21 Crowd-Pleasing Plates That Round Out Any Main Course

This collection highlights dependable, crowd-pleasing plates that help bring any main course together. From fresh and vibrant options to warm and comforting favorites, these dishes are designed to add balance, texture, and flavor to the table. Easy to prepare and simple to serve, they fit seamlessly into weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, and casual gatherings alike, making every meal feel more complete.

Frijoles Maneados

Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

Frijoles maneados are a hearty bean dish from Sonora and Sinaloa, made with mashed beans cooked in lard and blended with chile sauce and melted cheese for bold, comforting flavor. Get the recipe.

Calabacitas con Crema

Mexican squash calabacitas with cream.
Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

Calabacitas con crema features tender Mexican squash cooked with onions, peppers, and silky cream. This dish is the perfect side to make any meal feel truly special. Get the recipe.

Ejotes a la Mexicana

Ejotes a la Mexicana in a serving bowl.
Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

Ejotes a la Mexicana feature tender green beans cooked with tomato, onion, and chile, creating a quick and authentic Mexican side dish that delivers bold, homestyle flavor in every bite. Get the recipe.

Fake Guacamole Recipe

Fake guacamole in a bowl.
Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This Fake Guacamole Recipe swaps avocado for zucchini to create a delicious sauce that closely mimics the classic and beloved Mexican salsa. Get the recipe.

Mexican White Rice

Arroz blanco primavera in a Mexican bowl.
Image credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This Mexican white rice with veggies is the perfect side dish for stews, enchiladas, quesadillas, or any Mexican-inspired dish. Fluffy to perfection and so delicious! Get the recipe: Mexican White Rice.

Authentic Guacamole In A Molcajete

Close-up of guacamole in a molcajete.
Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This classic guacamole recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh avocados. The perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors makes it a versatile dip or spread. Serve it with tortilla chips, vegetables, or as a side for the enchiladas. Get the recipe.

Refried Beans With Corn

Refried beans with corn in a platter with corn chips on the side.
Photo credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This recipe is a spin on the classic refried beans. The chunky corn texture combines so perfectly with the creaminess of the refried beans and makes a fantastic side to serve with your enchiladas. Get the recipe: Refried beans with corn.

Mexican Red Rice

Mexican red rice in a turquoise plate.
Image credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This classic Mexican side dish is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. With its fluffy texture and vibrant flavor, arroz rojo is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including enchiladas. Get the recipe.

Shell Soup

Sopa de conchas on a bowl with sides.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

Shell soup is a classic Mexican dish made with pasta and tomato sauce. This soup is loved by everyone and pairs nice with bold mains like enchiladas. Get the recipe: Shell soup.

Red Pickled Onions

Mexican pickled onions in a jar.
Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This simple pickled red onion recipe is a delicious and versatile condiment. The tangy and slightly spicy flavor adds a bright and refreshing element to a variety of dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, and sandwiches.  Get the recipe.

Creamy Green Spaghetti

Closeup of espagueti verde on a plate.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This creamy spaghetti is made with roasted poblano peppers, hence its color. Its creaminess and smoky flavors goes perfect when serving aside enchiladas. Get the recipe: Creamy Green Spaghetti.

Tamarind Margarita

Tamarind margarita on a glass.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This tamarind margarita adds a bold twist to a classic, blending tangy, sweet, and lightly spicy flavors. It’s a refreshing way to kick off a meal and pairs perfectly with enchiladas. Get the recipe.

Frijoles Charros

Frijoles charros in a pot.
Photo credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This is a flavorful, hearty soup from Northern Mexico. Cooked beans are combined with a delicious concontion of aromatic chorizo, ham, sausage and vegetables. Get the recipe: Frijoles Charros.

Salsa Macha

Salsa macha.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This fragrant sauce is extra spicy with an intense and bold flavor. Make it in just 15 minutes and serve with your favorite enchiladas, tacos, or quesadillas. Get the recipe: Salsa Macha.

Papas Gratinadas

Papas gratinadas on a serving pan.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This dish bring a Mexican twist to your classic potato casserole! With its thick layer of potatoes, spiced cream sauce, and cheesy meat toppings, any other potato casserole will pale in comparison! Get the recipe: Papas Gratinadas.

Champiñones a la Mexicana

Champiñones a la mexicana on a bowl.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This classic Mexican side dish is packed with mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and a touch of spice from jalapeños. It’s the perfect accompaniment to enchiladas or any other Mexican dish. Get the recipe.

Sopa de Elote

Sope de elote in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores

Made with white corn and poblano peppers simmered in a light broth, this soup pairs perfectly with enchiladas. It’s an authentic recipe you’re sure to love. Get the recipe: Sopa de Elote.

Salsa Roja Mexicana

Salsa roja mexicana on a molcajete.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

A spicy, bright, and delicious Mexican salsa roja made with only 4 ingredients! Drizzle over your enchiladas if you like spicy food. Get the recipe: Salsa Roja Mexicana.

Gelatina de Rompope

Gelatina de rompope in cups with whipped cream and slice of strawberry on top.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

This easy gelatina de rompope is an easy and fun recipe made with Mexican rompope drink, learn how to make it and serve it for a party! Get the recipe: Gelatina de Rompope.

Ensalada de Nopales

Ensalada de Nopales in a bowl with tortilla chips, cilantro leaves, and lime wedges scattered around.
Photo Credit: Maricruz Avalos.

A refreshing salad made with pickled cactus, offering a tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as a topping for tacos, sopes, and quesadillas. Get the recipe.

Chayotes Con Crema Y Jamón

Chayotes con crema in a platter with a serving spoon.
Image Credit: Maricruz Avalos Flores.

Enjoy the creamy comfort of Chayotes con Crema y Jamón, a flavorful Mexican dish. Tender chayote, crispy ham, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce make it an easy and perfect side dish for any meal. Get the recipe.

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