Empanadas, golden and crispy little pockets of delight, are worldwide favorites filled with succulent fillings. Delicious as they are by themselves, the appropriate dip or sauce can make every bite a flavor explosion. Whether you desire creamy, spicy, or sweet, the ideal match can elevate your empanada experience from great to unforgettable.

At Empanada Mama, we think a dip is not something extra but a game-changer. Our thoughtfully selected empanada pairings pack each bite with rich, contrasting flavors that will leave you wanting more. Read on to know the right sauce and dips for your favorite empanadas.

The Essential Sauces and Dips for Empanadas

A great empanada deserves an equally great dip! Whether you prefer something creamy, spicy, or sweet, the right sauce can take your empanada experience to the next level. Let’s explore the best dips to match your favorite Latin flavors.

Creamy Dips

Silky, rich, and indulgent, creamy dips bring a luscious contrast to the crispy, golden empanada shell. These sauces are perfect for adding a smooth, cooling touch to your savory bites.

Sour Cream: A traditional dip complements cheese and beef empanadas, refreshingly contrasting the hot, crispy outside.
Guacamole: The fresh and creamy taste of guacamole complements the flavor of chicken or vegetable empanadas, providing a refreshing alternative.

Spicy Dips

If you like a little heat, these bold and fiery dips will elevate the richness of your empanadas. A touch of spice can bring out deeper flavors and add an irresistible kick!

Chimichurri Sauce: A colorful herby sauce full of zing, great over beef, chorizo, or chicken empanadas that are grilled.
Salsa Roja: A full-flavored tomato sauce that contains heat and beautifully complements beef-stuffed empanadas such as chili or ground beef.

Sweet Sauces

Dessert empanadas deserve a dip that’s just as decadent! Whether you’re indulging in a chocolatey treat or a fruit-filled delight, these sweet sauces add the perfect finishing touch.

Honey Mustard: A good all-purpose dip that improves sweet and savory empanadas, especially cheese or ham-filled ones.
Berry Jam: A sweet addition to dessert empanadas, like apple cinnamon or Nutella-filled empanadas.

Chimichurri Sauce served at Empanada’s outlet in Hell’s Kitchen.

Best Empanada Pairings: Savory & Sweet Combos

The magic of empanadas lies not just in their fillings but in how they pair with the perfect dip. Whether you’re craving something savory or have a sweet tooth to satisfy, the right combination enhances every bite.

Here are some of the best pairings to take your empanada experience to the next level:

Cheese Empanada + Guacamole or Salsa Verde: The richness of the cheese is perfectly complemented by the tangy freshness of these dips, which form a heavenly combination.
Chili Empanada + Sour Cream or Avocado Sauce: The spicy hotness of the chili finds its cooling, silky complement in these creamy dips for a balance made in culinary heaven.
Spinach and Cheese Empanada + Chimichurri: The pungent, herbal flavor of this garlicky, herby sauce enriches but sends shivers of excitement down the spinach empanada's earthy, cheesy richness.
Nutella Empanada + Berry Jam or Chocolate Sauce: Treat your sweet tooth to this decadent combination, where rich, creamy Nutella becomes even more dreamy with fruity or chocolatey dips.
Turkey Empanada + Cranberry Sauce: The hearty, savory goodness of turkey empanadas finds its perfect match in the sweet-tart vibrance of cranberry sauce. The rich, seasoned turkey filling is beautifully balanced by the bright, fruity acidity of cranberries, creating a combination reminiscent of a holiday feast in every bite.

Why Empanada Pairings Matter?

Pairing empanadas with the right dip isn’t just about taste—it’s about unlocking a whole new level of flavor. The ideal sauce doesn't merely complement; it elevates every bite, transforming a humble snack into gastronomic perfection.

Whether you prefer creamy, tangy, or spicy, empanada match-ups provide limitless opportunities to experiment with texture and taste. So why be ordinary when you can make every bite extraordinary?

We have our 24/7 outlets all across NYC, including Lower East Side and East Village. Drop by to explore our 40+ flavors of empanadas and dips.

A close-up of an empanada filled with shredded meat and rice, dipped in guacamole.

How to Experiment with Empanada Pairings at Home

Making your own empanada combinations at home is like being a crazy scientist in the kitchen; thrilling, innovative, and full of tasty surprises. Here are some tips to begin:

Balance Flavors: Opposites always attract! So, match hot empanadas with refreshing dips and heavy empanadas with sour sauces to achieve symmetry in every mouthful.
Homemade Dips: Move beyond shelf-stable and make your own guacamole, chimichurri, or berry jam for a special touch that brings extra love to the plate.
Mix and Match: No rules here! Be bold and experiment with odd pairings. Who knows, you might just discover the next big empanada combination!

Bringing It All Together: The Art of Empanada Pairings

The right dip or sauce can take an already delicious empanada and turn it into an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you crave something creamy to balance the richness, spicy to add a kick, or sweet to complement a dessert filling, the perfect pairing enhances every bite. Empanada Mama believes that dips aren’t just an afterthought—they’re essential to unlocking the full potential of these golden, crispy pockets of joy.

Why settle for ordinary when you can explore bold, vibrant, and unexpected combinations? From classic favorites like guacamole and chimichurri to indulgent dessert pairings like Nutella and berry jam, there’s always a new way to enjoy empanadas. Whether you're visiting us for a bite or recreating these pairings at home, the possibilities are endless. So, go ahead—dive into the world of empanada pairings and let every bite be a moment of pure, flavorful bliss!

Empanada Pairings: The Best Dips & Sauces to Try