22 South American Recipes That Are Bursting With Color, Flavor, and History
South American cuisine is a vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and bold flavors that span mountains, jungles, and coastlines. These 22 authentic recipes showcase the rich diversity of the continent—each dish telling a story through its spices, textures, and regional roots. From hearty stews to colorful street food, there’s something here to excite every palate. Get ready to explore a culinary journey as exciting as the landscapes it comes from!
Easy Cocadas (Coconut Macaroons) Recipe
Cocadas are a cookie made with coconut, sweetened condensed milk and (optional) macadamia nuts! This recipe is quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious. This recipe is a great gluten free treat as well.
Pastel de Choclo Recipe from Chile
A hearty and filling dinner, this warm casserole is the Chilean version of a shepherd’s pie. Filled with beef, chicken and eggs and topped with a delicious corn topping, Pastel de Choclo is a great introduction to Chilean comfort food.
Passion Fruit Mousse
Passion Fruit Mousse is an airy, sweet, and tangy dessert made with just 4 ingredients. Quick and easy to make, it’s a popular Brazilian dessert known as Mousse de Maracuja. Use fresh or frozen passionfruit pulp and serve this tropical treat poolside or at a summer BBQ!
Coxinha (Brazilian Chicken Croquettes Recipe)
Coxinha is a popular Brazilian street food that consists of a dough shaped into a little drumstick filled with well-seasoned shredded chicken, breaded, and then deep-fried until crispy and golden brown. They are the most famous Brazilian chicken croquettes (a national culinary marvel)!
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos Rancheros is a classic Mexican breakfast that will leave you more than satisfied. Crisp corn tortillas, topped with a bed of black beans, a fried egg, homemade ranchero sauce, and delicious toppings. This recipe is a savory breakfast dream!
Guyanese Pepperpot
Pepperpot is a Guyanese dish that is the pride and joy of the country. It is made by cooking a combination of beef and pork together with a unique Guyanese ingredient, Cassareep.
Shrimp Empadinhas from Brazil
Shrimp Empadinhas from Brazil are a perfect appetizer to please at a party. They are mini pot pies stuffed with a shrimp and tomato-based filling.
Albondigas Soup (Mexican Meatball Soup)
Albondigas Soup is a hearty Mexican meatball soup with a simple soup base made of diced tomatoes, chipotle salsa, and broth.
Alfajores Argentinos
Alfajores Argentinos are popular sandwich cookies from Argentina made with simple shortbread dough and stuffed with rich dulce de leche. This simple, melt-in-your-mouth cookie is perfect for an afternoon treat or a gift and is easy to make at home!
Churrasco Steak Sandwich from Chile
This sandwich from Chile features delicious churrasco steak. You can cook the steak in a cast iron skillet and then layer it on a sandwich with avocado, tomatoes, and mayonnaise!
Açaí Bowl
Indulge in a tropical paradise with this Acai Bowl recipe. Blend together acai powder, banana, mango, pineapple, and creamy peanut butter, then add your favorite toppings like coconut macaroon granola, fresh fruits, and chia seeds for a delightful breakfast treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Argentinian Chimichurri Recipe
This Argentinian Chimichurri is made with parsley, olive oil, garlic, and red chili peppers. It is perfectly flavored for pouring over a churrasco steak or flavoring up some vegetables with a delicious taste of Argentina!
Brigadeiro Recipe
This Brigadeiro Recipe shows you how to make the chocolate fudge balls that are a sentimental and history-filled dessert in Brazil. They are made with sweetened condensed milk and are normally topped with sprinkles!
Arepa Recipe From Colombia
Arepas are a delicious, warm Colombian dish that are easy to grab and go and can be customized to your liking. These toasty little pockets of dough make an excellent breakfast, snack, or can be stuffed with cheese and meat for a quick lunch.
Brazo de Reina Recipe from Chile
This Brazo de Reina recipe is a popular Chilean dessert made by rolling dulce de leche into a sponge cake. It has been a favorite on my blog for over 5 years!
Feijoada from Brazil
Feijoada is a thick, rich black bean stew, stuffed with several different kinds of pork and beef. The result is a dish that is delicious, warm, and comforting. It’s also the national dish of Brazil and a recipe worth sampling!
Hot Chocolate with Cheese
This Colombian Hot Chocolate with Cheese is a very common and delicious drink in Colombia! The hot chocolate is rich, and the cheese makes the drink creamy!
Instant Pot Dulce de Leche Recipe
Dulce de Leche is popular in many countries in the Caribbean and South America. It is similar to caramel, but is made only of sweetened condensed milk that has been boiled for a long period of time.
Homemade Tostones
Tostones (AKA Patacones) are twice-fried plantains that are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. Vaguely reminiscent of a thick potato chip, they are best enjoyed with salt. Here’s a tostones recipe that you can make at home!
Brazilian Açaí Bowls (Açaí na Tigela)
Açaí na tigela, or Brazilian Açaí Bowls as it is more widely known, is a tropical Brazilian fruit blended into a thick smoothie and topped with a variety of fresh fruit. This tropical treat makes a filling and delicious breakfast or snack!
Espumillas
Espumillas are a delicious meringue and fruit based dessert popular across Ecuador. You can make this popular street food at home! Choose whatever fruit you’d like to customize your experience.
Easy Beef Empanada Recipe from Argentina
Empanadas are fried pockets of dough filled with meat, vegetables and spices. They are popular all around the world and once you’ve mastered making them at home you will understand why!
