Chalupas, a beloved Mexican dish, are packed with delicious flavors, but have you ever wondered, what goes with chalupas? The crispy corn shell filled with various toppings like beans, meat, lettuce, and cheese is a satisfying meal on its own. However, the right sides can elevate your chalupa experience to a whole new level. In this article, we’ll explore what goes with chalupas, from classic Mexican side dishes to unique pairings that will make your meal unforgettable.
Introduction to Chalupas and Their Perfect Pairings
If you’ve ever had a chalupa, you know it’s one of the tastiest Mexican dishes around. But if you’re hosting a Mexican-themed dinner or just craving a complete meal, you may ask yourself, what goes with chalupas to round out the meal? Whether it’s spicy street corn, flavorful rice, or refreshing salads, the sides you choose can complement the crispy texture and robust flavors of chalupas. Let’s dive into the best dishes that go well with this crunchy, flavor-packed treat.
1. What Goes with Chalupas? Finding the Perfect Pairings
What goes with chalupas is not just about finding any side dish; it’s about balance. Chalupas typically feature rich toppings like seasoned beef or chicken, beans, cheese, and salsa, so the sides should either complement or contrast these flavors. In this section, we’ll explore the essentials and popular accompaniments to ensure every bite is as exciting as the last.
2. Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn: A Spicy, Creamy Side
Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular answer to the question, what goes with chalupas? The combination of sweet grilled corn, creamy mayonnaise, tangy lime, and a kick of jalapeno makes it the perfect match. This dish adds both spice and creaminess, creating a harmonious balance with the crunch of chalupas.
Ingredients:
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Mayonnaise
- Jalapenos
- Lime
- Cotija cheese
The heat from the jalapenos and the tangy lime juice enhance the savory richness of the chalupas, while the creamy mayonnaise and Cotija cheese help mellow out the spicy flavors. A sprinkle of chili powder over the corn adds an extra layer of complexity.
3. Cilantro-Lime Rice: A Refreshing Contrast to Chalupas
If you’re wondering, what goes with chalupas to balance out their hearty flavors, cilantro-lime rice is a great option. This light and zesty rice dish adds a refreshing contrast to the richer flavors of chalupas.
Why It Works: The bright flavors of cilantro and lime add a refreshing note that cuts through the richness of the meats, beans, and cheese in chalupas. Plus, rice is a versatile side that soaks up the salsa and any extra toppings that spill over from your chalupa.
4. Pico de Gallo: A Fresh, Tangy Accompaniment
Looking for something fresh to go with your chalupas? Pico de gallo is a classic Mexican salsa that pairs beautifully with chalupas. It’s an essential answer to what goes with chalupas because it provides a light, crisp contrast to the warm, hearty dish.
How to Make It:
- Dice fresh tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos.
- Toss with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Add lime juice and salt to taste.
Pico de gallo brings a refreshing and slightly acidic flavor, which helps balance out the fried, crispy chalupa shells. It also adds a crunch that complements the tender toppings inside the chalupa.
5. Instant Pot Black Beans: A Hearty and Creamy Side
Another classic answer to what goes with chalupas is black beans. These protein-packed legumes provide a creamy texture that complements the crunch of chalupas, while their earthy flavor pairs well with the spicier elements.
Why They Pair Well: Black beans, especially when prepared with a touch of cumin and garlic, offer a hearty and filling side. Their creamy texture adds a smooth, soft element next to the crispy shell of the chalupa, making every bite more satisfying.
6. Yuca Frita con Mojo: Crispy and Zesty Flavor
For something a bit different but equally delicious, Yuca Frita con Mojo is a great choice when considering what goes with chalupas. Yuca, also known as cassava, is a starchy root vegetable similar to a potato but with a distinct flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- Yuca (cassava)
- Garlic
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
Fried yuca offers a crispy texture that complements chalupas, while the tangy mojo sauce (a garlic and lime-based dip) adds a bright, zesty flavor. This dish is a great alternative to French fries or potato wedges.
7. Mexican Street Corn Bake: A One-Pan Wonder
If you’re in need of a more hands-off option for what goes with chalupas, the Mexican street corn bake is a fantastic one-pan dish that saves on prep time while delivering big flavors.
Ingredients:
- Corn
- Mayonnaise
- Chipotle pepper
This baked version of street corn has all the creamy, spicy elements you love but is easy to prepare for larger crowds. The creamy base of the dish pairs perfectly with the crispy and savory chalupas, providing a smooth, rich contrast to the crunch of the corn shell.
8. Baked Beans Mole: A Rich and Flavorful Side
If you want a side that’s both rich and slightly sweet, baked beans mole is a creative take on what goes with chalupas. Mole, a traditional Mexican sauce made with chocolate and spices, pairs beautifully with beans for a hearty side.
Why It Works: The complex flavors of mole—featuring chocolate, cinnamon, and chili—add depth to the beans, making them a perfect counterpart to the seasoned meats and beans in chalupas. The sweet and savory blend of flavors in baked beans mole creates a delicious contrast with the savory chalupa.
9. Mexican Roasted Potato Salad: A Twist on a Classic
Potato salad may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering what goes with chalupas, but with a Mexican twist, it can be the perfect pairing. This version features roasted potatoes tossed with black beans and green chiles, giving it a bold flavor profile that complements the spices in chalupas.
Why It’s Perfect: The creaminess of the potatoes and the slight heat from the chiles make this dish a great side for chalupas. The potatoes add a filling, comforting element, while the chiles bring a zesty punch that elevates the meal.
10. Corn and Black Bean Salad: A Colorful, Nutritious Side
A vibrant corn and black bean salad is another fantastic option for what goes with chalupas. It’s colorful, nutritious, and adds a fresh element to the plate.
Ingredients:
- Corn
- Black beans
- Red onion
- Tomatoes
This salad is not only visually appealing but also loaded with flavors that complement the savory chalupa. The sweetness of the corn and the heartiness of the black beans balance out the crunchy, flavorful chalupa shell.
11. Shrimp Quesadilla: A Cheesy, Savory Addition
Looking for something a little more substantial to serve alongside chalupas? A shrimp quesadilla makes an excellent pairing. The combination of cheese and shrimp provides a savory richness that pairs well with the lighter, crispy chalupa.
Why It Pairs Well: The seafood flavors in the shrimp offer a delightful contrast to the meat or bean-based chalupa, while the gooey, melted cheese mirrors the cheese typically found inside chalupas.
12. Classic Guacamole: A Creamy, Rich Dip
Guacamole is an essential side when thinking about what goes with chalupas. Made from mashed avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and seasonings, guacamole adds a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the crispy, crunchy texture of chalupas.
Why It’s Essential: Guacamole brings a buttery texture and fresh flavor that balances out the fried chalupa shell. The mild flavor of avocado works as a counterpoint to spicier toppings like salsa or jalapenos.
13. Salsa Verde: A Tangy, Spicy Complement
Salsa verde, made from tomatillos, cilantro, and lime, is another ideal answer to what goes with chalupas. This tangy, green sauce adds a bright, acidic note that cuts through the richness of the chalupas.
How to Make It:
- Roast tomatillos until charred.
- Blend with cilantro, lime juice, and garlic.
Salsa verde’s tart flavor helps cleanse the palate, making each bite of chalupa even more enjoyable. It’s especially good when paired with rich meats like carnitas or chorizo.
14. Classic Sour Cream: A Cool and Creamy Addition
Sour cream is another classic side that goes perfectly with chalupas. If you’re wondering what goes with chalupas to balance out spicy toppings, a dollop of cool sour cream is the perfect choice.
Why It Works: The creaminess of sour cream helps tone down the heat from spicy toppings like jalapenos or chipotle salsa. Its mild flavor complements the more intense flavors of the chalupa without overwhelming them.
15. Cumin Rice with Avocado: A Simple, Flavorful Side
Cumin rice, topped with slices of fresh avocado, is a light and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with chalupas. The earthy flavor of cumin complements the spiced fillings of the chalupa, while the creamy avocado adds richness.
Why It’s a Great Pairing: Rice is a classic accompaniment to many Mexican dishes, and the addition of cumin and avocado adds layers of flavor that enhance the chalupa without overpowering it.
16. Arroz con Gandules: A Flavorful Rice and Bean Combo
Arroz con Gandules, or rice with pigeon peas, is another great option for what goes with chalupas. This Puerto Rican staple features flavorful rice cooked with sofrito and pigeon peas, making it a hearty side that complements the savory flavors of chalupas.
Why It Pairs Well: The soft texture of the rice and the mild flavor of the pigeon peas create a satisfying contrast to the crunchy chalupa shell. Plus, the sofrito adds a burst of flavor that enhances the overall meal.
17. Queso Fundido: A Warm, Gooey Dip
Queso fundido, a melted cheese dip typically made with chorizo, is another great answer to what goes with chalupas. This warm, gooey dip is perfect for dipping or drizzling over your chalupas.
Why It’s a Hit: The melted cheese and savory chorizo create a rich, comforting dish that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of chal. The combination of cheese and sausage brings a hearty, flavorful element to the meal.
18. Chili con Queso: A Spicy Cheese Dip
Chili con queso, a spicy cheese dip made with green chiles and jalapenos, is a crowd-pleasing option for what goes with ch. This dip adds a creamy, spicy flavor that complements the crunch of chalupas perfectly.
How to Serve It:
- Serve with corn chips as a side dip.
- Drizzle over chalupas for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
The heat from the jalapenos pairs well with the savory toppings in the chalupas, while the creamy cheese adds richness.
19. Salsa Corn Cakes: A Fun and Flavorful Side
For a unique and flavorful side, salsa corn cakes are an excellent choice when considering what goes with chalupas. These cheesy corn cakes are perfect for dipping or serving alongside chalupas.
Why It’s Fun: The soft, cheesy texture of the corn cakes contrasts with the crispy shell of the chalupa, while the salsa adds a tangy, zesty flavor that complements the meal.
20. No-Fuss Avocado Onion Salad: A Simple, Fresh Side
Finally, if you’re looking for a fresh and simple side for what goes with chal, try an avocado onion salad. This light and tangy salad is made with sliced avocados and sweet onions, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
Why It’s Refreshing: The creamy avocado and crisp onion provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of chalupas. The light, tangy dressing helps balance the meal and cleanse your palate.
Conclusion: What Goes with Chalupas? The Perfect Sides to Complete Your Meal
So, what goes with chalupas? Whether you prefer something creamy like guacamole, tangy like salsa verde, or hearty like beans and rice, there’s a perfect side dish for everyone. These sides not only complement the flavors of chalupas but also enhance the overall dining experience. Now that you have plenty of options, you can create a memorable meal that satisfies every palate.
FAQs About What Goes with Chalupas
- Can I serve chalupas with traditional Mexican rice? Yes, Mexican rice is a classic side dish that goes well with chalupas.
- What vegetables pair well with chalupas? Grilled vegetables like peppers, onions, and zucchini complement the flavors of chalupas.
- Are there any desserts that go with chalupas? Yes, churros or flan are great dessert options after a chalupa meal.
- Can I make vegetarian sides to go with chalupas? Absolutely! Black beans, corn salads, and guacamole are perfect vegetarian options.
- What is the best way to serve a chalupa dinner? Serve chalupas with a variety of sides like rice, beans, and salsa so guests can mix and match according to their tastes.