.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the side dishes that can complement your empanadas perfectly.
Classic Side Dishes for Empanadas
Traditional side dishes are reliable choices when serving empanadas. These sides have stood the test of time and have proven to be ideal complements. If you’re looking for familiar pairings that are easy to make and delicious, these classic side dishes are for you.
Chimichurri Sauce: A Perfect Match
One of the most popular sides for empanadas is chimichurri sauce, a staple in Argentina, where empanadas are widely enjoyed. Chimichurri is made with fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, creating a tangy and slightly spicy sauce that works well with most empanada fillings. Whether your empanadas are filled with beef, chicken, or vegetables, chimichurri adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that complements them beautifully.
This sauce is also incredibly easy to make at home. All you need is fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Mix them, and you have the perfect dipping sauce for your empanadas. If you’re looking for a simple, yet flavorful pairing, you can’t go wrong with chimichurri. Try making it yourself with this easy chimichurri recipe.
Spanish Rice: A Hearty Side
Another classic side dish that pairs well with empanadas is Spanish rice. Spanish rice, cooked with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices, adds both flavor and substance to your meal. It’s an especially great option if you’re serving empanadas as the main course. Spanish rice complements the savory fillings of empanadas like beef or chicken, making the meal more satisfying and well-rounded.
Additionally, Spanish rice is easy to make in large batches, making it a great option for family dinners or parties where empanadas are on the menu. Serve it with a side of black beans for an even more complete and hearty meal.
Black Beans and Rice: A Classic Pairing
You can’t go wrong with the traditional Latin American combination of black beans and rice. This simple, yet filling side dish provides a wonderful contrast to the crispy exterior and soft filling of empanadas. Black beans are flavorful, hearty, and protein-packed, while rice adds a starchy balance to the meal. Together, they create a satisfying side that pairs especially well with spicy or meaty empanadas.
Moreover, black beans and rice are incredibly versatile. You can prepare them with different spices and herbs, such as cumin, cilantro, or lime, depending on the flavor profile of your empanadas. This classic side is easy to make, inexpensive, and nutritious, making it a popular choice.
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Fresh and Healthy Side Dishes for Empanadas
While classic sides are delicious, sometimes you might want a lighter option to pair with your empanadas. Fresh and healthy sides can help balance out the richness of the empanadas, offering a refreshing contrast. Here are some light, healthy side dishes that are perfect companions to empanadas.
Avocado Salad: Creamy and Fresh
Avocado salad is an excellent fresh side that pairs well with almost any empanada. The creaminess of the avocado complements the crunchy or flaky texture of the empanada dough. You can enhance the salad by adding ingredients such as tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, which provide extra flavor and freshness. A light lemon or lime dressing can bring the dish together, adding a zesty touch that brightens the whole meal.
Avocado salad is especially great with spicy or savory empanadas, as it helps balance the bold flavors. Plus, it’s rich in healthy fats and nutrients, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a healthy side dish. Check out some simple avocado salad recipes to add this refreshing dish to your empanada meal.
Citrus Cabbage Slaw: A Crunchy Companion
A citrusy cabbage slaw is another refreshing side dish for empanadas. The crunchy texture of the cabbage adds a nice contrast to the soft, doughy empanadas, and the citrus dressing adds a tangy flavor that brightens the whole meal. Made with fresh cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro, this slaw is light and healthy, and it pairs perfectly with savory or spicy empanadas.
This slaw is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding carrots, onions, or even jalapeños for an extra kick. Whether you’re serving pork, chicken, or vegetable empanadas, this fresh slaw will balance the flavors and provide a nice, crunchy side dish.
Quinoa Salad: Protein-Packed and Light
If you’re looking for a protein-packed, healthy side dish, quinoa salad is an excellent choice. Quinoa is light, fluffy, and full of protein, making it a nutritious option to serve alongside empanadas. Quinoa salad can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as roasted vegetables, nuts, or dried fruit, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
The light, nutty flavor of quinoa pairs well with both savory and sweet empanadas, and a simple lemon vinaigrette can bring the salad together. This is a great option if you’re serving empanadas as part of a larger meal and want to keep things on the healthier side.
Comfort Side Dishes for Empanadas
Sometimes, you just want a comforting side dish to pair with your empanadas. Comfort food side dishes offer rich, hearty flavors that complement the filling nature of empanadas. Here are a few indulgent options that will satisfy your cravings.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and Comforting
Few things are as comforting as a side of creamy mashed potatoes. This classic comfort food pairs surprisingly well with empanadas, especially those filled with beef or pork. The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes contrasts with the crispy or flaky dough of the empanadas, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
You can add different flavors to your mashed potatoes, such as garlic, cheese, or herbs, to match the flavor profile of your empanadas. For example, garlic mashed potatoes work particularly well with beef empanadas, while cheesy mashed potatoes are perfect with chicken empanadas. This hearty side dish is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Mac and Cheese: Cheesy Goodness
If you’re looking for an indulgent, comforting side, mac and cheese is an excellent choice. The creamy, cheesy pasta provides a rich contrast to the savory flavors of empanadas. Whether you’re serving beef, chicken, or vegetable empanadas, mac and cheese adds a delightful, cheesy element to the meal.
Mac and cheese is also a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for parties or family gatherings. You can customize it with different cheeses or spices to match your taste. For a gourmet touch, consider adding breadcrumbs or bacon for added flavor and texture. It’s the ultimate comfort side dish that pairs well with almost any empanada filling.
Baked Plantains: Sweet and Savory Contrast
For a more traditional Latin American side, consider serving your empanadas with baked plantains. Plantains, when baked, become sweet and caramelized, creating a delightful contrast to savory empanadas. The natural sweetness of the plantains pairs especially well with spicy or salty fillings, such as beef or cheese empanadas.
Baked plantains are easy to prepare and can be seasoned with cinnamon, honey, or even a touch of chili powder for a sweet and spicy twist. This side dish adds a unique flavor and cultural authenticity to your empanada meal.
Creative Side Dishes for Empanadas
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, there are plenty of creative side dishes that can pair well with empanadas. Here are some unique options to consider.
Mexican Elote: A Smoky, Spicy Side
Mexican elote, or grilled corn on the cob, is a popular street food that pairs perfectly with empanadas. The charred flavor of the grilled corn, combined with the creamy, tangy toppings of mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder, creates a smoky, spicy side that enhances the flavors of your empanadas. It’s a fun, vibrant side dish that adds a bit of flair to your meal.
Elote is easy to prepare and adds a unique, street food element to your empanada experience. It’s especially great with empanadas that have a spicy or smoky filling, as the flavors of the corn and toppings complement each other well.
Sweet Potato Fries: A Modern Twist
For a modern and trendy twist, consider serving sweet potato fries with your empanadas. Sweet potato fries are a popular side dish known for their crisp texture and natural sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with savory empanadas. You can season them with spices like paprika, cumin, or even cinnamon to enhance the flavors.
Sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional fries and provide a fun, modern pairing for empanadas. They work particularly well with beef or chicken empanadas, adding both crunch and a touch of sweetness to the meal.
Hummus and Pita: A Mediterranean Fusion
If you want to experiment with international flavors, serving empanadas with hummus and pita is a creative fusion. Hummus, a creamy and garlicky Middle Eastern dip, adds a unique flavor that pairs surprisingly well with empanadas, especially vegetarian or cheese-filled ones. The soft, warm pita bread complements the doughy texture of the empanadas, while the hummus adds a rich, savory element.
This Mediterranean-inspired side dish offers a fun twist on traditional empanada accompaniments. You can also serve different types of hummus, such as roasted red pepper or spicy hummus, to add variety to the meal.
Best Dips and Sauces for Empanadas
No empanada meal is complete without a flavorful dipping sauce. Dips and sauces can enhance the flavor of your empanadas and add an extra layer of enjoyment to each bite. Here are a few must-try dips and sauces to serve with empanadas.
Guacamole: A Creamy and Tangy Dip
Guacamole is a classic dip that pairs perfectly with empanadas. The creamy texture of the avocado, combined with the tangy flavors of lime and cilantro, complements the crisp, doughy exterior of empanadas. Whether you’re serving beef, chicken, or vegetarian empanadas, guacamole is a simple and delicious dip that enhances the flavors of the dish.
For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding ingredients like roasted garlic, diced tomatoes, or even a bit of jalapeño for extra heat. Guacamole is versatile, easy to make, and a fan favorite.
Salsa Verde: Fresh and Flavorful
Salsa verde is another excellent sauce to serve with empanadas. Made from tomatillos, cilantro, and green chilies, salsa verde offers a fresh, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with most savory empanadas. It’s especially good with chicken or cheese-filled empanadas, as the acidity of the tomatillos helps balance the richness of the fillings.
Salsa verde is easy to make and adds a fresh, zesty element to your empanada meal. You can also serve it with other side dishes, like tortilla chips or rice, to create a more complete meal.
Aioli: Rich and Creamy
Aioli is a garlicky, creamy sauce that works wonderfully as a dip for empanadas. The rich, smooth texture of the aioli complements both meat and vegetable-filled empanadas, adding a decadent touch to the dish. You can also add different flavors to your aioli, such as lemon, herbs, or even a bit of spice, to match the flavor profile of your empanadas.
Aioli is simple to make and brings a gourmet flair to your meal. It’s an excellent choice if you want to elevate your empanada experience.
Pairing Beverages with Empanadas
When it comes to beverages, the right drink can enhance your empanada meal even further. Whether you prefer alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, here are a few options that pair well with empanadas.
Red Wine: A Bold Pairing
For a more sophisticated pairing, try serving your empanadas with a glass of red wine. Bold red wines, such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, pair beautifully with beef or lamb empanadas. The tannins in the wine help cut through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced flavor profile.
Red wine is also a great option if you’re serving empanadas at a dinner party or more formal event. It adds an air of sophistication to the meal and enhances the overall dining experience.
Sangria: Fruity and Refreshing
If you’re looking for a lighter, more refreshing option, consider serving sangria with your empanadas. This fruity wine punch is sweet, refreshing, and pairs wonderfully with both savory and spicy empanadas. The sweetness of the fruit complements the bold flavors of the empanadas, while the wine adds depth to the meal.
Sangria is an excellent choice for casual gatherings, parties, or outdoor meals. It’s easy to make in large batches and offers a fun, festive beverage option.
Beer: Crisp and Light
If wine isn’t your thing, beer is another excellent beverage to pair with empanadas. A light, crisp beer, like a lager or pilsner, works well with fried empanadas. The carbonation in the beer helps cleanse your palate between bites, making each empanada taste as fresh as the first.
Beer is a versatile, casual beverage that pairs well with a variety of empanada fillings. It’s a great option for informal meals or gatherings where you want a simple, refreshing drink to accompany your meal.
Conclusion
So, what is a good side dish for empanadas? Whether you’re looking for a classic pairing like Spanish rice and chimichurri sauce or something more adventurous like sweet potato fries and hummus, there are plenty of delicious options to explore. The key is to balance the flavors and textures of your empanadas with the right side dish, dip, or beverage.
By experimenting with different combinations, you’ll find the perfect accompaniments to enhance your empanada meal and make it a truly memorable dining experience. Try some of the side dishes mentioned here, and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Your empanadas deserve to be served with the best sides possible!