Chilean food might not be your go-to ethnic cuisine right now, but that is about to change. I have pulled together a list of 20 recipes that will totally transform your dinner plans.
You will notice hints of Italian and German flavors mixed in with the heavy Spanish influence. Locals love to use ingredients like corn, potatoes, seafood, and beans.
The food is rarely spicy, but it is always packed with big flavor. I am ready to dive into these favorites.
1. Manjar
You have to put in some arm work to make this phenomenal sauce. The stirring is absolutely worth it for the creamy, sweet result.
It reminds me of homemade caramel sauce, but it is actually even creamier. The texture is luscious.
I struggle with self-control around this dip. You might want to eat it straight from the spoon.
I love dipping pretzels in mine for that salty and sweet combo.
2. Country Chilean Bread
I was so skeptical when I first saw how flat this bread looked. It turned out to be a total delight.
Think of it more like a small round sandwich bread than a dinner roll. You can eat these at any time of day.
I think they really shine at breakfast time. Fill them up with eggs and bacon for a spectacular start to your morning.
3. Empanadas de Pino (Chilean Beef Empanadas)
I love empanadas so much. A buttery pastry crust surrounds a savory and warm beef filling.
It is basically the definition of comfort food. Eating these feels just like coming home.
Imagine the warmth of an apple pie but with a delicious savory twist. Yum.
4. Chilean Pumpkin Sopapillas
These five-ingredient treats work perfectly with both sweet and savory toppings. You can drizzle them with honey or whipped cream for dessert.
Try topping them with Chilean salsa pebre for a savory appetizer. I have no idea how they work so well both ways.
They just taste spectacular every time.
5. Completos (Chilean Hot Dogs)
These hot dogs are honestly so much prettier than the ones we see at baseball stadiums. You cook the hot dog normally.
The magic happens with the colorful toppings. Pile on mashed avocados along with tomatoes and onions.
It sounds wild, but the flavors go so well together.
6. Marraqueta
The name literally translates to French bread. These tasty double rolls have a crispy exterior and a fluffy inside.
You only need five ingredients to make them. They are ready in less than an hour.
The thick and yeasty texture works perfectly for mini sandwiches.
7. Chilean Sea Bass
This dish is famous for a reason. It is basically heaven on a plate.
The rich lemon beurre blanc sauce seasons every bite perfectly. The fish is so tender that it practically melts on your tongue.
You barely even have to chew this succulent delicacy. I truly believe even seafood skeptics would love this.
8. Brazo de Reina (Chilean Dulce de Leche Cake)
You can definitely handle this if you have ever made a pumpkin roll. The technique is exactly the same.
You spread the batter on wax paper and bake it until it is airy and spongy.
Dust it with powdered sugar before adding the dulce de leche filling. Roll it into a log and grab a slice before it vanishes.
9. Pebre
This is Chile’s answer to salsa. It has such a bold and clean flavor.
You just need fresh garden ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro. It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up.
I put this on everything from bread to salads.
10. Chilean Thousand Layer Cake
This cake might not actually have a thousand layers, but it sure feels like it. It is crispy and flaky and incredibly sweet.
The layers are packed with dulce de leche and walnuts. It might send you on a sugar high.
I recommend serving it with coffee to balance out that sweetness.
11. Choripan
The name comes from chorizo and bread. There is so much more to this sandwich than just those two ingredients.
It is slathered in chimichurri and plenty of herbs. This is one of the few spicy dishes you will find in Chilean cuisine.
It is the perfect meal for game day with a cold beer.
12. Humitas
This vegan appetizer is a fantastic way to start a big meal. It takes a little prep time.
I actually love that about this recipe. It is a fun bonding experience to make these with your family.
The authentic taste makes all that time well spent.
13. Mote con Huesillos
This is the perfect drink for anyone who loves sugary beverages. It is essentially the Chilean version of lemonade.
You need dried peaches and cooked pearled barley to make it. The texture is chunky and surprisingly filling.
It is exceptionally sweet and perfect for summer.
14. Chilean Chorrillana Fries
These fries look like heartburn waiting to happen. I still want to dive right in and devour them.
They are loaded with eggs and steak and onions. This beats chili cheese fries any day of the week.
I will never turn these down.
15. Chilean Estofado Beef Stew
This dish looks complex and hearty. It actually only takes about 40 minutes to make.
The warm stew is packed with beef and potatoes. A tomato sauce base brings all the savory spices together.
It is perfect for chilly weather.
16. Pastel de Choclo
This corn pie is similar to a shepherd’s pie. The creamy yellow topping covers a lot of interesting ingredients.
You will find beef and chicken mixed with olives and raisins inside. It is a savory and sweet casserole.
The whole family will adore this one.
17. Tres Leches Cake
This is one of the fluffiest cakes you will ever eat. It is incredibly sweet in the best way possible.
The whipped cream topping is pillowy and exquisite. I close my eyes and sigh with every bite.
You can jazz it up with fruit slices or chocolate drizzle if you want.
18. Chilean Alfajores
These thin cookies are buttery and wafer-like. They are the perfect size for a single bite of joy.
Authentic alfajores need a sweet dollop of dulce de leche in the middle. You can also sandwich jam or honey inside.
Some people dip them in chocolate for an extra treat.
19. Chilean Tomato and Onion Salad
Don’t let the total time on this recipe scare you. Most of that is just letting the onions soak in saltwater.
This makes them tender and sweet. You marinate the tomatoes in lime juice and olive oil.
It is a tasty side dish for any meal.
20. Chacarero (Chilean Steak Sandwich)
A fast food burger will never taste the same after you try this. It features a pound of juicy steak on a frica roll.
The crisp green beans add the most amazing crunch. It is tender and bold.
You will wonder why you haven’t been putting green beans on burgers your whole life.