17 Dipping Sauces for Empanadas (+ Best Recipes)

These sauces for empanadas might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for!

Everyone knows a perfectly cooked empanada is a treat in itself. But add the right sauce, and you elevate it to an entirely new level of deliciousness. 

For newcomers and seasoned empanada lovers, there’s always a fresh combination to explore. 

This guide spotlights 17 standout sauces, each offering something different. From earthy and spicy to rich and creamy, there’s a sauce for every palate.

Get ready to turn a simple meal into a memorable feast.

Best Sauces for Empanadas

These tempting sauces are the empanada’s best companions. Let’s get this show on the road!

1. Chipotle Mayo

Kick your empanadas up a notch with this zesty chipotle mayo. 

This smoky chipotle and creamy mayo fusion brings a spicy twist to your dip game. 

You can use it beyond empanadas, too! Burgers, sandwiches, and fries get an instant upgrade with this sauce. 

Whip it up in 5 minutes and store leftovers in the fridge.

2. Peruvian Green Sauce

Vibrant and flavorful, this sauce is the spicy essence of Peruvian cuisine. 

It’s traditionally paired with roasted chicken or grilled meats, but this green sauce shines brightly with empanadas, too. 

The core consists of cilantro, hot pepper, garlic, and mayo. With a hint of mustard and red onion, it’s taken to new heights. 

This bright and bold sauce is definitely a stand out.

3. Salsa Taquera Roja

Salsa taquera roja is a beloved choice at Mexican restaurants.

It’s a blend of chiles de árbol, tomatoes, white onion, and garlic. This sauce adds a zesty edge your empanadas have been craving. 

Its color, ranging from deep red to vibrant orange, indicates its spice level. The more chiles, the redder and spicier the sauce! Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

4. Chimichurri Sauce

Straight from Argentina and Uruguay, chimichurri is the zesty green sauce your empanadas are missing. 

Made from fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, and olive oil, it packs a punch without overwhelming the palate. 

It’s perfect as a brush-on, a side dip, or even a marinade. It complements meat and fish dishes beautifully. 

But with empanadas, it’s pure harmony. 

5. Cilantro Lime Sauce

Combine cilantro and lime. Then, mix in olive oil, avocado, green onion, garlic, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and you get this creamy sauce wonder. 

It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with tacos, burrito bowls, and eggs. It takes empanadas over the top!

Offering a tangy and refreshing dip, it’s a must-try for all empanada lovers.

6. Homemade Salsa

Salsa has a zesty blend of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices we all love. 

The key to perfecting it is to use a mix of fresh and canned ingredients. 

Fresh elements add zest and brightness, while canned ones deepen the flavor, steering clear of that store-bought taste. 

With empanadas, this salsa introduces a juicy, tangy dimension.

7. Homemade Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is mayonnaise with garlic and lemon or other twists. 

With roots in Spain and France, it’s a global favorite!

Mixed up in minutes, its robust flavor makes it more than just a sandwich spread. 

Pair it with empanadas and expect a creamy, garlicky kick that elevates every bite.

8. Jalapeno Ranch

Sour cream teams up with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños to create this addictive sauce. 

It has simple ingredients with big flavors! 

Forget the store-bought stuff, as this homemade jalapeno ranch beats them all. 

With empanadas, it’s a tangy and spicy combo you can’t resist.

9. Best Mango Chutney

Mango chutney packs a punch with fresh mango and vibrant spices. 

It’s made of fresh mango, ginger, garlic, red chilies, sugar, and a medley of spices cooked slowly until reduced to a sticky delight. 

When you smear this on empanadas, the sweetness of mangoes complements the savory filling, creating a flavor explosion. 

10. Mexican Adobo Sauce

Mexican adobo sauce blends ancho and guajillo peppers, delivering a spicy, smoky punch. 

Think of it as Mexico’s culinary secret weapon. It’s traditionally used to marinate meats or flavor dishes. But try it with empanadas, too! 

The smoky kick pairs flawlessly with savory fillings, turning every empanada into a zesty fiesta. 

11. Spicy Habanero Salsa

Habanero salsa brings a fire you can’t forget. The small orange peppers offer a memorable burn!

But it’s a friendly fire, especially when paired with the flavorful kick of jalapenos. The two peppers together create a dance of heat and taste. 

Empanadas love this salsa. With every dip, the zesty heat meets the savory filling.

12. Aji Amarillo Sauce

Aji amarillo sauce brings Peruvian flair straight to your plate. 

Made from the iconic yellow chili pepper, this sauce combines spicy notes with creamy, tangy undertones. 

Imagine mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and feta cheese seamlessly with aji amarillo paste’s unique kick. 

Your empanadas will shine even brighter when dipped into this zesty, vibrant sauce.

13. Romesco Sauce

Hailing from Spain’s Tarragona, romesco sauce is a burst of roasted tomato and pepper goodness. 

This recipe uses accessible ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red bell peppers. 

Add a hint of smoked paprika, and you’ve got a vibrant delight. Pair it with empanadas to make every bite unforgettable.

14. Mole Sauce

As Mexico’s national dish, mole sauce transforms simple ingredients into culinary gold. 

Mole means “sauce” in the ancient Aztec language. It marries dried chiles, peanuts, sesame seeds, chocolate, and spices like cinnamon and anise. 

Paired with empanadas, the rich flavors of this thick sauce enrich the dish.

15. Honey Mustard Sauce

Whip up honey mustard sauce in minutes using pantry favorites! 

It’s a simple blend of honey, mustard, mayo, and vinegar.

It’s perfect for chicken nuggets, but this sauce doesn’t just stop there. It’s a versatile condiment you’ll want on everything.

Drizzle it on empanadas to get that sweet-meets-savory profile.

16. Green Chili Sauce

Green chili sauce combines the punch of Anaheim and jalapeno peppers with the tang of tomatillos. 

Throw in onions, garlic, and a touch of cilantro for a flavorful treat. 

Whether splashed onto empanadas or paired with chips, it brings life to every bite.

It’s fresh, spicy, and tantalizing. This sauce transforms any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

17. Homemade Salsa Verde

This homemade salsa verde delivers a burst of freshness. 

It’s made from ripe tomatillos, spicy jalapeños, crisp onions, and vibrant cilantro. Each batch is a unique flavor journey. 

When drizzled on empanadas, this sauce adds a bright kick you can’t resist. 

Unlike store-bought options, this homemade salsa verde showcases pure, natural ingredients.