Tamales are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right side dishes can turn a simple meal into something special. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting friends for the weekend, or preparing a holiday feast, knowing what to serve with tamales makes putting together a complete meal much easier.
Throughout South Texas, tamales have long been a favorite for family gatherings and celebrations. Their soft masa and flavorful fillings pair beautifully with traditional Mexican side dishes, fresh toppings, and refreshing drinks.
At Delia’s Tamales, we offer a variety of handmade flavors, from classic Pork and Chicken Tamales to specialty varieties like Veracruzano and Sweet Cream Cheese. With a few simple additions, you can create a meal everyone at the table will enjoy.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Tamales
The best sides for tamales complement their rich flavors without overpowering them. Some add freshness and texture, while others make the meal more filling.
Mexican Rice
Mexican rice is one of the most popular side dishes for tamales. Its savory tomato-based flavor pairs well with pork, chicken, and beef fillings.
Serve it alongside a few tamales for a classic South Texas meal that’s easy to prepare for family dinners or larger gatherings.
Refried Beans or Charro Beans
Beans are another traditional favorite that pairs naturally with tamales.
Refried beans provide a creamy texture that complements the soft masa, while charro beans offer a heartier option with a flavorful broth.
Both are excellent choices when serving Pork Tamales or Spicy Chicken Tamales.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
If you’re looking for something with a little extra flavor, Mexican street corn is a great addition.
Elote combines sweet corn with creamy, tangy, and savory ingredients that complement the flavors of traditional tamales.
It’s especially popular for backyard gatherings, weekend cookouts, and casual family meals.
Fresh Guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Fresh toppings and sides help balance the richness of tamales.
Guacamole adds a creamy texture, while pico de gallo provides a refreshing combination of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime.
These options work especially well when you’re serving several tamale flavors and want guests to customize their plates.
Mexican-Style Salad
For a lighter option, consider a fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, corn, and a citrus dressing.
A crisp salad pairs particularly well with spicy tamales and helps create a balanced meal without requiring much additional preparation.
The Best Toppings for Tamales
Tamales are traditionally enjoyed in many different ways, and sometimes the simplest toppings are the best.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider creating a small toppings station with:
- Mild and spicy salsa
- Salsa verde
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Fresh lime wedges
Guests can choose their favorite combinations, making it easy to accommodate different preferences.
For example, salsa verde can complement Chicken Tamales, while a spicy red salsa adds extra heat to Pork Tamales.
What Goes Best with Different Tamale Flavors?
Not every tamale needs the same side dishes. Choosing complementary flavors can make your meal even more enjoyable.
Pork Tamales
Traditional Pork Tamales pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, and red salsa. This combination creates a hearty, familiar meal that works for lunch, dinner, or holiday celebrations.
Chicken Tamales
Chicken Tamales are delicious alongside charro beans, fresh pico de gallo, or a Mexican-style salad.
For extra flavor, try adding salsa verde.
Spicy Tamales
If you’re serving Spicy Pork or Spicy Chicken Tamales, balance the heat with creamy guacamole, sour cream, or refreshing sides.
Veracruzano Tamales
Delia’s Veracruzano Tamales offer a different take on traditional Mexican flavors. Consider pairing them with fresh vegetables, Mexican rice, or a simple salad that allows their distinctive flavor to stand out.
Sweet Cream Cheese Tamales
For something sweet, try serving Sweet Cream Cheese Tamales with coffee or hot chocolate.
They’re a great way to finish a meal or enjoy a special breakfast or afternoon treat.
What Drinks Go Well with Tamales?
The right beverage can make a tamale meal feel complete.
Popular drink pairings include:
- Horchata: A creamy, cinnamon-flavored drink that pairs well with spicy and savory tamales.
- Agua fresca: Refreshing fruit-based drinks such as watermelon or hibiscus.
- Lemonade: A simple option for family meals and outdoor gatherings.
- Iced tea: A South Texas favorite that works with nearly any tamale flavor.
- Mexican soft drinks: A familiar addition to casual meals and celebrations.
- Coffee or hot chocolate: Especially delicious with breakfast tamales or Sweet Cream Cheese Tamales.
Offering a few beverage options allows guests to choose what they enjoy most.
How to Build a Tamale Meal for a Party
Planning a birthday celebration, holiday dinner, graduation party, or family reunion?
Tamales make serving a crowd easier because they’re available in different flavors and can be paired with sides prepared ahead of time.
For a simple party menu, consider serving:
- Two or three varieties of Delia’s Tamales
- Mexican rice
- Refried or charro beans
- Fresh guacamole and salsa
- Chips and pico de gallo
- A selection of refreshing drinks
Offering several tamale flavors allows guests to try something different while keeping the menu manageable.
If you’re unsure how many tamales to order, consider your guest count, whether tamales will be the main course, and how many sides you’ll be serving.
Make Your Next Meal Easy with Delia’s Tamales
Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a special celebration, building a complete tamale meal doesn’t have to be complicated.
Start with your favorite handmade tamales, add a few traditional sides, and finish with fresh toppings and drinks.
Delia’s offers a variety of flavors that make it easy to create a meal for almost any occasion.
Explore our Pork Tamales, Chicken Tamales, Veracruzano Tamales, and other customer favorites, or visit our Order Tamales Online page to plan your next meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Serving Tamales
What are the best side dishes for tamales?
Mexican rice, refried beans, charro beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and elote are popular side dishes that complement traditional tamales.
What should I serve with tamales for dinner?
For a complete dinner, serve tamales with Mexican rice, beans, and a fresh salad or salsa. This combination offers a variety of flavors and textures.
What toppings taste good on tamales?
Popular toppings include red salsa, salsa verde, sour cream, queso fresco, diced onions, cilantro, and jalapeños.
Can tamales be served as a complete meal?
Absolutely. Tamales can be enjoyed on their own or served with rice, beans, vegetables, and other sides for a more substantial meal.
What should I serve with tamales at a party?
A combination of different tamale flavors, Mexican rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and refreshing drinks makes a convenient party menu.
Where can I buy Delia’s Tamales?
Delia’s serves customers at locations in McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, Pharr, San Juan, and San Antonio. You can also order tamales online for convenient ordering options.
Enjoy Your Favorite Tamales from Delia’s
Ready to put together your next tamale meal?
Visit your nearest Delia’s location or order online to explore our handmade flavors. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special occasion, Delia’s makes it easy to bring authentic South Texas flavor to your table.
