What's better than a warm arepa fresh off the griddle? Nothing, we know!
These fluffy, corn-flour pockets are perfect for stuffing with all sorts of goodies.
We can't help but get creative with them. One night, we filled ours with sautéed veggies and just a sprinkle of cheese, and we felt like culinary geniuses.
When we're in the mood for something comforting, we make arepas. They're adaptable, and that's what we love.
Whether you're a meat lover or a veggie fan, there's always a way to serve them uniquely.
So, what do you pair with these delicious delights? Let's look at the best side dishes to keep our cravings satisfied.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Arepas
Here are some of our favorite dishes to serve with arepas:
1 - Black Beans and Rice
Ah, black beans and rice-an all-star side dish that never disappoints. These two ingredients pack a balanced punch of protein and fiber (black beans contribute about 15 g of protein per cooked cup).
The rich earthiness of black beans goes with the fluffy rice perfectly.
We love tossing in some lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro for that extra zing. A hint of garlic and onion improves the flavor to a new level.
You can easily switch it up with spices or a dash of hot sauce-explore baked beans side dish ideas for more bean-friendly pairings.
2 - Avocado Salsa
Avocado salsa is a bright mix we can't get enough of (Hass avocados add a rich, creamy texture). Creamy avocado combines perfectly with juicy tomatoes, onion, and cilantro.
We love adding lime juice for that zesty kick.
Diced jalapeños give it a subtle heat, if you're brave.
This salsa is all about fresh flavors and a smooth texture.
We've slathered it on arepas before and it felt incredible.
Great as a dip with chips, it adds a wonderful flair to tacos too; find mango salsa pairings for chicken dishes for a tropical twist.
Avocado salsa can improve any meal. Whatever the occasion, it's always a hit.
3 - Crispy Sweet Plantains
Crispy sweet plantains are our go-to comfort food. They deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
We slice them thin, fry until golden, and enjoy their caramelized edges.
Ingredients are simple: ripe plantains, oil for frying, and a dash of salt (plantains are a starchy banana cultivar common in tropical regions).
These bites remind us of family gatherings filled with laughter and good food. Plantains bring back memories of sunny picnics and delicious fiestas.
Every bite is a mini celebration.
4 - Colombian Hogao Sauce
We're big fans of Colombian hogao sauce. It's a thick blend of tomatoes, green onions, and spices (green onions, often called cebollín, give it a mild oniony bite).
This sauce brings out flavor like no other.
When we first tried it, we were hooked. The tomato base offers a rich sweetness while the green onions add a refreshing crunch.
We love using hogao as a topping for arepas or even grilled meats; for rich, buttery sauces try béarnaise sauce side pairings.
To whip it up, you'll need diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, garlic, and a splash of oil.
The combo of ingredients makes hogao fresh and hearty, perfect for any dish. It's our secret weapon at dinner parties.
5 - Grilled Corn with Lime
We love grilled corn for its simplicity and flavor. Sweet, charred kernels go well with a tangy lime drizzle (fresh sweet corn, Zea mays, caramelizes nicely when grilled).
Each bite feels like summer.
Ingredients are basic: fresh corn, lime, and a pinch of salt for that extra boost.
The lime brightens each mouthful, making it a fresh side. Grilled corn transports us back to backyard barbecues, where we couldn't resist the smoky goodness.
It's easy to whip up and always impresses friends at gatherings; pair it with grilled salmon side ideas for summer meals.
6 - Shredded Beef
Crispy sweet plantains are our go-to side dish. They're easy to make and seriously delicious!
Just ripe plantains, oil for frying, and salt.
We slice those golden beauties thin and fry them until they're caramelized and crunchy.
They're sweet with a slight crunch that reminds us of family get-togethers (ripe plantains caramelize when fried, creating that sweetness). Each bite transports us to backyard parties filled with laughter and good vibes.
They're especially great alongside savory meals, adding that perfect touch of sweetness; see shredded beef sandwich side suggestions for hearty pairings.
7 - Spicy Tomato Relish
This relish is a zesty mix that brightens any plate (often made with ripe Roma tomatoes). Tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños create a bold flavor.
We add lime juice and cilantro for a kick.
It has a sweet and tangy profile. This sauce goes well with arepas or grilled meats.
We love it drizzled on tacos or as a dip for chips. The freshness feels great during summer cookouts.
We've made it for potlucks, and it's always a hit. Mix it up with fresh ingredients, and a splash of vinegar gives it a nice tartness.
8 - Cabbage Slaw
We love cabbage slaw for its crunch and zing (made with shredded green or red cabbage, Brassica oleracea). It's as simple as shredded cabbage, carrots, and a splash of vinegar.
This combo brings brightness to any plate. The crunchiness goes well with arepas.
We often toss in some lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro for an extra kick.
It reminds us of summer picnics with friends, enjoying simple pleasures.
The freshness cuts through rich flavors nicely, making it our go-to alongside heartier dishes.
9 - Roasted Red Pepper Dip
Roasted red pepper dip is a creamy, smoky delight we can't resist. It's made with roasted red peppers, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs (often using roasted red bell peppers for a sweet, smoky base).
This dip has a rich flavor with a sweet, slightly tangy kick. We often whip it up for gatherings, and it disappears fast.
The creaminess balances the roasted peppers' smokiness perfectly. We love it with veggies, crackers, or slathered on arepas.
This dip brings back memories of impromptu parties where we'd polish off an entire bowl while chatting.
10 - Sausages and Peppers
Sausages and peppers bring a satisfying meaty kick to any meal. This dish combines juicy sausages with sweet and smoky bell peppers.
Ingredients include sausage links of your choice, bell peppers, onions, and a hint of garlic (Italian sausage or spicy chorizo work well).
Flavour-wise, it's a filling mix of savory and slightly sweet. We often sauté everything together, letting the juices meld.
After a long day, this dish reminds us of cozy evenings with friends, indulging in warm comfort.
11 - Mango and Pineapple Salsa
Mango and pineapple salsa brings tropical vibes to any dish (made with ripe mangoes like Ataulfo for extra sweetness). It's a sweet and tangy mix with a hint of heat.
Fresh mango and pineapple create a juicy base, while lime juice brightens the flavor.
We often toss in red onion and cilantro for added crunch and zest. This salsa makes every taco night feel like a beach party and reminds us of summer barbecues with friends.
It's perfect as a dip or a topping.
12 - Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a simple side that freshens up any dish. Its bright flavors come from fresh cilantro and a zesty lime kick.
We mainly use white rice, a good handful of chopped cilantro, and lime juice for that zing (we prefer long-grain jasmine rice).
Serving this with spicy meals balances the heat beautifully.
We've enjoyed it at summer barbecues, and it pairs well with grilled meats or topped with our favorite salsas. A light dish that transforms any plate!
13 - Stuffed Bell Peppers
We can't resist stuffed bell peppers- they're bright and hearty! The key ingredients include bell peppers, rice, minced meat, beans, and spices (bell peppers are varieties of Capsicum annuum).
Flavour-wise, they're savory with a touch of sweetness. It's a dish we whip up for family gatherings, each bite is like a warm hug.
The peppers become tender while the filling stays juicy. We often sneak in some extra veggies for an added crunch.
These babies hold all the goodness, making them a fun choice for dinner. They always remind us of cozy nights around the table, sharing stories and laughter.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
