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What to Serve With Elote: 15 Best Side Dishes

Elote, with its delightful combination of sweet and spicy flavors, pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try serving it with grilled chicken for a smoky delight or tacos filled with beans or veggies for a versatile meal. Guacamole adds a creamy, fresh touch, while black beans bring earthiness and nutrition. Spanish rice, with its savory and aromatic profile, also makes a wonderful accompaniment. For a complete feast, consider adding chorizo, tortilla chips, margaritas, or even sopa de tortilla. These sides not only enhance the flavors of elote but also create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Discover the perfect partners for your elote experience.

Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken, with its smoky flavor and tender texture, pairs exceptionally well with the vibrant and creamy elements of elote.

There are numerous marinade options to enhance its taste, from zesty lime and cilantro to savory garlic and herbs.

Employing various cooking techniques, such as using a charcoal grill or a stovetop griddle, guarantees perfect results, making it an ideal companion.

Tacos

delicious mexican street food

Tacos, with their versatile fillings and robust flavors, make an excellent accompaniment to elote. Vegetarian tacos, featuring ingredients like beans, grilled veggies, and avocado, offer a delightful contrast to the sweet and spicy corn.

Breakfast tacos, filled with eggs, potatoes, and cheese, provide a hearty option that pairs wonderfully with the rich, creamy taste of elote. Together, they create a satisfying meal.

Guacamole

creamy avocado dip recipe

Pairing elote with guacamole introduces a creamy, fresh element that complements the rich, smoky flavors of the corn. Opt for quality avocado selection to guarantee the best taste and texture.

Homemade guacamole, made with ripe avocados, lime, cilantro, and a touch of salt, brings a delightful contrast to elote, enhancing your culinary experience with a burst of flavor and freshness.

Black Beans

brazilian black bean stew

Frequently served alongside elote, black beans offer a hearty and nutritious complement that balances the dish's flavors with their earthy and mildly sweet profile.

Ideal for vegan options, these beans can be easily prepared with simple cooking tips: simmer them with onions, garlic, and a touch of cumin. This enhances their natural taste, ensuring a delicious and satisfying addition to your meal.

Spanish Rice

savory tomato flavored rice

Another excellent side dish to accompany elote is Spanish rice, which adds a rich and flavorful component to the meal.

This vegetarian option is perfect for those seeking a meatless alternative.

The cooking techniques involve sautéing rice with onions, garlic, and tomatoes, then simmering it in broth.

This creates a savory and aromatic dish that pairs wonderfully with the smoky sweetness of elote.

Ceviche

peruvian dish with citrus

Ceviche, an invigorating and tangy seafood dish, offers a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of elote. Utilizing various seafood varieties like shrimp or white fish, ceviche is marinated in zesty citrus marinades, which enhance its fresh taste.

This light and revitalizing side dish balances the creamy, spicy notes of elote, creating a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience for all.

Quesadillas

cheese filled tortilla dish

Quesadillas, with their melted cheese and crisp tortilla, serve as a delightful complement to the robust flavors of elote. Using various cheese varieties, such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack, enhances the dish's richness.

The cooking techniques—whether grilling or pan-frying—ensure a crispy exterior and gooey center. Together, they create a harmonious balance that elevates the dining experience, making every bite enjoyable.

Pico De Gallo

fresh tomato salsa recipe

Enhancing the rich flavors of quesadillas, Pico De Gallo introduces an invigorating and zesty element to the meal. Made with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime, it offers delightful flavor variations.

This simple yet vibrant salsa brightens any plate, adding a rejuvenating contrast to the creamy, savory notes of elote. It's an ideal companion for those seeking a balanced and tasty dining experience.

Mexican Slaw

spicy tangy cabbage salad

A lively addition to any meal featuring elote, Mexican slaw brings an invigorating crunch and burst of flavor through its combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and tangy dressing.

This invigorating cabbage mix, dressed in a zesty blend of lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of spice, complements the rich, smoky flavors of elote, making it a perfect side dish for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Fajitas

sizzling fajitas for dinner

Guaranteeing the vibrant flavors of Mexican slaw, fajitas offer a sizzling medley of seasoned meats and vegetables that pair harmoniously with elote. Fajita seasonings add a delightful kick, enhancing the overall taste experience.

For those who prefer plant-based options, vegetarian fajitas provide a fantastic alternative, featuring colorful bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. This combination secures a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone can enjoy.

Refried Beans

mexican food ingredients used

Refried beans, a staple in Mexican cuisine, serve as a hearty and flavorful side dish that pairs exceptionally well with elote. They can be enjoyed in various vegetarian variations, providing a nutritious complement.

Additionally, refried beans can be transformed into a creamy bean dip, perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips. This versatile dish adds depth and richness to any meal featuring elote.

Chorizo

sizzling chorizo on grill

Adding another layer of robust flavor, chorizo brings a spicy and savory element that beautifully complements the sweetness of elote. Whether you opt for Mexican or Spanish chorizo, the smoky, seasoned sausage enhances the overall taste experience.

Explore various chorizo recipes to find your favorite pairing. The rich, meaty flavor of chorizo adds depth, making it a delightful side to elote.

Tortilla Chips

crunchy snack for all

Tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch and a versatile base that pairs excellently with the flavors of elote. They are perfect for dipping into homemade salsa, bringing a fresh, zesty note to your meal.

Additionally, a warm, gooey cheese dip complements the creamy, spicy elements of elote, creating a delightful combination that is sure to please any crowd.

Margaritas

fiesta on a beach

A invigorating margarita is the perfect beverage to complement the savory and spicy flavors of elote.

Classic recipes like the traditional lime margarita are always a hit, but cocktail variations such as strawberry or mango margaritas add a delightful twist.

These revitalizing drinks, with their balance of sweet and tangy, enhance the rich taste of elote, making every bite more enjoyable.

What Side Dishes Pair Well with Elote and Cordon Bleu?

When serving elote and cordon bleu, it’s important to choose the best side dishes for cordon bleu. For elote, consider pairing it with a tangy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad. As for cordon bleu, mashed potatoes or grilled vegetables make excellent choices. These side dishes will perfectly complement your main dishes.

Sopa De Tortilla

delicious mexican tortilla soup

Sopa de tortilla, a hearty and flavorful Mexican soup, pairs wonderfully with the spicy and creamy elements of elote. Originating from Mexico, this soup features crispy tortilla strips as its base.

Traditional toppings like avocado, cheese, and sour cream add rich textures and flavors. Together, they create a delicious balance, making it a perfect companion to the beloved grilled corn dish.