Chilaquiles, a beloved Mexican breakfast (or brunch, lunch, or dinner!), are a delightful dish featuring crispy tortilla chips simmered in flavorful salsa. Whether you’re enjoying chilaquiles verdes or rojos, the question often arises: “What should I serve with chilaquiles to make it a complete and satisfying meal?”
This guide explores the best side dishes and pairings to elevate your chilaquiles experience, ensuring a balanced and truly delicious feast. From classic Mexican accompaniments to refreshing salads and protein additions, discover the perfect complements to your chilaquiles.
Chilaquiles with eggs
Understanding Chilaquiles: A Flavorful Foundation
Before diving into side dishes, it’s helpful to understand the core elements of chilaquiles. Traditionally a way to use up leftover tortillas, chilaquiles are all about texture and vibrant flavors. Crispy tortilla chips are briefly softened in a rich salsa – typically salsa verde (tomatillo-based and tangy) or salsa roja (tomato-based and smoky). Common toppings include crema, queso fresco or Cotija, onions, and often a fried egg.
The beauty of chilaquiles lies in its versatility. The saucy, slightly spicy, and cheesy base provides a fantastic canvas for a variety of flavors and textures. This makes choosing side dishes an exciting opportunity to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Top Side Dishes to Serve with Chilaquiles
To determine the best pairings, consider what complements the richness and heartiness of chilaquiles. We want side dishes that offer balance, contrast, and enhance the overall dining experience.
Classic Mexican Sides: Authentic and Complementary
For an authentic Mexican meal, consider these traditional side dishes that naturally pair with chilaquiles:
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Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans, whether pinto or black, provide a smooth and earthy contrast to the crispy chips and tangy salsa. Their richness balances the slight acidity of the salsa verde or the spiciness of salsa roja. A dollop of refried beans alongside chilaquiles adds protein and a comforting element.
Chilaquiles recipe ingredients -
Mexican Rice (Arroz Mexicano): Light and fluffy Mexican rice, often cooked with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes peas or corn, is a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine. Its subtle flavors and tender texture are a perfect counterpoint to the boldness of chilaquiles. It also helps to make the meal more substantial.
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Pico de Gallo: This fresh and vibrant salsa, made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice, offers a burst of freshness and acidity. Pico de gallo cuts through the richness of the chilaquiles and adds a welcome textural contrast. It’s a light and zesty way to brighten up the plate.
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Guacamole: Creamy guacamole, made with avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onions, and jalapeños, provides a cool and rich counterpoint to the warm, saucy chilaquiles. The healthy fats in avocado add richness and a luxurious texture that complements the crispy chips.
Protein Pairings: Boosting the Meal’s Substance
While chilaquiles can be a satisfying vegetarian dish, adding protein can make it a more complete and hearty meal, suitable for lunch or dinner.
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Grilled Chicken or Carne Asada: Grilled chicken or carne asada (grilled beef) adds a smoky, savory protein element that pairs beautifully with chilaquiles. The char from the grill complements the flavors of the salsa, and the protein makes the meal more filling. Consider slicing the chicken or carne asada and serving it alongside or on top of the chilaquiles.
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Shredded Chicken or Pork: For a softer protein option, shredded chicken or pork (like carnitas) can be an excellent addition. Seasoned with Mexican spices, these proteins blend seamlessly with the flavors of chilaquiles and add a hearty, comforting element.
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Shrimp or Fish: For a lighter protein pairing, consider grilled or pan-seared shrimp or flaky white fish. The delicate flavors of seafood pair well with both salsa verde and salsa roja, and they offer a different textural element to the meal.
Fresh and Light Sides: Balancing Richness
To balance the richness and heartiness of chilaquiles, consider incorporating fresh and light side dishes:
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Simple Green Salad with Lime Vinaigrette: A refreshing green salad, dressed with a bright lime vinaigrette, provides a light and acidic counterpoint to the richness of chilaquiles. The crisp greens and tangy dressing cleanse the palate and add a refreshing element to the meal.
Tortilla chips in skillet of salsa verde -
Mexican Slaw: A crunchy and tangy Mexican slaw, often made with cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, and a light dressing, offers a refreshing and textural contrast to the soft chilaquiles. The acidity of the slaw cuts through the richness of the dish and adds a vibrant element.
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Fruit Salad with Chili Lime Seasoning: For a truly unique and refreshing side, consider a fruit salad seasoned with chili lime. The sweetness of fruits like mango, pineapple, or watermelon, combined with a touch of chili powder and lime zest, creates a surprisingly delicious and palate-cleansing side dish.
Drinks to Complement Chilaquiles
Don’t forget about beverages! The right drink can enhance your chilaquiles experience.
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Margaritas: A classic margarita, with its tequila, lime, and orange liqueur base, is a quintessential Mexican cocktail that pairs perfectly with chilaquiles. The acidity and citrus notes cut through the richness of the dish, and the tequila adds a festive touch.
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Mexican Beer (Cerveza): A crisp and refreshing Mexican beer, like a lager or pilsner, is a classic pairing for Mexican food. The light and bubbly nature of beer helps to cleanse the palate and complements the flavors of chilaquiles without overpowering them.
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Agua Fresca: For a non-alcoholic option, agua fresca, a light fruit drink made with fresh fruit, water, and a touch of sweetener, is incredibly refreshing. Flavors like watermelon, lime, or hibiscus (jamaica) are particularly delicious with chilaquiles.
Building a Balanced Chilaquiles Meal
When choosing What To Serve With Chilaquiles, aim for a balance of flavors and textures. Consider incorporating:
- Contrast: Pair rich chilaquiles with light and fresh side dishes.
- Texture: Combine the soft, saucy chilaquiles with crunchy elements like slaw or pico de gallo.
- Flavor Profile: Consider the salsa – salsa verde pairs well with creamy and tangy sides, while salsa roja complements smoky and savory flavors.
- Dietary Needs: Offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free side dish options to accommodate everyone.
How to make chilaquiles verdes – stirring tortilla chips into skillet of salsa verde
Ultimately, the best side dishes for chilaquiles are those that you enjoy most! Experiment with different pairings to discover your perfect chilaquiles feast. Whether you opt for classic Mexican sides, protein additions, or fresh and light complements, you’re sure to create a memorable and satisfying meal.
Chilaquiles verdes with eggs
