What to Serve with Tamales: 30 Perfect Pairings!

Wondering what to eat with tamales? Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just enjoying a cozy night in, this article will give you delicious options to choose from.

Tamales are a beloved Mexican dish enjoyed for their rich flavors and comforting textures. These side dishes are sure to elevate your meal!

From traditional beans to zesty salsas, there are countless sides to serve with tamales that can perfectly complement the flavor and texture of these tasty bundles. 

The versatility of tamales allows them to shine not just as a main dish but also as part of a larger feast. Pairing them with the right side dishes to serve can enhance their taste and texture, turning your meal into a vibrant celebration of flavors. There are unlimited ways to serve tamales!

The following article will provide you with a variety of sides that cater to all preferences, ensuring everyone at your table finds something to love.

From refreshing salsas to hearty bean dishes, you’re bound to discover new favorites that perfectly accompany your best tamales.

What to Eat with Tamales – 30 Delicious Options

Let’s jump right into all of these perfect pairings for Mexican tamales!

1. Refried Beans

A classic side dish for any Mexican food meal, refried beans offer a creamy texture and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with tamales. Cooked with spices and often topped with cheese, these beans provide a comforting, hearty element that enhances your tamale dinner.

2. Guacamole

This creamy avocado dip is a must-have when you serve tamales. Made with ripe avocados, lime juice, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, guacamole brings a refreshing and zesty element to your meal. The smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the masa of tamales, making each bite delightful.

3. Salsa

Salsa, whether it’s pico de gallo or a smooth salsa verde, provides a burst of freshness and flavor to accompany tamales. The acidity and crunch of fresh ingredients elevate the overall experience, making it a perfect addition to your tamale spread!

4. Black Beans

Seasoned black beans are a simple yet delicious side dish that complements tamales beautifully. For this bean recipe, cook beans with garlic, onions, and spices. This protein-rich element will enhance the overall flavor and texture while being a staple in Mexican cuisine.

5. Mexican Street Corn

This delicious dish, also known as Elote, features grilled corn smothered in crema, cheese, and chili powder. This savory treat is perfect to serve with tamales, offering a delightful sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the tamales.

6. Cilantro Lime Rice

A fragrant side dish, cilantro lime rice adds a burst of flavor and freshness, enhancing the overall experience of enjoying tamales. The bright acidity of lime and the aroma of cilantro make this rice dish an ideal pairing.

7. Spanish Rice

This traditional rice dish seasoned with tomatoes and spices makes for a hearty side that complements the tamales beautifully. Spanish rice adds a comforting element to your meal, providing a satisfying texture.

8. Chili Con Carne

For those who love a bit of spice, serving tamales with chili con carne adds depth and richness to the meal, making it a great combination. The smoky flavors of chili enhance the savory notes of tamales, creating a filling experience.

9. Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream provides a cool, creamy contrast to spicy tamales, making it a popular choice for many. It also adds a rich texture that complements the masa and enhances the overall flavor.

10. Pico de Gallo

This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a refreshing kick that pairs well with tamales. The crunchy texture and bright flavors make it a fantastic accompaniment.

11. Avocado Slices

Simple yet effective, fresh avocado slices bring a creamy element that complements the spice of the  tamales. Their natural richness elevates the overall taste of your meal.

12. Salsa Verde

This green salsa made from tomatillos adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that elevates the taste of your tamales. It’s a great way to introduce some zest into your meal.

13. Hot Chocolate

Traditional Mexican hot chocolate serves as a delicious drink that can add warmth and richness to your meal, creating a delightful pairing with tamales. 

14. Grilled Corn

Simply grilled corn on the cob offers a sweet, smoky flavor that pairs with tamales perfectly. The charred edges add an appealing texture, making it a crowd-pleaser.

15. Brown Rice

A healthier alternative to white rice, brown rice provides a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements tamales nicely. This nutritious side dish adds a wholesome element to your meal.

16. Corn Salad

This colorful dish featuring fresh corn kernels, bell peppers, and lime is a refreshing way to add some crunch to your meal. It balances the richness of tamales, offering a burst of freshness.

17. Mexican Rice

Flavored with spices, this classic dish adds heartiness and a burst of flavor that enhances the overall tamale experience. Mexican rice serves as a perfect base for your meal.

18. Sweet Corn

Sweet corn adds a touch of sweetness to your meal! This simple addition brightens the plate and appeals to all ages. Season corn with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne. This recipe is vegetarian, a perfect way to incorporate veggies into any lunch or dinner!

19. Chili

A hearty bowl of chili can be an excellent addition, offering a filling option to enjoy alongside tamales. Its robust flavor profile complements the masa beautifully.

20. Chicken Tamales

If you’re looking for variety, chicken tamales can serve as a great main dish alongside other tamales, allowing for a diverse meal experience. Pairing different types of tamales can create a fun tasting experience. 

21. Tamale Pie

This unique twist on tamales features layers of cornmeal, chili, and cheese, creating a delicious casserole-style dish that’s fun to eat. It’s an easy recipe to enjoy the flavors of tamales in a different form.

22. Masa Cakes

Masa cakes made from corn masa offer a simple yet delightful texture to pair with tamales. These small cakes can be savory or slightly sweet, enhancing your meal.

23. Tamale Casserole

This comforting dish can be served as a side that layers tamales with chili, red sauce, and cheese, creating a cohesive flavor profile. It’s an easy recipe for a satisfying meal!

24. Homemade Tortilla Chips

Serve warm, crispy tortilla chips with salsa for a delightful crunch that goes great with tamales. They can also serve as a base for nachos, enhancing the flavors of your spread.

25. Churros

These sweet, fried dough treats can be a delightful dessert to eat with tamales, bringing a touch of sweetness to your meal. They offer a wonderful contrast to the savory flavors of tamales.

26. Nachos

Top tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and salsa for a fun side dish that pairs well with the flavors of tamales. It’s a perfect snack or appetizer.

27. Queso Dip

A warm cheese dip with a creamy texture makes a perfect companion for tamales and adds an indulgent element to your meal. The gooey cheese pairs wonderfully with spicy dishes.

28. Mexican Hot Dog

Hot dogs wrapped in bacon and topped with salsa and jalapeños create a unique flavor combination that’s delicious alongside tamales. This fusion dish is a crowd favorite.

29. Baked Potatoes

Simple baked potatoes topped with sour cream and green onions offer a hearty side that pairs well with tamales. Their neutral flavor makes them a versatile addition.

30. Chili Rellenos

These stuffed and battered peppers provide a deliciously smoky flavor that complements the spicy notes of tamales. They make for an excellent side that enhances your meal.

Tips, Notes, and Possible Substitutions 

• Customization: Feel free to mix and match different sides to find your favorite combinations. 
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level of dishes like chili and salsa to suit your taste preferences.
• Variations: Consider using different proteins in your tamales or sides, such as pork, beef, or cheese if you are looking for new ways to incorporate protein in your meal.

These side dishes will elevate your tamale experience, creating a delightful and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion!