Empanadas are flavorful on their own but the right sauce can elevate them from satisfying to unforgettable. Whether empanadas are baked or fried, filled with beef, chicken, cheese, seafood, or vegetables, pairing them with the right sauce enhances flavor, balances richness, and creates a complete eating experience.
If you’re asking what sauce goes with empanadas, the answer depends on the filling, cooking method, and how the empanadas are served. From classic Latin sauces to modern dips used by cafés, food trucks, and catering brands, this guide breaks down the best sauces for empanadas, how to pair them correctly, and which sauces work best for large-scale service.
- How to Make Empanadas (Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)
- Types of Empanadas Explained: Savory, Sweet & Bakery-Style Varieties
- What to Serve with Empanadas: The Best Sides, Sauces, and Pairings
What Sauce Goes with Empanadas?
The best sauces for empanadas include chimichurri, salsa criolla, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, and avocado-based sauces. Beef empanadas pair well with herb or vinegar-based sauces, while cheese and chicken empanadas work best with creamy or mildly spicy dips. The right sauce balances richness without overpowering the filling.
Why Sauce Pairing Matters for Empanadas
Empanadas are rich by nature. The dough is buttery or crisp, and fillings are often savory, cheesy, or spiced. A good sauce:
- Adds acidity to cut through richness
- Enhances moisture without making the crust soggy
- Highlights regional flavor profiles
- Improves presentation and perceived value
- Encourages repeat purchases in food service
For restaurants and food brands, sauces also create menu differentiation and upsell opportunities.
Best Sauces for Empanadas (By Popular Choice)
1. Chimichurri Sauce (Classic Pairing)
Chimichurri is one of the most popular sauces served with empanadas, especially beef empanadas.
Flavor profile: Fresh, garlicky, herby, slightly acidic
Best with:
- Beef empanadas
- Lamb empanadas
- Steak or grilled fillings
Why it works: The acidity from vinegar and freshness from parsley balance rich meat fillings perfectly.
2. Salsa Criolla
Salsa criolla is a traditional Latin sauce made with onions, vinegar, oil, and herbs.
Flavor profile:
Bright, tangy, refreshing
Best with:
- Beef empanadas
- Chicken empanadas
- Fried empanadas
This sauce cuts through fried dough and adds crunch and freshness.
3. Garlic Aioli
Garlic aioli is a creamy, crowd-pleasing sauce commonly used in cafés and modern food concepts.
Flavor profile:
Creamy, garlicky, rich
Best with:
- Chicken empanadas
- Cheese empanadas
- Vegetable empanadas
Aioli adds indulgence and works especially well for baked empanadas.
4. Spicy Mayo or Chili Aioli
Spicy mayo is one of the most popular modern sauces for empanadas, especially in food trucks.
Flavor profile:
Creamy, spicy, slightly sweet
Best with:
- Chicken empanadas
- Shrimp or seafood empanadas
- Fusion-style empanadas
This sauce appeals to younger audiences and works well for dipping.
5. Avocado Sauce or Guacamole
Avocado-based sauces are smooth, fresh, and visually appealing.
Flavor profile:
Creamy, mild, fresh
Best with:
- Chicken empanadas
- Vegetable empanadas
- Cheese empanadas
Avocado sauces balance spice and are popular in health-focused or premium concepts.
6. Tomato-Based Salsa or Salsa Roja
Tomato sauces are simple and familiar.
Flavor profile:
Savory, mildly acidic
Best with:
- Beef empanadas
- Cheese empanadas
- Fried empanadas
They add moisture without overpowering the filling.
7. Hot Sauce or Chili Sauce
For spice lovers, hot sauce is a must.
Flavor profile:
Spicy, sharp
Best with:
- Beef empanadas
- Chicken empanadas
- Cheese empanadas
Hot sauce works best when offered as an optional add-on.
Best Sauce for Empanadas by Filling Type
Best Sauce for Beef Empanadas
- Chimichurri
- Salsa criolla
- Tomato salsa
- Hot sauce
Best Sauce for Chicken Empanadas
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy mayo
- Avocado sauce
Best Sauce for Cheese Empanadas
- Spicy honey
- Tomato salsa
- Chili aioli
Best Sauce for Vegetable Empanadas
- Avocado sauce
- Yogurt-based sauce
- Chimichurri
Best Sauce for Seafood Empanadas
- Garlic aioli
- Lemon-based sauce
- Mild chili mayo
Best Sauces for Fried vs Baked Empanadas
Sauces for Fried Empanadas
Fried empanadas benefit from sauces that cut through oil:
- Chimichurri
- Salsa criolla
- Vinegar-based sauces
Sauces for Baked Empanadas
Baked empanadas pair well with creamy or rich sauces:
- Garlic aioli
- Avocado sauce
- Spicy mayo
Dipping Sauces vs Pour-Over Sauces for Empanadas
Dipping Sauces
- Better for takeaway and catering
- Preserve crust texture
- Easy to portion
Pour-Over Sauces
- Better for plated service
- Enhance presentation
- Require careful moisture control
For food businesses, dipping sauces are usually more practical and scalable.
How Many Sauces Should Be Served with Empanadas?
For best customer experience:
- 1 sauce for grab-and-go
- 2–3 sauces for plated meals or sampler boxes
Offering sauce variety increases perceived value without significantly increasing cost.
Sauce Packaging Matters for Empanadas
Sauces should be packed separately to protect empanada texture. Leak-resistant, portion-controlled sauce cups help maintain presentation and customer satisfaction.
Many food brands test sauce containers and empanada packaging together before scaling.
GET FREE SAMPLE NOW to evaluate packaging options designed for hot foods and dipping sauces.
FAQs: What Sauce Goes with Empanadas?
What is the most traditional sauce for empanadas?
Chimichurri and salsa criolla are the most traditional sauces served with empanadas.
Can empanadas be served without sauce?
Yes, but sauces enhance flavor and improve the overall eating experience, especially for fried empanadas.
What sauce goes best with cheese empanadas?
Cheese empanadas pair well with spicy mayo, tomato salsa, or avocado-based sauces.
Are empanadas spicy?
Empanadas are usually mild. Spice is typically added through sauces rather than the filling.
Should sauce be inside or on the side?
Sauce is best served on the side to prevent sogginess and preserve crust texture.
Conclusion
Empanadas are versatile, flavorful, and deeply satisfying but the right sauce takes them to another level. From classic chimichurri to creamy aioli and modern spicy mayo, choosing the best sauce for empanadas depends on the filling, cooking method, and serving style.
For home cooks, sauces add variety and excitement. For restaurants, cafés, and food brands, sauces create differentiation, improve customer experience, and open opportunities for upselling.
When serving empanadas at scale, pairing great sauces with smart packaging ensures every bite delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation.
