What To Serve With Tamales - SmartyPantsKitchen

Appetizers

These are pretty filling, especially with all the fixins’ and side dishes! Here’s some easy appetizer recipes for your tamale dinner!

11. Chips

You can never go wrong with offering a big bowl of yellow corn, blue corn or white corn tortilla chips! There are so many varieties of tortilla chips available at the grocery store – check out Julio’s original and chile lime flavored tortilla chips!

12. Chicharrones

Another favorite “crunchy” chip are Chicharrones!- Also known as pork rinds. These are the dipping chip of choice if your looking for a keto friendly “chip”! You’ll find these on the chip aisle at your local grocer and they come in various flavors!

13. Salsa

Since no two salsas are alike, step beyond the traditional and try something new! Fire roasted salsa, tomatillo salsa, salsa verde or peach salsa! Fredericksburg Farms, out of Fredericksburg, Texas has a nice line of fresh salsa! You can find this brand at most grocers or online.

14. Guacamole

Select a few ripe tomatoes and make fresh guacamole! This is always a great appetizer, especially for those who don’t care for dairy or tomato salsa! Avocados, a little onion, fresh lime juice, and a few other simple ingredients!

15. Queso

There’s nothing better than a little cheesy Mexican dip with some corn or flour tortillas! This recipe takes only 15 minutes and contains real cheese – no Velveeta!

16. Pickled jalapenos

Jalapenos always pair beautifully with tamales and other Mexican dishes! Set out a small bowl of pickled jalapenos and call it done!

17. Candied jalapenos

Sweet jalapenos with a hint of heat – these are a favorite accoutrement to tamales in Texas! Make them from pickled jalapenos with a little sugar and red pepper flakes (or not).

18. Jalapeno Fudge

Even though it’s not really a chocolate – or even sweet- Mexican dish, this easy Jalapeno “fudge” makes a great keto-friendly appetizer! It’s also a good brunch dish, especially with a spicy Bloody Mary and some tater tots!

19. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

If you’re going all out for your Christmas Eve Tamale Dinner, then by all means, serve this quick and easy (and delicious) Mexican Shrimp Cocktail! You can side -tep this recipe by using pre-cooked shrimp, then marinate it in a seasoned tomato juice broth and serve in chilled glasses! A beautiful appetizer always!

20. Creamy Avocado Dip

Ripe avocados, pureed to a smooth consistency with a mild-heat index: a teaspoon of minced jalapeno pepper, garlic, onion, fresh cilantro, ground cumin, salt & pepper! This “no cook” dip is ready in minutes because all you do it put everything in a food processor!