Empanadas are a beloved dish around the world, with roots in Latin American, Spanish, and Filipino cuisine. These delicious pastries can be filled with various ingredients, from savory meats to sweet fruits. But to create a truly satisfying meal, it’s important to know what to serve with empanadas. The right pairings can elevate your dining experience and ensure that every bite is as enjoyable as the last.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best side dishes, beverages, and desserts to complement your empanadas. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a family dinner, these ideas will help you create a memorable meal.

Why Knowing What to Serve with Empanadas Matters

Empanadas are versatile and flavorful, making them the star of many meals. However, pairing them with the right sides and drinks can enhance their taste and texture, transforming a simple snack into a well-rounded feast. The richness of empanadas—whether filled with beef, chicken, or vegetables—can be balanced by lighter sides, while heavier accompaniments can turn them into a full meal.

Moreover, understanding what to eat with empanadas helps create a variety of culinary experiences. For example, you can serve empanadas as appetizers with dipping sauces at a casual gathering, or pair them with hearty side dishes for a sit-down dinner. The possibilities are endless, and with a bit of creativity, you can find the perfect combination for any occasion.

The Role of Side Dishes

Side dishes play a crucial role in any meal, and when it comes to empanadas, they can either complement or contrast the flavors. A well-chosen side dish can bring out the best in your empanadas, adding texture, flavor, and even nutritional balance. Below, we’ll explore some of the best side dishes to serve with empanadas, along with ideas for beverages and desserts to complete your meal.

Serving Empanadas as a Main Course

While empanadas can certainly be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, serving them as a main course requires a bit more planning. A single empanada might not be enough to satisfy a hungry guest, so adding a few sides is essential. When you think about what to serve with empanadas as a meal, consider dishes that are filling, flavorful, and offer a variety of textures.

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Empanada Side Dishes: Best Options for Every Occasion

The best sides for empanadas vary depending on the occasion and the type of empanadas you’re serving. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most popular and complementary options, ranging from light salads to more substantial offerings.

Fresh Salads: Light and Refreshing

Fresh salads are a great choice when considering what to eat with empanadas, especially if you want a lighter meal. The crispness of fresh greens and vegetables adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the empanadas. You can keep it simple with a mixed green salad topped with a lemon vinaigrette, or get creative with a more elaborate salad.

For example, a tangy coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a vinegar-based dressing pairs wonderfully with savory empanadas. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the filling, balancing out the meal. Alternatively, a tomato and avocado salad with a sprinkle of cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements any empanada variety.

If you’re in need of salad inspiration, Food Network offers a range of easy and delicious salad recipes that work well with empanadas. From simple green salads to more complex creations, there’s something for every taste.

Dipping Sauces: Add Extra Flavor

Dipping sauces are a must when thinking about what to serve with empanadas. They add an extra layer of flavor and make each bite even more enjoyable. Whether you prefer something spicy, tangy, or creamy, there’s a dipping sauce that will pair perfectly with your empanadas.

Chimichurri is one of the most popular sauces to serve with empanadas. This traditional Argentinian sauce is made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, and it adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to any empanada. You can also try salsa verde, a tangy green sauce made from tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro, which adds a zesty kick to the meal.

If you prefer something creamy, an aioli made with garlic and lemon can be a delicious option. This rich and flavorful sauce complements the crispy texture of the empanadas without overpowering the filling.

For those who enjoy making their own sauces, Allrecipes provides a simple and quick chimichurri recipe that pairs beautifully with empanadas. The fresh herbs and garlic in chimichurri add a vibrant contrast to the savory filling of your empanadas.

Rice and Beans: A Hearty Combination

When you need a more filling side dish, rice and beans are classic Latin American pairings that go perfectly with empanadas. Spanish rice, seasoned with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, offers a slightly smoky flavor that complements the savory filling of meat or vegetable empanadas. Meanwhile, black beans provide a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the crispy empanada crust.

This combination not only adds heartiness to your meal but also brings in complementary flavors and textures that balance the richness of the empanadas. The beans’ natural creaminess pairs well with spicy or savory empanadas, and the rice adds a starchy element that makes the meal more satisfying.

If you prefer a bit more variety, you can serve refried beans or even a bean salad alongside your empanadas. These side dishes are easy to prepare and add a wholesome touch to your meal.

Roasted Vegetables: Nutritious and Delicious

Roasted vegetables are another excellent option when deciding what to serve with empanadas. They are simple to prepare, healthy, and add a burst of flavor to your plate. The natural sweetness of roasted vegetables complements the savory filling of the empanadas, creating a balanced meal.

Consider roasting sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The caramelization that occurs during roasting adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy crust of the empanadas. You can also sprinkle a bit of paprika or cumin on the vegetables for an added layer of flavor.

Roasted vegetables are a versatile side dish that can be customized to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a mix of root vegetables or lighter options like asparagus and cherry tomatoes, roasted veggies are a nutritious and flavorful complement to any empanada meal.

Soups: A Warm and Comforting Side

Soups might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering what to serve with empanadas, but they can be an excellent pairing. A light soup, such as gazpacho or lentil soup, provides warmth and comfort without overshadowing the main dish. The subtle flavors of the soup allow the empanadas to shine while adding a different texture to the meal.

Gazpacho, a cold tomato-based soup, is particularly refreshing when served alongside empanadas, especially in warmer weather. On the other hand, a hearty lentil soup with a touch of cumin or smoked paprika can be a more filling option for cooler days.

Beverages: Drinks That Pair Perfectly with Empanadas

When thinking about what to serve with empanadas, don’t forget about beverages. The right drink can enhance the flavors of your meal and add a refreshing element to the experience. Whether you prefer wine, beer, or non-alcoholic options, there’s a beverage to suit every taste.

Wine Pairings: Light and Fruity

When it comes to wine, light and fruity options tend to pair best with empanadas. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc offers a crisp and refreshing contrast to the richness of the empanadas. These white wines have a balanced acidity that complements the savory fillings without overpowering them.

For red wine lovers, a Malbec from Argentina is an excellent choice. Malbec’s bold flavors and smooth finish pair well with beef or lamb-filled empanadas, adding depth to the meal. The tannins in the wine help cut through the richness of the filling, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

If you’re curious about exploring more wine pairings, Wine Folly provides a detailed guide to choosing the right wine for any meal, including your favorite empanadas.

Beer Pairings: Crisp and Refreshing

Beer is another great option to serve with empanadas, especially if you prefer a more casual meal. A lager or pilsner offers a light and crisp flavor that balances the richness of the empanadas. These beers are refreshing and easy to drink, making them a perfect match for both meat and vegetarian empanadas.

For those who enjoy bolder flavors, a Mexican-style amber lager with hints of caramel and malt can pair beautifully with pork or beef empanadas. The slight sweetness of the beer complements the savory filling, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Options: Refreshing Alternatives

If you prefer non-alcoholic beverages, there are plenty of options that pair well with empanadas. Horchata, a traditional Latin American rice milk drink flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, is a popular choice. Its creamy sweetness provides a delightful contrast to the savory empanadas, making it a favorite among those who prefer something sweet with their meal.

Another option is agua fresca, a light and refreshing fruit drink made with water, sugar, and fresh fruit like watermelon, lime, or mango. This drink is perfect for cutting through the richness of the empanadas, offering a burst of fruitiness with every sip.

Desserts to Complete Your Empanada Meal

After enjoying a plate of delicious empanadas, you’ll want to finish your meal with a sweet treat. Latin American desserts offer a variety of options that pair beautifully with empanadas, from creamy flan to crunchy churros.

Flan: A Classic Latin Dessert

Flan is a rich and creamy custard dessert topped with a layer of caramel sauce. Its smooth texture and sweet flavor provide a delightful contrast to the crispy empanada crust. Flan is a classic Latin dessert that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Churros: Sweet and Crunchy

If you’re looking for something with a bit of crunch, churros are a great option. These fried dough pastries are rolled in cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet and crispy treat that pairs perfectly with savory empanadas. You can serve them with a side of chocolate sauce for dipping, adding an extra layer of indulgence to your meal.

Fresh Fruit or Sorbet: A Light and Refreshing Option

For those who prefer a lighter dessert, fresh fruit or sorbet can be a refreshing way to end your meal. Mango or pineapple sorbet offers a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory empanadas, while a plate of fresh fruit provides a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional desserts.

FAQs About What to Serve with Empanadas

Conclusion

Now that you know what to serve with empanadas, you can create a well-balanced and flavorful meal. Whether you choose light salads, hearty rice and beans, or sweet desserts, these pairings will complement your empanadas perfectly. Try out different combinations, and don’t forget to experiment with sauces and beverages to find your perfect match!