What to Serve with Frito Pie? 11 Best Ideas
There’s just something about that crispy, salty, gooey goodness that makes Frito pie irresistible. And while Frito pie is definitely a meal in and of itself, there’s no harm in spicing things up with a few delicious side dishes. Even the biggest fans get a little tired of always eating the same thing. So I’ve been hunting for some tasty side dishes to serve with Frito pie.
Frito pie pairs well with refried beans, guacamole and salsa sauces, various types of vegetables, black beans, and fresh and main salads. It also goes well with potato dishes, grilled corn and corn-based dishes, apple coleslaw, zucchini fires, and of course, cheeses.
In this article, I’ll share some of my favorite recipes for easy side dishes that pair perfectly with Frito pie. So whether you’re looking for a savory side or something a little sweet and indulgent, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn more!
Refried Beans
I think these Mexican-style refried beans make a great side dish for Frito pie because they’re hearty and flavorful. They add some protein and fiber to the meal, which is a great way to round out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Plus, they’re effortless to make. Just cook up some beans in a saucepan, then mash them up with a potato masher or fork. You can add a little bit of salt and pepper to taste or any other seasonings that you like, as well as some olive oil and/or butter. Give it a try!
Guacamole for Topping
Another Mexican side dish complements Frito pie perfectly. For avocado lovers, guacamole is the perfect topping for their favorite pie. It adds a creamy and rich flavor to the dish, as well as some healthy fats. [1]
While I feel I say this a lot, it is true that preparing guacamole is really straightforward and can be prepared in a few minutes. All it takes is to mash some ripe avocados and add salt. Then, sprinkle a bit of lemon juice, and it’s done. If you feel like adding some extra flavor, you can also add ingredients like tomato, onion, or chilis.
Baked Potato Dishes
A classic side dish to a Frito Pie would be the baked potato, and there are plenty of ways to take this classic up a notch. Some of my favorites include potato halves stuffed with bacon, a bit of butter or oil, and some shredded cheese and then baked in the oven until everything is crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Another option is to slice your potato lengthwise about ¼ inch thick but doesn’t fully cut it apart. Instead, fan out the slices to get all those delicious layers. Top with butter or oil mixed with herbs and spices, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and bake until crispy – yum!
Grilled Corn With Chili Powder
If you’re looking for a side that’s easy to make and adds a little more spice to your meal, look no further than grilled corn with chili powder. All you need to do is shuck the corn, coat it in olive oil, and then sprinkle on some chili powder. Once you’ve got it all prepped, throw it onto your grill for about 10 minutes or until it starts to caramelize. The result? Sweet, spicy, and smoky deliciousness!
And if you really want to kick things up a notch, don’t be afraid to add a bit of lime juice or garlic powder for an extra pop of flavor. Plus, grilled corn goes great with any kind of cheese sauce, representing a match made in heaven for the ultimate Frito pie experience.
Refried Black Beans With Queso Fresco Topping
Although the basic preparation of refried beans can be enough most of the time, why not try this improved recipe whenever you feel like serving something a bit more complex? This is a perfect savory side dish to add to your Frito pie. Refried black beans with a queso fresco topping can’t be beaten. This combination packs some serious flavor into every bite.
To start, cook some black beans. I typically don’t season them because queso fresco will add plenty of flavors, but if you like spice, feel free to add some cumin, oregano, chili powder, or any other favorite seasonings. Once the beans are cooked through, mash them with a potato masher and fry in a bit of oil for about five minutes until the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Then it’s time for the topping! Grab some queso fresco, and sprinkle it over the top of the beans. Put in the oven at 350°F (175°C) just until cheese turns golden brown, about 10 minutes or so.
Cilantro and Lime Crema Sauce
I always like to serve my Frito pie with a little extra something on the side, and there’s nothing quite like creamy cilantro and lime crema sauce. It’s the perfect balance of acidic brightness and herbal depth.
All you need is a food processor or blender to make the sauce. Add some cilantro leaves and lime juice, then blend with garlic, jalapeno peppers, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, and water. The result is a smooth, creamy sauce with just the right kick!
It can be used as an accompaniment to your Frito pie or as a dip for chips. I also love adding it to tacos – it adds an extra layer of flavor that takes your whole meal up a notch!
Vegetable Sides Such as Roasted Peppers or Jalapeños
Roasted peppers or jalapeños add a nice kick of flavor, and their bright colors can really make the plate pop.
For roasted peppers, I recommend bell peppers, which are sweet and slightly smoky, and you could go with green, red, yellow, or even a mix. Once they’re roasted, chop them up and toss them in olive oil and salt. Then just sprinkle them over your Frito Pie before serving.
If you want something with a bit more spice to it, try roasting jalapeños instead. You can either slice them into thin rounds or cut them into quarters and if you’re brave enough, leave the seeds in for some extra heat! Again, give them a quick toss in olive oil and salt before serving.
Shredded Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Onions
One of my favorite combinations for Frito pie is shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced onions. It’s simple, but the flavors work so well together. Plus, it’s a great way to add some freshness and crunch to the dish.
This is the way to go if you’re looking for a way to take your Frito pie up a notch. Just make sure to season your lettuce and tomatoes with a little bit of salt and pepper, and you’re good to go.
Salads, Salads, Salads
There are endless possibilities for salads, and I love experimenting with flavors and textures to create something unique. My favorite salads to serve with Frito pie are ones with a Mexican twist.
For example, I might start with a bed of fresh greens and add diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and jalapeños. Then I’ll add a flavorful dressing, like some honey-lime vinaigrette. This is the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of Mexico while still getting your greens in.
Of course, Caesar salad, purple veggies salad, and any other type of salad that you usually prefer will work well with this pie!
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini fries are a great side to serve with Frito pie. They’re simple to make, and you only need a few ingredients. You will need a zucchini, all-purpose flour, seasonings like salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oil, bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Mix the flour and spices in a shallow bowl. Place the zucchini fries in the mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Then, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Place the zucchini fries in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. In another shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the zucchini fries before serving.
Apple Coleslaw
For the apple coleslaw, you’ll need mayonnaise, sweet relish, granny smith apples, apple cider vinegar, dried dill, and freshly ground black pepper.
Start by placing two granny smith apples in a medium bowl and grate them with a box grater. Add some mayonnaise and one tablespoon of sweet relish to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly combined. Add two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one teaspoon of dried dill, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper in a separate bowl.
Whisk until everything is incorporated, then slowly pour the mixture into the coleslaw. Mix one final time to combine all the ingredients and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
