Empanadas are a beloved treat enjoyed around the globe. These savory pastries can be filled with endless ingredients, making them a versatile option for any meal. But what should you serve with empanadas to round out the meal? Let's get started.
What are empanadas served with? Empanadas can be served with various sides, depending on the type and filling of the empanadas. Some popular options include a simple green salad, a refreshing slaw, a spicy salsa or dip, a refreshing fruit salad, or a hearty bean or grain dish. To add flavor and texture, you could serve empanadas with various condiments, such as sour cream, hot sauce, or chimichurri.
Ultimately, the best side dish for empanadas will depend on your taste and the flavors of the empanadas themselves.
Video: How to make Empanadas
What to serve with empanadas: Side dishes
Empanadas are often served as a main dish but can also be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. In either case, it's nice to have a few side dishes to complement the flavors of the empanadas. Here are a few options to consider:
1 Salad:
A light, refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the empanadas. Consider serving a simple green salad, a bean salad, or a fruit salad.
1 Tomato and Cucumber Salad:
This simple salad is refreshing and pairs well with empanadas because it adds a crunchy texture and a burst of freshness to the dish. To make this salad, slice cherry tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and toss them together in a bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
2 Green Salad with Feta:
This green salad is a classic choice that goes well with empanadas because it adds a light and crisp element to the meal. To make this salad, mix a variety of leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, and romaine. Add some sliced cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and crumbled feta cheese. Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
3 Black Bean and Corn Salad:
This hearty salad is a great choice to serve with empanadas because it adds a protein-packed, savory element to the dish. To make this salad, mix canned black beans, corn, red bell peppers, red onions, and chopped cilantro. Dress the salad with a simple dressing made from olive oil, lime juice, and cumin.
4 Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables:
This protein-rich salad is a delicious and healthy choice to serve with empanadas. To make this salad, cook quinoa according to package instructions and mix it with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. Add some diced cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese, and dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
5 Pasta Salad with Pesto:
This pasta salad is a great choice to serve with empanadas because it adds a flavorful and creamy element to the dish. To make this salad, cook pasta according to package instructions and mix it with store-bought or homemade pesto sauce. Add some diced cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix everything and serve the salad chilled or at room temperature.
2 Grains:
Grains such as rice, quinoa, or couscous can provide a nice contrast to the crispy pastry of the empanadas. These can be flavored with herbs, spices, or vegetables to complement the empanada filling.
1 Spanish rice:
This flavorful rice dish pairs well with empanadas because it has a similar savory and slightly spicy flavor profile. It's also a filling and satisfying side that helps to balance out the richness of the empanadas. Check the recipe here.
2 Quinoa with roasted vegetables:
The quinoa's nutty flavor complements the empanadas' flavors, and the roasted vegetables add texture and nutrition to the dish.
3 Farro with cherry tomatoes and basil:
The chewy texture of the farro and the sweet and acidic flavors of the cherry tomatoes and basil contrast the empanadas.
4 Wild rice pilaf with mushrooms and herbs:
The earthy flavors of the wild rice and mushrooms and the freshness of the herbs make this a satisfying and flavorful side dish that complements the empanadas well. Check the recipe here.
5 Couscous with raisins and pine nuts:
The sweet and nutty flavors of the couscous and the combination of the raisins and pine nuts add another layer of flavor to the empanadas and make the dish more satisfying.
3 Vegetables:
Roasted or steamed vegetables make a healthy and flavorful side dish. Try pairing the empanadas with asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious option.
1 Grilled corn on the cob (Elotes)
The grilled corn's smoky and slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the savory flavors of the empanadas. And the creamy and somewhat spicy mayonnaise and cheese topping add another layer of flavor and texture to the dish. Recipe here.
2 Roasted root vegetables:
The sweetness of the roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, balance out the savory flavors of the empanadas and adds a touch of natural sweetness to the dish.
3 Grilled asparagus:
The slightly charred and smoky flavor of the grilled asparagus complements the flavors of the empanadas and adds a nice contrast in texture.
4 Roasted Brussels sprouts:
The Brussels sprouts' slightly bitter and nutty flavor pairs well with the savory empanadas, and the crispy texture adds another layer of texture to the dish.
5 Steamed broccoli:
Its slightly bitter and sweet taste pairs well with the savory empanadas, and the bright green color adds a pop of color to the dish.
4 Dips and Sauces
Empanadas are often served with dips or sauces to add another layer of flavor. Here are a few options to try:
1 Salsa:
A spicy salsa can add a kick to the empanadas. Try making your own with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and cilantro, or choose a store-bought variety.
Pico de Gallo:
A bright and refreshing salsa that adds a burst of acidity and brightness to the empanadas, cutting through the richness of the filling. It's also a great way to add color and nutrition to the dish.
Mango salsa:
The sweet and tropical flavor of the mango pairs well with the savory empanadas and adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
Roasted red pepper salsa:
The sweet and smoky flavor of the roasted red peppers pairs well with the savory empanadas and adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish.
Corn and black bean salsa:
The combination of sweet corn and the nutty and slightly earthy black beans adds another layer of flavor and texture to the empanadas and makes the dish more satisfying.
Tomatillo salsa:
The slight sweetness and tartness of the tomatillos pair well with the savory empanadas and add a fresh and tangy element to the dish.
2 Guacamole:
The creamy texture of guacamole pairs well with the crispy pastry of the empanadas. Mash up avocados, tomatoes, onions, and lime juice for a homemade version.
Guacamole and Black Bean Salad:
This side dish combines the creamy, rich guacamole flavor with the hearty, earthy taste of black beans, making it a perfect complement to the savory fillings in empanadas. The crunchy texture of the beans also adds a pleasant contrast to the soft dough of the empanadas.
Guacamole and Grilled Corn:
Grilled corn adds a smoky, char-grilled flavor to the creamy guacamole, which pairs perfectly with the savory fillings in empanadas. The sweetness of the corn also balances out the spicy flavors of many empanada fillings.
Guacamole and Roasted Tomato Salsa:
Roasted tomatoes add a sweet, slightly smoky flavor to guacamole, making it an ideal partner for empanadas. The acidity of the tomatoes also helps to cut through the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing side dish.
Guacamole and Pickled Onions:
The sharp, tangy flavor of pickled onions pairs perfectly with guacamole's creamy, rich flavor. The contrasting flavors and textures of the guacamole and pickled onions make it a great side dish for empanadas, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
Guacamole and Grilled Zucchini:
Grilled zucchini adds a slightly smoky, charred flavor to guacamole, which complements the savory fillings in empanadas. The crunchy texture of the grilled zucchini also adds a pleasant contrast to the soft dough of the empanadas.
3 Aioli:
A garlicky aioli or mayonnaise-based sauce can add a tangy flavor to the empanadas. Try making your own by mixing mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice.
Roasted Garlic Aioli:
The rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic pairs perfectly with the savory fillings in empanadas. The aioli's creamy texture also helps balance the empanadas' crunchy texture, making it a satisfying and satisfying side dish.
Chipotle Aioli:
Chipotle peppers' smoky, spicy flavor adds a bold, flavorful kick to aioli, making it a great partner for empanadas. The aioli's creamy texture also provides a good counterbalance to the spicy flavors of many empanada fillings, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing side dish.
Lemon-Herb Aioli:
Lemon's bright, citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with the savory fillings in empanadas. Adding herbs like basil, parsley, or dill gives the aioli a fresh, herby flavor that complements the flavors of the empanada fillings.
Mustard-Dill Aioli:
The sharp, tangy flavor of mustard pairs perfectly with the savory fillings in empanadas. The addition of dill gives the aioli a fresh, herby flavor that complements the flavors of the empanada fillings.
Roasted Red Pepper Aioli:
The sweet, slightly smoky flavor of roasted red peppers pairs perfectly with the savory fillings in empanadas. The aioli's creamy texture also balances the empanadas' crunchy texture, making it a satisfying and satisfying side dish.
5 Drinks
Empanadas can be enjoyed with various drinks, depending on your preference and the empanadas filling. Here are a few options to consider:
1 Beer:
A cold beer can be a refreshing option to wash down the empanadas. Choose a light, crisp variety that won't overpower the flavors of the empanadas.
Amber Ale:
Amber ales have a medium body and a slightly sweet, malty flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The caramel notes in amber ales also complement the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a satisfying and refreshing drink.
Wheat Beer:
Wheat beers have a light, crisp flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The citrusy notes in wheat beers also complement the flavors of many empanada fillings, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing drink.
Pale Ale:
Pale ales have a medium body and a hoppy, citrusy flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The hops' bitterness also helps cut through the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a refreshing and satisfying drink.
Lager:
Lagers have a light, crisp flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. Lagers' clean, refreshing flavor also helps balance out the flavors of the empanada fillings, making it a satisfying and refreshing drink.
Porter:
Porters have a medium-to-full body and a rich, roasty flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The chocolate and coffee notes in porters also complement the flavors of many empanada fillings, making it a satisfying and flavorful drink.
2 Wine:
A glass of wine can be a sophisticated choice to pair with empanadas. Consider a fruity white wine for chicken or seafood empanadas or a full-bodied red for beef or pork empanadas.
Malbec:
Malbec wines have a full body and a ripe, fruity flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The bold, tannic structure of Malbec wines also helps to balance out the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a satisfying and refreshing drink.
Pinot Noir:
Pinot Noir wines have a medium body and a fruity, earthy flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The soft, silky tannins in Pinot Noir wines also complement the flavors of many empanada fillings, making it a smooth and satisfying drink.
Chianti:
Chianti wines have a medium body and a fruity, earthy flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The moderate tannins in Chianti wines also help balance the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a refreshing and satisfying drink.
Zinfandel:
Zinfandel wines have a full body and a ripe, fruity flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The bold, spicy flavors of Zinfandel wines also complement the flavors of many empanada fillings, making it a satisfying and flavorful drink.
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon wines have a full body and a ripe, fruity flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. Cabernet Sauvignon wines' bold, tannic structure also complements the richness of empanada fillings, making it a satisfying and refreshing drink.
3 Non-alcoholic options:
If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, consider pairing the empanadas with flavored water, iced tea, or a fruity mocktail.
Ginger Lemonade:
The refreshing, tangy flavor of ginger lemonade pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The spicy kick of ginger also helps to cut through the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a palate-cleansing and satisfying drink.
Iced Tea:
Iced tea has a refreshing, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The mild, tannic flavors of iced tea also help to balance out the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a satisfying and refreshing drink.
Lime Agua Fresca:
The refreshing, tangy flavor of lime agua fresca pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The light, fruity flavor of lime agua fresca also helps to balance out the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a refreshing and satisfying drink.
Mango Lassi:
The sweet, tropical flavor of mango lassi pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The creamy, smooth texture of mango lassi also helps balance out the empanadas' crunchy texture, making it a satisfying and refreshing drink.
Sparkling Water with Mint and Lime:
The refreshing, tangy flavor of sparkling water with mint and lime pairs well with the savory fillings in empanadas. The crisp, clean flavors of mint and lime also help to balance out the richness of the empanada fillings, making it a palate-cleansing and satisfying drink.
How to make empanada from scratch:
I posted this empanada recipe a while back; if you're interested, you can check it out here. Empanadas are a popular snack or appetizer in many Latin American countries, and they're made by folding a dough or pastry shell around a filling of your choice.
The result is a crispy, flaky pastry that's packed with flavor. Whether you fill them with meat, vegetables, or a sweet dessert filling, empanadas are always a crowd-pleaser. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make both the dough and the filling from scratch, so you can enjoy this tasty treat anytime you want.
How to reheat empanadas
However, sometimes we have leftover empanadas we want to save for later. Reheating empanadas can be trickier than other foods, as you want to ensure that they are heated through without drying out or becoming too soggy. In this post, we will go over a few different methods for reheating empanadas to help you enjoy them at their best.
