Empanadas are satisfying on their own, but the right side dishes and sauces can transform them into a complete, memorable meal. Whether you’re serving empanadas at home, in a café, or as part of a catering menu, thoughtful pairings enhance flavor balance, texture, and presentation.
From fresh salads and traditional Latin sides to dipping sauces and beverages, this guide explores what to serve with empanadas for different occasions, fillings, and service styles.
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Classic Side Dishes to Serve with Empanadas
Fresh Green Salad
A simple green salad is one of the most popular sides for empanadas. Crisp lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes add freshness that cuts through the richness of fried or baked dough. A light vinaigrette works best, keeping the meal balanced rather than heavy.
This pairing is especially common in cafés and lunch menus where empanadas are served as a main dish.
Rice and Beans
Rice and beans are traditional sides across many Latin American cuisines. They complement empanadas filled with beef, chicken, or vegetables and provide a hearty, comforting element to the meal.
For variety, consider:
- Cilantro lime rice
- Spanish-style rice
- Black beans or seasoned lentils
This combination works well for family-style meals and catering.
Roasted or Grilled Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and corn add depth and natural sweetness. Grilling brings out smoky flavors that pair beautifully with savory empanada fillings.
Vegetable sides are ideal for vegetarian menus or modern, health-focused concepts.
Traditional Latin Sides for Empanadas
Chimichurri Potatoes
Crispy potatoes tossed with chimichurri sauce offer a bold, herbaceous contrast to empanadas. This side is particularly popular with Argentine-style empanadas.
Fried Plantains (Tostones or Maduros)
Fried plantains provide a sweet or savory contrast depending on ripeness. Their caramelized texture balances spicy or savory empanada fillings and adds cultural authenticity to the meal.
Corn-Based Sides
Corn salads, grilled corn, or corn purée are common accompaniments in many regions. They add sweetness and texture without overpowering the empanadas.
Best Sauces and Dips for Empanadas
Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri is a classic pairing, made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil. It adds brightness and acidity, especially to beef or lamb empanadas.
Salsa Criolla
Salsa criolla, a mix of onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and herbs, provides freshness and crunch. It works well with baked empanadas and lighter fillings.
Spicy Sauces
For heat lovers, spicy sauces such as ajÃ, hot salsa, or chili oil elevate empanadas filled with chicken, cheese, or vegetables. Offering heat as an optional dip allows customization without overwhelming the dish.
Creamy Dips
Creamy sauces like garlic aioli, sour cream, or yogurt-based dips balance spice and add richness. These are especially popular in casual dining and fusion menus.
What to Serve with Empanadas for Different Occasions
As an Appetizer
When serving empanadas as appetizers, keep sides light and simple. A small salad, dipping sauces, or pickled vegetables allow empanadas to remain the focal point.
As a Main Course
For a full meal, pair empanadas with hearty sides such as rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. This approach is common in restaurants and catering settings.
For Parties and Catering
For events, offer a variety of empanada fillings alongside multiple sauces and two to three side dishes. This creates visual appeal and accommodates different dietary preferences.
Beverage Pairings with Empanadas
Non-Alcoholic Options
Sparkling water, citrus sodas, or fresh juices complement empanadas without overpowering their flavors. These drinks work well for daytime service and family-friendly settings.
Wine and Beer Pairings
Light red wines, crisp white wines, or lagers pair nicely with empanadas. The key is choosing beverages that refresh the palate rather than dominate the meal.
Read more: Sushi & Wine/Beer Pairing: A New Fine Dining Trend for 2025
Tips for Serving Empanadas at Scale
When serving empanadas in a commercial setting, presentation and efficiency matter. Use sides and sauces that:
- Can be prepared in advance
- Hold well during service
- Complement multiple fillings
Proper packaging also plays a role in maintaining food quality, especially for takeaway or catering orders.
GET A FREE SAMPLE FOR EMPANADAS PACKAGING NOW!
FAQs – What to Serve with Empanadas
1. What are the best side dishes to serve with empanadas?
The best side dishes to serve with empanadas include fresh green salads, rice and beans, roasted vegetables, and fried plantains. These sides balance the richness of empanadas and work well for both casual meals and catering.
2. What sauces go well with empanadas?
Popular sauces for empanadas include chimichurri, salsa criolla, garlic aioli, and spicy chili sauces. These dips enhance flavor without overpowering the filling and allow guests to customize their experience.
3. Can empanadas be served as a main dish?
Yes, empanadas can be served as a main dish when paired with hearty sides such as rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. This combination is common in restaurants and family-style meals.
4. What to serve with empanadas at a party?
For parties, serve empanadas with multiple dipping sauces, a light salad, and one or two warm sides like potatoes or plantains. This creates variety and accommodates different tastes.
5. What drinks pair well with empanadas?
Empanadas pair well with sparkling water, citrus juices, light beers, and crisp wines. Refreshing drinks help balance savory or spicy fillings.
6. Are empanadas better with salad or rice?
Empanadas work well with both. Salad offers freshness and lightness, while rice makes the meal more filling. The choice depends on whether empanadas are served as an appetizer or a main course.
7. What to serve with empanadas for catering?
For catering, choose sides and sauces that hold well, such as rice, roasted vegetables, chimichurri, and creamy dips. These options maintain quality during transport and service.
Conclusion
Knowing what to serve with empanadas helps turn a simple dish into a complete and satisfying experience. From fresh salads and traditional Latin sides to flavorful sauces and refreshing beverages, the right pairings enhance taste, texture, and presentation.
Whether you’re planning a home meal, café menu, or large event, thoughtful side dishes and sauces ensure empanadas shine while creating a balanced, memorable meal.
