Are you looking for the perfect side to serve with empanadas? If so, then you’ve come to the right place!
Below you’ll find over 17 different sides to serve with yummy empanadas, from fried rice to refried beans to salsa to corn on the cob! There is a recipe below for everyone!
Take a look below and find the perfect side for your empanada meal!
What is the Best Side Dish for an Empanada?
This is a hard question but in our family, our go-to side is always a fresh corn and back bean salad, but occasionally, we like to serve these hand pies with rice as well.
Whatever you prefer, you’ll be sure to find a new favorite side dish for empanadas below, but first let’s talk about what an empanada actually is.
What is an Empanada?
An empanada is a type of pastry made by folding a dough or bread around a filling of various ingredients. You’ll find that empanadas can be filled with a variety of ingredients including meats (such as beef, chicken, or pork), cheeses, vegetables, fruits, and spices.
It is a popular dish in many Latin American countries and can be fried or baked, served as a main dish or snack, and typically eaten as a handheld food item.
The filling ingredients vary depending on the region and personal preference, but common fillings include beef and onion, chicken and cheese, spinach and feta, and ham and cheese.
Some sweet versions of empanadas can be filled with sweetened fruits like apples, peaches, or berries to make dessert empanadas. The filling is encased in a dough, which can be made from wheat or corn flour and can be fried or baked.
The Best Dishes to Serve with Empanadas
A variety of side dishes can be paired with empanadas to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the meal. Take a look below at some of our favorite pairings, so you can figure out what to eat with empanadas easily.
Authentic Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is a delicious and flavorful side dish that pairs well with empanadas. The savory spices and tender texture of the rice complement the crispy exterior and filling of the empanadas, making for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Black Bean and Corn Salad is a fresh and colorful side dish that pairs well with empanadas. The combination of tender black beans, sweet corn, and spicy jalapeños with a tangy lime dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the empanadas.
Guacamole Dip
Guacamole is a popular dip made from mashed avocados, lime juice, salt, and other seasonings such as garlic, onions, and cilantro. It is a creamy and flavorful accompaniment to many Mexican dishes, including empanadas. The rich and smooth texture of guacamole complements the crispy exterior and savory filling of the empanadas, making it a well-loved side dish.
Easy Refried Beans
Refried Beans are a great option to serve with empanadas, as they provide a contrasting texture and flavor to the crispy exterior of the empanadas. They can also be used as a filling for the empanadas, adding protein and fiber to the meal.
Mexican Arugula Salad
Mexican Arugula Salad is a great choice for a healthy and flavorful side dish to serve with empanadas, and is perfect for those who are looking for a lighter, healthier option to pair with their meal.
Pico de Gallo Style Strawberry Salsa
Strawberry Salsa is a great choice for those who love sweet and fruity flavors, and is perfect for dipping empanadas or spooning over the top to add extra flavor to the dish.
Charro Beans
Charro Beans are a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine, made from pinto beans cooked with bacon, onions, and spices. They are known for their rich, smoky flavor and hearty texture, and are often served as a side dish to complement hearty and savory main dishes. When served with empanadas, Charro Beans provide a filling and flavorful side dish that complements the rich and savory flavors of the empanadas.
Arroz Con Pollo (Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice)
The rich and savory flavors of the Arroz con Pollo balance the rich and hearty flavors of the empanadas, making for a complete and satisfying meal. The combination of the tender chicken, fluffy rice, and savory spices creates a harmonious balance of flavors that complement perfectly the flavors of the empanadas.
Sweet Plantains (Platanos Maduros)
Sweet Plantains are a type of fruit that are a popular side dish in many Latin American cuisines. They are sweet and slightly soft, with a caramelized flavor that complements the savory filling of empanadas.
Homemade Salsa
Salsa is a type of sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, commonly used in Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It is a fresh and flavorful condiment that can be used as a dip or sauce. Salsa is a great side dish to serve with empanadas, providing a tangy and spicy contrast to the savory and crispiness of empanadas. It can also be used as a dipping sauce to add extra flavor to each bite. Yum!
Mexican Black Beans Recipe
Black Beans can be cooked with spices and seasonings, such as garlic, onions, and cumin, to add flavor. They can be served as a side dish, or as a filling for empanadas, adding protein and fiber to the meal. The creamy texture and savory flavors of black beans complement the empanadas, making them a popular and delicious side dish.
Mexican Corn on the Cob
Mexican corn on the cob can be seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper, or with other spices and seasonings. It is a crunchy and sweet addition to any meal, including empanadas. The tender kernels and natural sweetness of corn on the cob provide a delicious contrast to the savory taste of the empanadas, making it a perfect side dish.
Mexican Salad with Lime Dressing
A simple green salad with a light dressing provides a fresh and crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the empanadas.
Homemade Escabeche (Mexican Pickled Vegetables) Recipe
Pickled vegetables such as jalapeños or carrots provide a tangy and crunchy addition to the meal, helping to balance the rich flavors of the empanadas.
Homemade Salsa Verde
The combination of the tangy salsa and the crispy exterior of the empanadas creates a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Salsa Verde is a great choice for those who love bold and spicy flavors, and is perfect for dipping empanadas or drizzling over the top to add extra flavor and heat to the dish.
Mexican Roasted Vegetables
Roasted or grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant make for a healthy and flavorful side dish to pair with empanadas.
Easy Spanish Rice
Spanish Rice is a type of rice dish that is commonly served in Spanish and Mexican cuisine. When served as a side dish to empanadas, The tender and fluffy rice is the perfect partner for the rich and hearty flavors of the empanadas, making for a complete and satisfying meal.
Common Questions About Empanadas
Can you reheat empanadas to eat later?
Yes. Empanadas are easy to reheat and can be reheated in a couple of different ways by using the oven, an air-fryer and microwave.
