20 Must-Try Mexican Sides That Bring the Flavor

Make your next Mexican meal even better with these amazing side dishes that are full of flavor. There are so many different recipes to try, from classic street corn to spicy blistered peppers that go great with any main course. These ideas are perfect for making a simple taco night feel like a special occasion that everyone at the table will really enjoy and remember.

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Mexican Pickled Carrots

These Mexican Pickled Carrots have a great mix of sweet and spicy flavors that can add a tasty crunch to your tacos, sandwiches, or any plate. They are a simple and delicious way to make a meal more interesting.
Get the recipe: Mexican Pickled Carrots

Arroz Mexicano (Mexican rice)

Arroz Mexican served in a clay bowl and topped with a cilantro leaf. — Arroz Mexicano. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A pot of Arroz Mexicano is a fluffy and flavorful side dish that cooks in about thirty minutes and goes perfectly with almost any Mexican meal you can think of making for dinner.
Get the recipe: Arroz Mexicano

Oven-Baked Mexican Potatoes

Close-up of a plate of crispy oven baked potatoes seasoned with herbs and spices. The potatoes are golden brown around the edges and appear tender on the inside. A silver fork is placed on the plate beside the potatoes. — Mexican-Roasted Potatoes. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

You can make these Oven-Baked Mexican Potatoes that turn out crispy on the outside and stay perfectly soft on the inside every single time, making them a reliable and tasty side.
Get the recipe: Oven-Baked Mexican Potatoes

Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote Mexicano (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro. — Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn). Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

The popular street food called Elotes Mexicanos is corn on the cob covered in a creamy, tangy sauce and sprinkled with cheese for a flavor-packed side that is ready in minutes.
Get the recipe: Elotes Mexicanos

Arroz Blanco (Mexican white rice)

Arroz blanco served on a decorative blue plate. — Arroz Blanco. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

For a simpler side, Arroz Blanco is a light and fluffy Mexican white rice that is vegetarian and pairs beautifully with any main dish without overpowering the other flavors on the plate.
Get Recipe: Arroz Blanco

Mexican Mac and Cheese

A close-up of a serving of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a rectangular baking dish with a spoon. The dish features a golden-brown breadcrumb topping and gooey, melted cheese. A plate with a portion of the macaroni is visible in the background. — Mexican Mac and Cheese. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

This version of Mexican Mac and Cheese takes the classic comfort food and adds bold and delicious spices to give it a fun and exciting twist that both kids and adults will love.
Get Recipe: Mexican Mac and Cheese

Ejotes a la Mexicana (Mexican-Style Green Beans)

A bowl of Ejotes a la Mexicana served in a bowl next to fresh cilantro. — Ejotes a la Mexicana. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

The dish known as Ejotes a la Mexicana is a low-calorie way to enjoy green beans with a pop of Mexican flavor, and it is very quick and easy to make for a weeknight.
Get the recipe: Ejotes a la Mexicana

Champiñones a la Mexicana (Mexican Mushrooms)

Mexican-style mushrooms served on a round plate. — Champiñones a la Mexicana. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

You can enjoy Champiñones a la Mexicana, which is a flavorful way to prepare mushrooms where every single bite is packed with the bold and authentic taste of Mexican cuisine.
Get the recipe: Champiñones a la Mexicana

Baked Potato Flautas

Potato flautas on a white plate topped with lettuce and tomatoes. — Potato Flautas. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These Baked Potato Flautas are loaded with a tasty filling and are so easy to make, making them the perfect snack or appetizer for any kind of gathering or party.
Get the recipe: Baked Potato Flautas

Mexican Mashed Potatoes

A white bowl filled with creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with small pieces of green herbs, placed on a matching white plate. A spoon rests inside the bowl. In the blurred background, there are broccoli florets and a white cloth napkin. — Mexican Mashed Potatoes. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

A bowl of Mexican Mashed Potatoes is creamy and seasoned perfectly with spices, making it a hit side dish that adds some exciting flavor to a simple weeknight meal.
Get the recipe: Mexican Mashed Potatoes

Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Salad)

A decorative Mexican plate with cactus salad surrounded by fresh cilantro leaves. — Ensalada de Nopales. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Ensalada de Nopales is a fresh and vegan Mexican salad that is easy to put together and is perfect for adding a light and healthy option to any meal.
Get the recipe: Ensalada de Nopales

Frijoles de la Olla (Pinto Beans)

A metal ladle full of cooked pinto beans. — Frijoles de la Olla. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A pot of Frijoles de la Olla is an easy and traditional bean recipe that makes a perfect and simple side dish for any time you are cooking Mexican food.
Get the recipe: Frijoles de la Olla

Queso Fundido

The appetizer called Queso Fundido is a dish of bubbling, melted cheese, often with chorizo, that is perfect for dipping with chips or tortillas and is great for sharing.
Get the recipe: Queso Fundido

Papas con Rajas (Poblano Peppers and Potatoes)

Potatoes and sliced green pepper slices in a metal skillet. — Papas con Rajas. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Papas con Rajas is a savory dish that combines soft potatoes with mild poblano peppers, making it a great option for breakfast, dinner, or a meatless meal.
Get the recipe: Papas con Rajas

Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes sitting on a white plate. — Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

These Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes are a simple and satisfying side dish that is always a crowd favorite because of their great taste and easy preparation.
Get the recipe: Roasted Mexican Sweet Potatoes

Ground Beef Taquitos

Three golden-brown, crispy taquitos filled with seasoned meat are arranged on a white plate with a small bowl of red salsa in the background. The taquitos have a deliciously crunchy texture, and the meat is slightly peeking out of each one. — Ground Beef Taquitos. Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Ground Beef Taquitos are a crunchy Mexican snack that is perfect for dipping into a fresh salsa or a cool, creamy guacamole for a fun appetizer or meal.
Get the recipe: Ground Beef Taquitos

Cebollitas Asadas (Grilled Onions)

Cebollitas asada sitting on a decorative clay plate. — Cebollitas Asadas. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Cebollitas Asadas are tender grilled Mexican onions that add amazing flavor to any barbecue and are a must-have side dish served with carne asada and beans.
Get the recipe: Cebollitas Asadas

Pickled Jalapeños

A glass jar of pickled jalapenos with a pepper slice on top. — Pickled Jalapeno. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

A jar of Pickled Jalapeños adds a spicy and tangy taste to the top of your Mexican meals, and they are very easy to make at home for extra zest.
Get the recipe: Pickled Jalapeños

Papas a la Mexicana (Mexican-style potatoes)

Two Papas a la Mexicana tacos served on a green plate and surrounded with bowls of potential toppings. — Papas a la Mexicana. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Papas a la Mexicana are Mexican-style potatoes that are cooked until perfectly tender and full of flavor, and they can be served as a side or in tacos.
Get Recipe: Papas a la Mexicana

Chiles Toreados (Blistered Chile Peppers)

Chiles toreados mounted on top of each other. — Chiles Toreados. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

The condiment known as Chiles Toreados are blistered chile peppers that add a lot of depth and heat to Mexican meals, making them a great spicy topping.
Get the recipe: Chiles Toreados (Mexican blistered chile peppers)