Hosting a burrito bar for dinner can be a fun and filling meal option. However, while burritos make a satisfying entree, you’ll want to round out the meal with some tasty sides to create a complete burrito bar spread. Here are some serving suggestions for delicious accompaniments to serve alongside build-your-own burritos.
Appetizers
Start off your burrito bar meal with some appetizers to set the mood. Some good options include:
- Chips and salsa – A Mexican restaurant staple, chips and salsa are an obvious choice. Provide an assortment of salsas for different levels of heat.
- Queso dip – Ooey, gooey cheese dip is hard to resist. Serve it with tortilla chips for scooping.
- Guacamole – Fresh guacamole makes a nice change from salsa. Let people build their own guac at the table.
- Quesadillas – Get a head start on the main event by serving slices of simple cheese quesadillas or quesadillas filled with veggies.
Sides
Sides are essential for rounding out a burrito bar spread. Here are some savory options:
- Rice – No burrito bar is complete without rice. Steamed white rice or flavorful Spanish rice are both winners. Allow about 1/2 cup uncooked rice per person.
- Beans – Hearty beans are another burrito bar essential. Black or pinto beans simmered with onions, garlic, and spices are an easy crowd-pleaser.
- Refried beans – For a creamier texture, refried beans are the way to go. Jazz them up with onions, peppers, or cheese.
- Mexican corn – Grilled corn sautéed with chili powder, cilantro and cotija cheese makes a delicious accompaniment.
- Slaw – Crunchy slaw provides texture contrast. Make it southwestern-style with lime and cilantro dressing.
For a one-stop sides bar, set up a taco bar with dishes of rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and other toppings so people can customize their sides too.
Drinks
Provide a selection of beverages to quench thirsts with a burrito bar buffet. Possibilities include:
- Fruit-infused water – Cucumber, lemon, lime, watermelon, pineapple – take your pick of refreshing fruit flavors for infused waters.
- Aguas frescas – Sweet Mexican drinks like horchata, tamarindo or jamaica are perfect for a fiesta.
- Margaritas – What’s a Mexican feast without margaritas? Offer on the rocks or frozen versions.
- Beer – Mexican lagers like Corona, Dos Equis or Modelo Especial pair nicely with burritos.
- Jarritos – These Mexican sodas offer fun fruity flavors like mandarin, lime, pineapple and guava.
Desserts
Finish off your meal with something sweet. Desserts to consider include:
- Churros – Fried dough coated in cinnamon and sugar – what’s not to love? Serve with dipping sauces like chocolate or dulce de leche.
- Sopapillas – Another classic Mexican fried dough dessert. Dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey.
- Flan – Silky, sweet custard makes an elegant final course.
- Tres leches cake – The “three milks” in this cake make it decadently moist.
- Fruit salad – A lighter option of fresh mixed fruit in a honey-lime dressing.
Menu Ideas
Here are some complete burrito bar menu lineups:
| Menu 1 | Menu 2 | Vegetarian Menu |
|---|---|---|
|
Appetizer: Chips and salsa Sides: Spanish rice, refried beans, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes Drinks: Horchata, Jarritos Dessert: Churros |
Appetizer: Guacamole and quesadillas Sides: Cilantro lime rice, black beans, grilled corn, shredded cheese Drinks: Margaritas, fruit-infused water Dessert: Sopapillas |
Appetizer: Guacamole Sides: Mexican cauliflower rice, refried pinto beans, sautéed peppers and onions, diced avocado Drinks: Aguas frescas, Mexican sodas Dessert: Fruit salad |
Conclusion
With a variety of appetizers, sides, drinks and desserts accompanying a DIY burrito bar spread, you’re sure to have a fiesta-worthy Mexican meal. Rice, beans, salsas and toppings are fundamental, while quesadillas, tacos, slaws and grilled veggies can round things out. Don’t forget drinks like margaritas and aguas frescas. Finally, finish with classic Mexican sweets like churros or flan. With the right balance of cookies, your burrito bar will be a hit!