What To Serve With Empanadas

5 Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Empanadas

Empanadas, with their crispy exterior and flavorful fillings, are a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with complementary sides. If you’re wondering what to serve with empanadas to create a well-rounded meal, here are five delicious side dishes to consider:

1. Spanish Rice: A classic side dish that complements the flavors of empanadas perfectly. The savory and slightly tangy rice pairs well with the rich and spicy fillings of the empanadas.

2. Avocado Salad: A refreshing salad with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty lime dressing. The freshness of the salad adds a light and crisp contrast to the hearty empanadas.

3. Black Bean Soup: Warm up your meal with a bowl of flavorful black bean soup. The earthy and hearty qualities of the soup are a great accompaniment to the bold flavors of the empanadas.

4. Plantain Chips: Crispy and slightly sweet plantain chips are a delightful side dish to enjoy with empanadas. The crunchy texture of the chips provides a nice contrast to the soft filling of the empanadas.

5. Grilled Corn with Chili Lime Butter: Elevate your meal with this flavorful side dish. The charred sweetness of grilled corn combined with the tangy and spicy chili lime butter creates a mouthwatering experience when paired with empanadas.

These mouthwatering side dishes are sure to enhance your empanada dining experience, offering a variety of flavors and textures to complement the deliciousness of the empanadas. Whether you choose to serve one or a combination of these sides, your meal is bound to be a hit!

Easy Homemade Dips to Accompany Empanadas

Empanadas, with their crispy crust and flavorful fillings, are perfect for dipping into a variety of sauces. Elevate your empanada dining experience with these easy homemade dips that complement the savory goodness of this classic Latin American dish.

Classic Chimichurri Sauce:
A staple in Argentine cuisine, chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and tangy condiment that pairs beautifully with empanadas. Made from fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes, this versatile sauce adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Its herbaceous notes and zesty kick make it an ideal partner for both meat and vegetable empanadas.

Spicy Salsa Verde:
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a spicy salsa verde is an excellent choice to accompany empanadas. Made with tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice, this green salsa offers a refreshing and fiery contrast to the richness of the empanadas. The bright flavors of the salsa verde cut through the heaviness of the dish, creating a perfect balance of taste.

Creamy Avocado Dip:
Creamy avocado dip, also known as guacamole, provides a luscious and velvety accompaniment to empanadas. Mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro come together to create a smooth and indulgent dip that enhances the overall dining experience. The cool and creamy texture of the guacamole complements the crunchy exterior of the empanadas, making it a delightful combination.

Tangy Sour Cream and Chive Dip:
For a more subtle yet flavorful option, a tangy sour cream and chive dip is a classic choice that never disappoints. The creamy richness of the sour cream, combined with the fresh and mild onion flavor of chives, provides a delicate accompaniment to the empanadas. This dip is versatile and enhances the taste of various types of empanadas without overpowering their fillings.

Smoky Chipotle Aioli:
Bringing a touch of smokiness and spice to the table, chipotle aioli is a decadent dip that pairs exceptionally well with empanadas. The combination of smoky chipotle peppers, mayonnaise, garlic, and lime juice creates a creamy and bold sauce that elevates the flavor profile of the empanadas. The hint of heat from the chipotle adds an extra dimension to the dish, making it a standout choice for dipping.

These homemade dips offer a delightful way to enhance the flavors of empanadas and elevate your dining experience. Whether you prefer something fresh and tangy or rich and creamy, there is a dip for every palate to enjoy alongside these delicious Latin American turnovers. Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different combinations to discover your perfect dip match for empanadas!

The Perfect Beverages to Pair with Empanadas

When it comes to enjoying empanadas, choosing the right beverages to pair with these delightful pastries can enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you prefer a non-alcoholic option or are looking for the perfect alcoholic pairing, there are several beverages that complement the savory flavors of empanadas.

Classic Lime Margarita: The tangy flavors of a classic lime margarita perfectly complement the richness of empanadas. The citrusy notes in the drink help cleanse the palate between each mouthful, making it an ideal pairing for savory empanada fillings like beef or chicken.
Sangria: A refreshing glass of sangria with its fruity and slightly sweet profile is a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of empanada fillings. The medley of fruits in the sangria enhances the flavors of vegetable or cheese-stuffed empanadas, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Argentinian Malbec: For those who enjoy red wine, an Argentinian Malbec is an excellent choice to pair with empanadas. The medium to full-bodied wine with its notes of dark fruit and spice complements meat-filled empanadas, such as those with pork or beef, enhancing the savory experience.
Mexican Horchata: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, Mexican horchata is a traditional beverage that pairs well with empanadas. The creamy combination of rice milk, cinnamon, and vanilla provides a cool and refreshing counterpart to the warm and hearty flavors of empanadas.
Craft Beer: For beer enthusiasts, a cold craft beer can be a great accompaniment to empanadas. The carbonation and diverse flavor profiles of craft beers can enhance the taste of empanadas filled with spicy ingredients like chorizo or jalapenos, creating a fun and dynamic pairing.
Chimarrão (Mate Tea): Originating from South America, chimarrão, also known as mate tea, is a popular drink that complements the flavors of empanadas well. The herbaceous and slightly bitter notes of mate tea can cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of empanadas, making it a unique and flavorful pairing.

By choosing the right beverages to pair with empanadas, you can elevate your dining experience and create a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you opt for a classic cocktail, a traditional beverage, or a fine wine, the perfect pairing can enhance the overall enjoyment of these delicious pastries.

Exploring Global Flavors: International Sides for Empanadas

Empanadas are a versatile and flavorful dish that originated in Spain and Portugal but are now enjoyed all over the world with various fillings and adaptations. If you’re looking to elevate your empanada experience by exploring international flavors, consider serving them with a selection of sides inspired by different cuisines from around the globe. Here are some international side dishes that pair perfectly with empanadas:

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

This Mexican favorite is a fantastic side dish to serve with empanadas. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with a creamy mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime. The combination of sweet corn, savory cheese, and tangy lime complements the flavors of the empanadas beautifully.

Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is a zesty and herbaceous condiment that hails from Argentina and is commonly served with grilled meats. The bright flavors of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of empanadas. Drizzle this sauce over your empanadas or use it as a dipping sauce for a burst of flavor.

Japanese Cucumber Sunomono Salad

This light and refreshing Japanese cucumber salad is the perfect palate cleanser to enjoy alongside your empanadas. Thinly sliced cucumbers are marinated in a mixture of rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile that complements the richness of the empanadas.

Spanish Patatas Bravas

For a hearty side dish that packs a punch, serve your empanadas with Spanish patatas bravas. These crispy fried potatoes are typically served with a spicy tomato-based sauce and aioli. The bold flavors of the sauce paired with the creamy aioli add a delicious contrast to the empanadas.

Indian Mango Lassi

For a sweet and refreshing accompaniment to your empanadas, try serving them with a traditional Indian mango lassi. This creamy yogurt-based drink is blended with ripe mangoes, sugar, and a hint of cardamom. The tropical flavors of the mango lassi provide a delightful sweet note to balance the savory empanadas.

By incorporating these international side dishes into your empanada spread, you can take your taste buds on a global culinary journey while enjoying the rich and comforting flavors of this beloved pastry.

Sweet Endings: Desserts to Enjoy after Empanadas

When it comes to rounding off a delicious empanada meal, there are several delectable dessert options to consider. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying empanadas at home, these sweet treats are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.

One classic dessert that pairs perfectly with empanadas is flan. This creamy custard dessert is a popular choice in many Latin American countries and complements the savory flavors of empanadas beautifully. Its smooth texture and caramel glaze create a delightful contrast that makes it a favorite among dessert lovers.

Churros, a beloved Spanish treat, are another fantastic option to consider. These deep-fried dough pastries coated in cinnamon sugar offer a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior that pairs well with the hearty nature of empanadas. Enjoy them with a side of chocolate sauce for an even more indulgent experience.

For those with a sweet tooth, tres leches cake is a must-try dessert. Originating from Latin America, this moist sponge cake soaked in three types of milk—evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream—is a melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that provides a sweet and satisfying conclusion to your empanada meal.

If you’re looking for a lighter option, fruit salad is a refreshing choice to balance out the richness of empanadas. Mixing a variety of fresh fruits such as strawberries, kiwi, mango, and pineapple creates a colorful and nutritious dessert that cleanses the palate and leaves you feeling refreshed.

Arroz con leche, a creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and sweetened with condensed milk, is another delightful dessert to pair with empanadas. The comforting and subtly spiced flavors of this traditional dessert make it a comforting finale to a satisfying empanada meal.

When it comes to selecting the perfect dessert to serve after enjoying empanadas, there are plenty of delightful options to choose from. Whether you prefer a classic treat like flan or a more exotic indulgence like tres leches cake, these desserts are sure to elevate your dining experience and leave you with a sweet aftertaste that lingers long after the last bite.

Conclusion

Starting with side dishes, the freshness of a simple mixed green salad is an excellent contrast to the savory richness of empanadas. Roasted vegetables not only add color to the plate but also offer a healthy and flavorful option. For a heartier side, consider serving rice and beans or a classic coleslaw for a satisfying meal.

When it comes to easy homemade dips, a classic guacamole or salsa is always a crowd-pleaser. Adding a touch of spice with a chipotle mayo or a creamy cilantro lime sauce can enhance the flavors of the empanadas. These versatile dips can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences.

Pairing the empanadas with the perfect beverages is essential for a well-rounded meal. A refreshing mojito or a fruity sangria can complement the flavors of the empanadas. For a non-alcoholic option, a hibiscus tea or a citrus-infused water can provide a light and refreshing alternative.

Exploring global flavors by serving international sides with empanadas can add a unique twist to the meal. Consider pairing them with chimichurri sauce for a taste of Argentina, tzatziki for a touch of Greece, or a spicy mango salsa for a tropical flair. These international sides can transport your taste buds around the world while enjoying the delicious empanadas.

To end the meal on a sweet note, desserts like churros with chocolate dipping sauce, tres leches cake, or dulce de leche ice cream can provide a satisfying conclusion to the empanada experience. The combination of savory empanadas followed by a sweet treat creates a well-balanced and memorable dining experience for all.

A variety of side dishes, dips, beverages, international flavors, and desserts can elevate the experience of enjoying empanadas. From traditional accompaniments to unique twists, the options are endless when it comes to what to serve with empanadas. Whether you prefer a fresh salad with roasted vegetables, homemade dips with a kick of spice, international flavors that transport you around the world, or a sweet dessert to round off the meal, there is something for everyone to enjoy alongside these delicious filled pastries. Experimenting with different combinations and flavors can make your empanada meal a culinary journey that satisfies both your savory and sweet cravings. So next time you indulge in these savory turnovers, consider the array of accompaniments that can enhance your dining experience and make it a memorable feast for all.