If you are trying to figure out what to serve and eat with homemade tamales or tamale pie for dinner, this list is exactly what you are looking for. Tamales are a traditional Mexican meal that takes time to make homemade and is often a holiday or birthday favorite. The tender meats or vegetarian fillings wrapped with fluffy sweet masa pair well with all sorts of side dishes. All of these suggested sides work great for all your Mexican food meal ideas, including parties, potlucks, birthdays, New Year's Day, and any tamale dinner plans.
The best sides to serve with tamales are all right here. Many fellow food bloggers have shared some of their quick and easy side dish recipes that go well with just about any tamale or tamale pie recipe. If you want traditional Mexican sides, salads, drinks, and even desserts, we have you covered with so many choices on what to eat. Whether you enjoy tamales filled with pork, chicken, cheese, chiles, vegetables, or seafood – all these sides pair well with your meal.
What to Serve with Tamales
This is a tasty list of what sides to eat with your tamales, tamale pie, or tamale casserole These side dishes are also great to serve with tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, carne asada, and any of your favorite Mexican entrees. There is a variety of side dish options that include low-carb, vegetarian, gluten-free, healthy, and dairy-free.
To help you decide what to serve with tamales, I have broken down the list into some subcategories. So based on what course you are looking for these recipes all are perfect to serve with tamales including appetizers, drinks, side dishes, and even dessert. There are healthy salads, slaws, mayo-based salads, vegetables, potatoes, and unique sides. This list includes the best of what to make and serve with authentic tamales:
- Drinks & Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook
- Drinks & Appetizers to Serve With Tamales
- Classic & Unique Mexican Side Dishes
- Healthy Side Dishes
- Desserts to Serve With Tamales
Drinks & Side Dishes by The Short Order Cook
All of these recipes can be found on the website and are what to eat with tamales the next time you make them at home. These are some of our family favorites.
Drinks & Appetizers to Serve With Tamales
Start off dinner with a cocktail or appetizer the next time you have tamales or any other Mexican entree at home. Enjoy a margarita, chips & dip, and more with these recipes that are the best to get things started.
Classic & Unique Mexican Side Dishes
This list of sides to serve with Mexican food includes some of the best authentic and new recipe ideas. If you want standards like rice or black beans, two amazing recipes are listed below. Plus for a new twist on what to serve with tamales, try out a bowl of cilantro sweet potatoes or a hearty quinoa salad. No matter which recipe you choose, they all taste amazing and go well with your next Mexican meal.
Healthy Side Dishes
This category of ideas to serve with tamales includes quick, easy, and healthy recipes. They are all on the lighter side and include fruits, vegetables, and quality whole ingredients. These Mexican recipes include gluten-free, keto, paleo, vegetarian, and low-carb ideas. Try a new fruit salsa, quick guacamole, or a healthy salad to complete your next tamale supper.
Desserts to Serve With Tamales
A Mexican meal isn’t complete until you have dessert. Any of these wonderful desserts would be great to complete your tamale dinner. Whether you want something rich or cool and spicy, these dessert recipes are great to make.
More Mexican Appetizer, Drink, Side Dish, & Desserts
For more Mexican recipe options, check out these other posts that include more tasty choices. All of these are wonderful to serve for your next dinner, party, or gathering when you want unique or authentic traditional Mexican flavors.
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What to Serve with Tamales
Ingredients
TRY ANY LISTED ABOVE
- Mexican Rice
- Queso & Chips
- Black Bean Soup
- Strawberry Margarita
- Tequila Fruit Salad
- Chunky Guacamole
- Caramel Custard
Instructions
- Make your favorite tamale or tamale pie recipe.
- Choose one or more wonderful sides from the lists above.
- Enjoy!
Christy says
So many recipes and we had the avocado sauce. Will make it again and next time will try the rice.
Angela says
Thanks for the note, Christy. The Mexican Rice is one of our favorites and we have it often.
Connor says
We had carne asada and tamales tonight and wanted some rice. We tried the Mexican rice listed here and it was exactly what we wanted. We love it more than what we get at our taqueria up the street. I won't tell them that but wanted to tell you. Thank you so much.