I cannot deny that Mexican food is always a hit when I have get-together parties at home. The absolute winner among all the dishes is the enchiladas.
But as much as I adore them, I’ve come to realize that what you serve alongside them can elevate the experience to a whole new level. So, let’s explore the perfect accompaniments to this beloved dish. Prepare your taste buds, because they’re in for a treat!
Recipes you will never forget!
Before I go to what to serve with this flavorful dish, I would like to share with you my favorite enchilada recipes.
Enchiladas are easy to prepare but what makes this dish more memorable is the sauce that constantly goes with it. There are plenty of sauce recipes for you to follow, but it is best that you make your own. Make your special recipe delicious with your personal touch.
Read more: What to Serve with Fajitas for Parties?
Veggie Enchilada with Butternut Squash and Black Beans
This healthy version of Mexican enchilada will be your next favorite dish on the list. Try this recipe, and you will find yourself craving for more!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tbsp. |
| Diced Onion | 1 |
| Butternut Squash (cubed) | 3.5 cups |
| Minced Garlic | 1 tbsp. |
| Chili Powder | 1.5 tsp. |
| Ground Cumin | 0.5 tsp. |
| Salt | 0.5 tsp. |
| Black Pepper | 0.25 tsp. |
| Black Beans (rinsed and drained) | 15-oz can |
| Enchilada Sauce | 10-oz can |
| Cheddar Cheese | 3/4 cup |
| Low-Carb Tortillas | 6 pcs (8″ each) |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 190 deg. Celsius while slightly coating your baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside for a while.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium until it is hot. Then, add the onion until it softens and is transparent.
- Using a wooden spoon mix in the squash, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the squash is soft but firm enough to chew while stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the beans and go on until it is warm enough for half a minute. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Spread the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Then, fill in each tortilla with ½ cup of the enchilada mixture.
- Roll, and arrange it all side by side on the dish. Pour over all the remaining sauce on top and sprinkle some cheese. Bake!
Seafood Enchilada
I know you could not resist this seafood enchilada. The taste of crab and shrimp should keep seafood lovers craving.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chopped Onion | 1 |
| Butter | 1 tbsp. |
| Crab Meat | ½ lb. |
| Shrimp (peeled & chopped) | ¼ lb. |
| Cheese | 8 oz. |
| Flour Tortillas (10″) | 6 |
| Half-and-Half Cream | 1 cup |
| Sour Cream | ½ cup |
| Melted Butter | ¼ cup |
| Dried Parsley | 1 ½ tsp. |
| Garlic Salt | ½ tsp. |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 175 deg. Celsius. Sauté onion with one tbsp. butter in a skillet until soft and transparent.
- Take out the skillet from the heat and mix in the crab and shrimp. Shred the cheese and add half of it. Mix well.
- Fill in each tortilla with a spoonful of the seafood mixture and roll them up. Arrange all of it in your prepared baking dish.
- For the sauce, combine in a pan the half-and-half, sour cream, ¼-cup butter, parsley, and salt. Place the pan over medium heat and stir in the mixture until it is warm and well blended. Sprinkle
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bake for half an hour.
Chicken Enchilada
With any recipe, chicken is the most favorite. Here is an easy enchilada recipe with a red sauce that you can serve to your family and friends.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 2 tbsp. |
| Diced Onion | 1 (diced) |
| Chicken Breasts (diced) | 1.5 lb. |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Diced Green Chilies (canned) | 1 (4-ounce can) |
| Black Beans (canned) | 1 (15-ounce can) |
| Flour Tortillas | 8 large |
| Shredded Cheese | 3 cups |
| Red Enchilada Sauce | As needed |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 175 deg. Celsius. In a sauté pan heat oil to medium level.
- Add in onion until soft and transparent. Stir in chicken and chilies.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Stir until cooked before setting aside.
- Spread sauce over tortillas, followed by beans, a spoonful of the chicken mixture, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Roll up all tortillas and arrange them in a baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce and sprinkle the rest of the cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
What to serve together with these recipes?
If you want to serve your enchiladas with a blast, find out the best side dish that you can serve to match it.
1. Jalapeno Cabbage Slaw
When I decide to make my veggie enchilada, I pair it up with my vegan slaw as well. They are a perfect match, especially with health-conscious guests. I chose red cabbage to make a colorful presentation.
You need to refrigerate this for quite a while so you can offer it chilled. Hence, I suggest making it first, before the enchilada. Garnish it with healthy toppings like sliced avocado and oranges for an additional kick.
2. Grilled Zucchini
Seafood enchiladas could be that heavy for you, but pairing it with grilled zucchini would make it feel a bit lighter. Never mind counting the health benefits that zucchini gives you.
What matters is the firm and crunchy bite of it that goes well with a mouthful of enchilada flavor. Line plenty of this side dish beside your enchilada and observe each guest pick both simultaneously.
3. Guacamole
I am fond of spreading slices of avocado on top of my enchiladas, but it never stops me from serving the same as a side dish as well. You cannot blame me, it is a big heat especially when it is guacamole. If you asked my regular guests, they would tell you that I often pair this side dish with my chicken enchiladas.
Try it sometime and see how both the enchilada and guacamole flavors blend perfectly well in your mouth. Moreover, do not forget to add some tortilla chips to make it more mouthwatering fun!
4. Corn Casserole
As if enchiladas are not heavy enough, I add my corn casserole as a side dish with it. I like the way the corn neutralizes the spiciness of my enchilada. It is like cold water in a burning fire! Anyway, this sweet corn is a regular in Tex-Mex restaurants that I have visited.
Do you want to know why? Well, you’ll have to try it to answer that question!
5. Vegetable Salad
This side dish is always a hit with whatever main dish you serve it in every meal. I even eat this vegetable salad for my snacks and breakfast especially when I really need to shake off some weight. It is enough to make me full and scram for my daily routine. You can try your own veggie salad to serve.
I love ranch veggie salad to match my serving of enchilada. It never grows old to me. The cool taste goes well with the spicy tang.
See also: Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
6. Watermelon
You can actually opt for any fruit that you can serve as an enchilada side dish. Fruits are best for taking away the aftertaste of oil and spicy sauce. It freshens up your mouth and diverts everything into a cleansing flavor. I find watermelon excellent to serve with enchiladas.
I like the cool watery juice of the watermelon after taking mouthfuls of tasty enchiladas. However, after eating a slice of it, it will make me crave another piece of enchilada. Hence, prepare yourself for bliss!
FAQs
Are there any gluten-free side dish options to serve with enchiladas?
Yes, there are numerous gluten-free side dish options to pair with enchiladas. Some options include quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, and a simple tomato and avocado salad. Always ensure that the ingredients and dressings used are gluten-free.
Can I prepare these side dishes in advance?
Absolutely! Many side dishes, like Jalapeno Cabbage Slaw or Corn Casserole, can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on the day of serving.
What beverages pair well with these combinations?
Traditional Mexican beverages like horchata, tamarind water, or cold beer can complement the flavors of enchiladas. For a non-alcoholic option, iced tea with a splash of lime or sparkling water with a citrus twist can be refreshing.
Are there any vegan protein options that can be served as a side dish?
Yes, there are vegan protein options that pair well with enchiladas. Consider sides like black bean salad, lentil stew, or tofu scramble seasoned with Mexican spices.
How can I make my side dishes healthier without compromising on taste?
To make side dishes healthier, consider using whole grains, reducing the amount of cheese or cream, adding more vegetables, or using leaner protein sources. For instance, a corn casserole can be made with whole-grain cornmeal, and guacamole can be made with added veggies like diced tomatoes and cucumbers.
Can I serve cold side dishes with hot enchiladas?
Yes, the contrast between hot enchiladas and cold side dishes can be delightful. Cold dishes like Jalapeno Cabbage Slaw, guacamole, or a fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing balance to the warmth and spiciness of the enchiladas.
The Bottom Line
The truth is you don’t need to worry about what to serve with enchiladas. The dish goes well with almost all the side dishes. I shared with you my favorites, but you can come up with your own list. What’s essential is the harmony that the side dish creates when eaten along with your enchilada.
Do you know that side dishes are significant in enhancing the taste of the main dish? So, what are you waiting for? Start looking for your personal favorite right away!
