14 Best Side Dishes For Tamale Pies You’ll Find Delicious

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

I’ll never forget the first time I made tamale pies. It was a trial run, to be sure, but it turned out so well that I knew I had to make them again. And again. And again. They were just that good! Of course, I’ve tweaked the recipe over time, but the basic idea is the same.

But what about side dishes? What goes well with tamale pie? Getting the answer to this question can be quite frustrating but do not fear; the answers are right here.

I’ve tried a lot of different things, and I’ve found that certain side dishes just work. They pair perfectly with the flavors of the dish and complement it in all the right ways.

So if you’re looking for side dish inspiration, look no further! Here are 14 of the best side dishes to serve with tamale pie.

Side Dishes For Tamale pies:

  1. Black bean soup
  2. Corned beef
  3. Fried okra
  4. Potato salad
  5. Mashed potatoes
  6. Spanish rice
  7. Salsa
  8. Creamed corn
  9. Coleslaw
  10. Fruit salad
  11. Avocado cucumber salad
  12. Tortilla chips
  13. Pinto
  14. Jicama Slaw

Black bean soup

This soup is a great side dish for tamale pies because of its rich flavor and thick consistency. It pairs well with the cornbread topping and helps to round out the meal.

To make black bean soup, simply simmer black beans in water or broth until they are soft. Then, puree the beans until they reach your desired consistency.

 

Season the soup with salt, pepper, and other spices as desired. In addition, the earthy undertones of the black beans go well with the cornbread topping.

Corned beef

This is such a great combination of flavors and textures. The slight saltiness of the corned beef, paired with the savory tamale filling, is just heavenly.

To make this side dish, simply cook corned beef according to the package directions. Once it is cooked, slice it into thin strips and serve alongside the tamale pie.

When buying corned beef, always ensure that you get the leanest cut possible. This will help to keep the dish from being too greasy.

Fried okra

This side dish is a classic for a reason. It pairs perfectly with tamale pie and helps to round out the meal.

The okra adds a unique taste that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Fried okra also has a crunchy texture that pairs well with the softness of the Tamale pie.

Additionally, the fried okra adds a bit of fat to the dish, which helps to balance out the flavors. To make this dish, sautee-sliced okra in a bit of oil until it is golden brown.

Potato salad

This side dish is a great way to add some extra vegetables to the meal. In addition, the potatoes help to bulk up the dish.

To make potato salad, simply cook some potatoes until they are tender. Once they are cooked, add them to a bowl with some chopped vegetables.

Season the salad with salt, pepper, and your favorite dressing. You can either use a vinaigrette or a mayonnaise-based dressing. I find that mayonnaise-based dressing adds sweetness to the potato salad that pairs well with the savory tamale pie.

Mashed potatoes

This side dish is my personal favorite. I love the creamy consistency and the way it pairs with the Tamale pie.

To make mashed potatoes, simply cook some potatoes until they are tender. Once they are cooked, add them to a bowl and mash them.

Creamy mashed potatoes are delicious and with tamale pies, even better. The pie also absorbs some of the potatoes’ creaminess and flavor.

You can also add other herbs and spices as desired. I like to add a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Spanish rice

Spanish rice is a side dish that is commonly served with Mexican food. It is made from white rice, tomatoes, and other seasonings.

The flavors of Spanish rice are typically savory and earthy, which pairs perfectly with tamale pie.

Spanish rice is typically made with long-grain rice, which has a light and fluffy texture. This contrasts nicely with the beefy filling of the tamale pie.

If you want some heat in your rice, then use a hot salsa instead of a mild one. Otherwise, the rice will be too bland.

Salsa

Salsa is a spicy side dish that is commonly served with Mexican food. It is made from tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers.

The flavors of salsa are typically fresh and bright, which pairs perfectly with tamale pie. You can pour the salsa over the tamale pie or use it as a dipping sauce.

For a twist on this salsa, you could also add some fresh fruit. This will give the salsa a sweetness that pairs well with the savory tamale pie. There are many different types of salsa, so feel free to experiment until you find one that you like.

Creamed corn

Creamed corn is a side dish that is commonly served with Mexican food. It is made from corn, milk, and butter.

The flavors of creamed corn are typically sweet and rich, which pairs perfectly with tamale pie. The sweetness of the corn helps to balance out the savory flavors of the tamale filling.

In addition, the richness of the creamed corn will leave you full and satisfied. So, if you are looking for something sweet and satisfying to round out your meal, then this is the side dish for you.

Coleslaw

The freshness and crunchy texture of coleslaw makes it the perfect side dish for tamale pie. The coleslaw will help to balance out the heaviness of the dish.

To make coleslaw, simply combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and your favorite dressing. I like to use vineg