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What to Serve with Carnitas

Published: by nikki · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

There is nothing like the smoky, savory flavor of carnitas. This Mexican-style dish is packed with delicious aromas and flavorful ingredients that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. But have you ever stopped to think about what to serve with carnitas?

In this article, we will explore some great options on what to serve with this classic Mexican pork dish for an even more mouthwatering twist! Keep reading to learn more about how you can turn your next meal featuring carnitas into a truly unforgettable experience!

Collage of four delicious side dishes. The title "What to Serve with Carnitas" is in the center of the collage.

What is carnitas?

Carnitas is a Mexican-style dish that typically consists of pork simmered in oil or lard until it is tender and juicy, then served with any number of accompaniments.

It is often prepared with spices such as cumin, garlic, oregano, and chili powder for added flavor. To top it off, carnitas can also feature tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a truly delicious experience.

How healthy are carnitas?

Carnitas can be a healthy choice depending on how it is prepared. When cooked in lard or vegetable oil, carnitas are not as unhealthy as they might seem due to the higher fat content.

However, using lean cuts of pork and cooking with healthier oils such as olive or avocado oil can help reduce the calorie count while still providing plenty of flavors.

What is the difficulty level of making carnitas?

Carnitas are relatively easy to make and can be a great way to get creative in the kitchen. For beginners, a slow cooker or Instant Pot might be the best option as it requires fewer steps and minimal effort.

As you become more comfortable with carnitas, you can experiment with different flavors and techniques for added complexity.

Traditional options on what to serve with carnitas

The most traditional accompaniment to carnitas is Mexican-style rice, which adds a great balance of flavors and textures to the mix. Refried beans are also a popular option and can be spiced up with roasted peppers, onions, or jalapenos for an added kick.

Corn tortillas are a great way to enjoy your carnitas, and guacamole, salsa verde, or tomatillo sauce are excellent condiments to complete the meal.

Creative options on what to serve with carnitas

If you’re looking for something a bit different than the traditional sides, there are plenty of creative options that can be paired with carnitas. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, squash, or cauliflower are a great way to add some extra nutrition and color to the dish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a Mexican-style slaw with cabbage and red onions for a refreshing contrast. For those who prefer something sweet, a fruit salsa made with mangoes, pineapple, and jicama is sure to be a hit.

Finally, don’t forget the finishing touches. Freshly made corn or flour tortilla chips are an excellent addition and can be used as a scoop for the carnitas or served on the side. If you want something more indulgent, try making some churros or sopapillas for a sweet treat.

No matter what you serve with your carnitas, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all your guests! Try experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to discover the perfect combination for your next meal. With the right side dishes, you can make any carnitas dish even more mouthwatering and delicious!

Our suggestions on what to serve with Carnitas

There are endless options for what to serve with Carnitas. The following are some recipes that my family loves and adores. They are similar recipes that can be made by anyone no matter what your culinary level is. They are perfect for any Mexican dish.

Smoked Guacamole
This easy smoked guacamole recipe is perfect to serve up as a fun and flavorful dip for parties or for dinner on all your Mexican favorites. The smoker adds a special layer of flavor making this dip exceptional.
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Smoked guacamole in a bowl surrounded by yellow and purple corn tortilla chips.
Cheesy Mexican Corn Casserole
This Mexican Corn Casserole has all the bright flavors of Mexican street corn, right off the cob! It is easy-to-make and incredibly delicious. Of all the Mexican street corn recipes out there, I am confident this will be your favorite.
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Copycat Taco Bell Avocado Ranch
Copycat Taco Bell avocado ranch sauce is full of all the flavors we love about the original, but it's even better! It's also easy to make.
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The Ultimate Guacamole
Our recipe for The Ultimate Guacamole is a big hit around here. We serve it regularly as a snack or appetizer. Avocado, tomato, lime, cilantro and more!
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The Ultimate Guacamole
Copycat Taco Bell Salsa Verde
Copycat Taco Bell Salsa Verde is easy to make and brings a delicious flavor to your homemade tacos.
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Creamy Sweet Corn Casserole with Jiffy Mix
Cheesy Sweet Corn Casserole with Jiffy Mix is a quick and easy side dish. The sweet, custardy, and creamy corn casserole is made with Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix.
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Copycat Taco Bell Diablo Sauce
This copycat Taco Bell diablo sauce is just as full of flavor and just as hot as the original. This diablo sauce packs a punch!
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Smoked Salsa
Smoked Salsa is a smoky and creative take on this traditional dip. Pull out your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy a dip of this tasty dip.
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Slow Cooker Mexican Street Corn Casserole
Mexican street corn casserole is so tasty and is a breeze to make. A convenient way of making Elote corn casserole or slow cooker corn casserole, this Mexican corn with cream cheese is perfect all by itself, or as a side to any main. 
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Air Fryer Taco Bell Taquitos
These copycat Taco Bell taquitos in the air fryer are an easy snack to make for all types of occasions. All you need are four easy ingredients and a few minutes to roll them up.
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Hand holding a taco bell taquito with bite missing.
Homemade Taco Bell Nacho Fries Air Fryer
Craving Taco Bell Nacho Fries? Look no further. These copycat Taco Bell nacho fries are crispy, cheesy and delicious! Just like the original only even better. Amped up with a bit of spice, these nacho fries are flavor personified!
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Cream Cheese Corn Casserole with Bacon and Ham
Cream Cheese Corn Casserole is a filling and decadent side dish made with cheese, ham, and bacon. This savory, cheesy corn casserole recipe is loaded with flavor, and is a popular holiday side dish that can be enjoyed anytime.
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Instant Pot Cheesy Broccoli Rice
This Instant Pot cheesy broccoli rice is always a crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and packed full of cheesy flavor, you'll want to make this Instant Pot broccoli cheese rice often!
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Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air fried corn on the cob is a simple and fast way to cook this summer favorite. So tasty, this great side dish is ideal for grill nights or any night of the week
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Savory Corn Muffins with Bacon, Cheese and Onion
This is it if you're looking for the best corn muffin recipe. Savory corn muffins with bacon, cheese, and onion are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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Easy Homemade Tomato Salsa
This Easy Mexican Homemade Tomato Salsa is the perfect blend of juicy tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices. Whether you like it spicy or not, this salsa is loaded with flavor and is perfect appetizer for snack for any occasion
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Easy Tomato Salsa
Cheesy Mexican Hash Brown Casserole
Easy Cheesy Mexican Hash Brown Casserole uses potatoes or frozen hash browns, in oven, slow cooker or grill, breakfast, dinner with hamburger, ham and more!
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Cheesy Mexican Hashbrown Casserole
Homemade Easy Cream Cheese Hot Mexican Corn Dip Recipe
Homemade Easy Cream Cheese Hot Mexican Corn Dip Recipe is luscious, spicy and loaded with flavor. Thanks to the Jalapeno peppers, this dip fires up the taste buds and brings everyone together!
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Red Red Rice
Red Red Rice is an easy side dish that we have been making for years. So different and a tasty change from traditional rice dishes with so many options!
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Red Red Rice
Broccoli Cornbread with Cheese
This Broccoli Cornbread recipe takes classic cornbread up a notch. Broccoli cornbread with cheese is a favorite Southern side that goes with practically anything. The addition of broccoli and Cheddar helps make this cornbread incredibly savory, moist, and oh-so-delicious.
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Scalloped Corn Casserole
This creamy scalloped corn casserole with a buttery Ritz cracker topping requires just a few ingredients and comes together quickly. The savory, versatile corn side dish goes well with holiday dinners, and alongside practically any meal. It's a homey casserole that everyone will love.
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Carnitas is a great way to add some Mexican flavor to your meal. With the right side dishes, you can create an unforgettable experience that your guests will love. There are endless possibilities of what to serve with carnitas including traditional sides like Mexican-style rice and refried beans as well as creative options like roasted vegetables and fruit salsas.

With a little bit of experimentation, you can find the perfect accompaniment for your next meal! So go ahead and get creative with your carnitas recipes!

Collage of four delicious side dishes. The title "What to Serve with Carnitas" is in the center of the collage.

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