Cinco De Mayo Recipes

The festival of Cinco de Mayo is a fun, food-filled celebration both in Mexico and here in the States. To help you get your Mexican-themed party underway, I've gathered my favorite authentic Mexican and Mexican-inspired dishes for you.

Appetizers

Start your Cinco de Mayo celebrations out right by serving plenty of awesome appetizers. This variety offers something for everyone with a wide range of flavorful favorites.

1. Nachos Supreme

Nachos like this pile all of your favorite toppings onto crispy tortilla chips to make an appetizer or meal that everyone loves. I serve mine on small baking sheets so everyone can individualize their toppings (like a nacho bar!).

2. Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Quick and easy is the theme with these air fryer jalapeno poppers. They're tasty, and nothing is quicker than popping a frozen snack food into your air fryer.

3. Prime Rib Tostadas

Have some tender leftover prime rib, roast beef, or steak on hand? Try these fantastic bite-sized tostadas to get the party started.

4. Coctel de Camarones

A fantastic Mexican shrimp cocktail appetizer that impresses all seafood fans. If you love shrimp and Mexican food, then you're sure to love the fresh flavors of this dish.

5. Lobster Jalapeno Poppers

Sticking with the seafood theme, you're also sure to love these amazingly delicious lobster poppers. The creamy filling is studded with tender pieces of cooked lobster tail and accented with a bit of lemon zest.

Chips & Dip

What's a Mexican-themed dinner or get-together without chips and dip?! These amazingly delicious salsa recipes, dips, and chips are perfect for Cinco de Mayo parties.

6. 7-Layer Dip

Perfect for parties, this 7-layer dip has something for everyone. Layers of beans, sour cream, guac, salsa, cheese, and tomatoes are topped with sliced black olives for the most delicious taco dip that can be enjoyed warm or cold.

7. Salsa Verde

My salsa verde is made with fresh tomatillos and just the right amount of jalapeno for flavor and heat. If you are looking to switch things up from a traditional red salsa, or you like to offer multiple salsa choices, this salsa verde is always a crowd-pleaser. 

8. Homemade Guacamole

This homemade guacamole recipe is beginner-friendly and full of flavor. Even my daughter can whip it up on her own (which we do frequently, as it is a household favorite).

My creamy guacamole and super tasty hatch chile guacamole also deserve a mention.

9. Pico de Gallo

Everyone should know how to make a simple yet delicious pico de gallo. It can be used as a dip on its own or to top all your favorite Mexican-inspired recipes.

10. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

For all these incredible dips, you’ll need some incredible chips (incredibly easy, that is!). You can make restaurant-quality tortilla chips in minutes with just some corn tortillas and your air fryer.

11. Rotel Dip

Rich and creamy Rotel dip is always a part of our Cinco de Mayo spread. This simple blend of creamy Velveeta cheese, canned RoTel tomatoes with chiles, and ground beef always has a crowd around it at every get-together.

12. Cream Cheese Salsa Dip

This 2-ingredient party dip is completely customizable using your favorite salsa. The zest of the salsa and coolness of the cream cheese combine for a creamy, flavorful chip dip that can be made in a flash.

13. Fresh Mango Salsa

This bright and refreshing salsa made with fresh mangos is the perfect topping for chips, tacos, and more. It's super easy and can be made the night before and refrigerated. My fresh pineapple salsa is just as deliciously fruity!

14. Salsa Roja

This classic red salsa is a must-have for any Mexican dinner at my house. It's an easy, made-from-scratch recipe where you can really taste the difference between fresh and store-bought salsa.

Try making perfectly crisp air fryer tortilla chips from scratch with my homemade flour tortillas.

MAINS - Tacos, Taquitos, Tostadas

Tacos, tacos, and more tacos. All you need for a great party is a build-your-own taco bar where everyone can pick their favorite toppings.

15. Shredded Chicken Tacos

Chicken is cooked until fall-apart-tender, then mixed with a fresh salsa roja to make a taco filling you can’t resist. Whether you like corn tortillas or flour, you can add all your favorite toppings and make these tacos your own.

16. Ground Venison Tacos

Not only are ground venison tacos a great way to use up any meat left over from deer season, but they're also delicious. Perfectly seasoned venison with a little lime juice pairs wonderfully with all the traditional taco toppings.  

17. Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos (A.K.A. Tacos de Birria) include a savory goat stew that is the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, sour, and smoky. Enjoy birria as a traditional taco filling, or make Quesatacos by dunking your tacos in the delicious stew broth, filling them with cheese, and pan-frying until irresistibly crispy.

18. Prime Rib Taquitos

Leftover prime rib taquitos are often an after-holiday treat around here. What’s not to love about crispy corn tortillas and melted cheddar cheese wrapped around some hearty prime rib roast? And they are so easy to make.

19. Tacos Dorados

Tacos Dorados are also referred to as ‘golden tacos’ because the shell is fried to crispy golden perfection. I fill mine with juicy ground beef and all the usual taco toppings, but it’s the homemade hard shell that makes these tacos extra special.

20. Albondigas Tacos

Albondigas are Mexican meatballs that are delicious served tapas style, in soup (recipe listed below), or in tacos. These tacos require few toppings because the meatballs have all the flavor you need.

21. Pork Tacos

These quick and easy tacos repurpose leftover ham for an easy 15-minute meal. Perfect for frozen pork you've stashed away from Easter leftovers.

See my full collection of taco recipes here. For my side dish suggestions, see what to serve with tacos.

MAINS - Quesadillas & Burritos

If you ask me, these tasty quesadillas and burritos are where it's at. Burritos are a long-time personal favorite meal-on-the-go for me. Yum.

22. Air Fryer Quesadillas

These 3-ingredient beef quesadillas are a hit with kids and adults alike. They take very little prep and can be cooked until delightfully crispy by just tossing them in your air fryer.

23. Prime Rib Burrito

These savory leftover prime rib burritos are great on Cinco de Mayo or any holiday for anyone with a hearty appetite. Loaded with juicy prime rib, cilantro lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, guac, and cheese, you may just need a nap after lunch.

24. Fajita Quesadillas

Everything you love about fajitas sandwiched in a flour tortilla with cheese and cooked until crispy on the outside. These are a huge upgrade from your basic cheese quesadillas, or try my tasty steak quesadillas.

25. Corn Tortilla Quesadillas

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make perfectly crispy quesadillas on the stovetop. I fill mine with cheese and use the quesadillas as a vessel for all my favorite dips and sauces, but you could easily add beef, chicken, or whatever you please.

26. Leftover Prime Rib Quesadillas

The only thing better than melted cheese in a crispy tortilla is melted cheese and tender prime rib in a crispy tortilla. Any of my leftover prime rib recipes are delicious, but these prime rib quesadillas with a little salsa roja have to be my favorite. 

27. Prime Rib Breakfast Burritos

You could serve leftover prime rib breakfast burritos on Cinco de Mayo, but they are even better the next day after fully enjoying the Mexican feast. Take one bite of this burrito stuffed with prime rib, eggs, avocado, rice, beans, and cheese, and be completely satisfied.

For my side dish suggestions, see what to serve with quesadillas.

MAINS - Casseroles

If you're feeding a crowd a full dinner, check out these tasty Tex-Mex casseroles. They're easy to assemble and don't need any side dishes.

28. Doritos Chicken Casserole

This quick and cheesy Doritos casserole is so simple to make. You can enjoy it any day of the week. Crushed nacho cheese Doritos make up the crust and topping of this fun, indulgent casserole the whole family will love.

29. Beef Enchilada Casserole

All the components of classic beef enchiladas in an easy-to-assemble casserole. There's seasoned ground beef, cheese, green chiles, onions, tomatoes, and my homemade red enchilada sauce.

30. Mexican Cornbread Casserole

This Mexican cornbread casserole will be one of your most requested recipes, thanks to the perfectly seasoned ground beef and melted cheese sandwiched between 2 layers of fluffy cornbread. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s incredibly filling.

31. Ground Beef Mexican Casserole

My ground beef Mexican casserole is like an entire Mexican-inspired dinner in one dish. Tortilla chips, taco-seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, and melted cheese are baked in the oven. It's everything you could want from a casserole.

32. Walking Taco Casserole

A play on the popular ‘walking tacos’ found at the fair, this casserole is full of many cheeses, taco-seasoned ground beef, onion, chilis, and Doritos. Add your favorite toppings and customize it to your family’s liking.

33. Nacho Cheese Doritos Casserole

If you haven’t noticed by now, we love Doritos and love incorporating them into easy dinners. Layers of Doritos, ground beef, sweet creamed corn, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and lots of melted cheese come together to make an irresistible casserole the whole family will enjoy.

34. Crockpot Enchilada Casserole

I love crockpot casserole recipes because you can toss in the ingredients and go about your day, knowing dinner will be ready and waiting. This easy enchilada casserole is one of my favorites. Add fresh avocado, black olives, sour cream, or your favorite toppings at the end.

MAINS - Enchiladas

Enchiladas are another classic Mexican entree for fiestas and family dinners alike. From shrimp to beef and simple but delicious cheese enchiladas, they never disappoint.

35. Turkey Enchiladas

I like making these easy, cheesy enchiladas with Turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving, but they are equally delicious on Cinco de Mayo. Turkey offers a welcome change from the usual beef and chicken enchiladas, and everyone will enjoy trying something new.

36. Cheese Enchiladas

A classic for a reason, cheese enchiladas are so incredibly satisfying and allow your favorite sauces and toppings to take center stage. Sometimes, simple is best, and cheese enchiladas are proof. 

37. Shrimp Enchiladas

If seafood is more your vibe, these shrimp enchiladas are everything you could ask for. Tender shrimp, corn, tomatoes, and onions are all rolled up in tortillas and then topped with a savory red enchilada sauce.

38. Chicken Enchiladas

You can’t go wrong with chicken enchiladas, and they are an easy way to feed a crowd. I enjoy making mine with homemade flour tortillas stuffed with cheese, corn, green chilis, and tender, fall-apart cilantro lime chicken thighs. 

39. Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

My sour cream chicken enchiladas are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a great addition to any Cinco de Mayo dinner menu. Tender shredded chicken is wrapped in tortillas, smothered in a rich sour cream sauce, and baked to perfection.

For my side dish suggestions, see what to serve with enchiladas.

MAINS - Fajitas

Skip the tortillas, and fajitas make a great high-protein, low-carb dinner option.

40. Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet pan fajitas are one of my go-to last-minute meals. Toss your veggies and shrimp together, put them on a baking sheet, and dinner is served in 20 minutes or less.

41. Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas

If you aren’t a fan of shrimp, these steak fajitas are just as easy and equally delicious. It’s a one-pan meal the whole family will love, with almost no prep time and quick cleanup.

42. Chicken Fajitas

These sizzling chicken fajitas are a classic Mexican meal with chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned to perfection. Serve them with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for an easy Cinco de Mayo meal.

43. Steak Fajitas

Tender strips of marinated beef, vibrant peppers, and onions come together for a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish. It's perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo with bold flavors in every bite.

44. Shrimp Fajitas

These quick and easy shrimp fajitas are packed with zesty seasoning and fresh veggies, making them a light yet satisfying Cinco de Mayo favorite. Serve with tortillas, rice, or over a salad.

For my side dish suggestions, see what to serve with fajitas.

MAINS - Meat For Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, & More

Mexican food is very meat-centric, and a good meaty filling makes for the best tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, you name it.

45. Carne Asada

This carne asada is marinated with my carne asada marinade and grilled for a juicy, flavorful steak that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos. It’s a must-have for any Cinco de Mayo celebration with its bold and authentic Mexican flavor.

46. Picadillo Mexicano

Picadillo Mexicano is a hearty meat and potato dish that is incredibly versatile. It can be served with eggs at breakfast time, in burritos, over rice, in tacos, you name it.

47. Arrachera

This arrachera (Mexican skirt steak) is marinated in a zesty blend of spices, citrus, and garlic, then grilled to tender, juicy perfection. It’s perfect for tacos or as a main course on your Cinco de Mayo menu.

48. Ground Beef Taco Meat

This seasoned ground beef taco meat is quick, easy, and perfect for feeding a crowd on Cinco de Mayo. Use it in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, or taco salads.

49. Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas

My easy, hands-off pulled pork recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Pork carnitas make wonderful tacos but can also be enjoyed over a steamy bowl of rice, a salad, or a sandwich.

50. Carne Picada

Carne picada is a flavorful and budget-friendly dish made with chopped or minced beef, cooked with savory seasonings and peppers. It’s an easy way to bring bold Mexican flavor to your table.

51. Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Cheeks

There’s no need to wait for Cinco de Mayo to whip up some incredible beef cheeks. It is so easy to make, the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, and the meat is so tender people will think you spent hours cooking it. 

More Hearty Main Dishes

If you still haven't found what 'hits the spot' maybe one of these hearty Mexican-inspired meals will do the trick.

52. Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Your favorite Taco Bell menu item, but made from the comfort of your kitchen. This simple tortilla pizza recipe features perfectly seasoned ground beef sandwiched between two crispy tortillas, topped with melted cheese and your choice of toppings.

53. Torta

This classic Mexican torta layers savory meats, fresh toppings, and creamy spreads on a soft bolillo roll. It’s a satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner plans.

54. Chorizo Mussels

My chorizo mussels are simmered in a bold, spicy broth infused with smoky chorizo, garlic, and wine. Serve them with crusty bread for a delicious seafood entree.

55. Taco-Stuffed Shells

Taco-stuffed shells combine the best of Mexican flavors and Italian pasta, filled with seasoned beef, salsa, and melted cheese. This fun and filling twist on taco night is always a hit for kids and adults.

56. Chicken Burrito Bowl

This chicken burrito bowl is loaded with juicy chicken, cilantro-lime rice, black beans, and your favorite toppings. It’s a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-customize meal.

Soups & Salads

Looking for some lighter fare before enjoying more Cinco de Mayo festivities? These flavorful soups and salads offer an incredibly tasty alternative.

57. Doritos Taco Salad 

If you fancy yourself a salad but want to enjoy all the fun flavors of our other Dorito dishes, this Doritos taco salad is for you. Taco seasoned ground beef, crisp lettuce, cheese, and Catalina dressing make for a tasty salad that still feels indulgent.

58. Albondigas Soup 

Albondigas soup is a classic Mexican meatball soup with a rich tomato and beef broth. This savory soup is comforting and warms the soul.  

59. Caldo de Pollo 

If you’re craving comfort food, Caldo de Pollo (Mexican chicken soup) is just the thing you’re looking for. It has tender shredded chicken, lots of veggies, and lots of flavor.

60. Chicken Tortilla Soup 

Nothing beats homemade chicken tortilla soup made with fresh ingredients. It's light enough that you won’t feel overly full, but hearty enough to keep you satisfied. It makes a great appetizer, lunch, or dinner.

61. Green Chile Chicken Stew 

Delicious salsa verde with a whole slew of fresh vegetables and tender chicken come together for this flavor-packed stew that is bound to be a new favorite. A dollop of sour cream on top will have you savoring every bite. 

Cinco de Mayo Side Dishes

Once you've decided on all your starters and main dishes, grab a few of these tasty sides to serve with your Cinco de Mayo meals.

62. Corn Fries

Mexican street corn, or elotes, on top of a heaping pile of crispy french fries. Creamy, cool Mexican crema balances out the salty cotija cheese and zesty seasonings for a side dish (or appetizer) that you can’t stop eating.

63. Mexican Corn Bread (Jiffy Mix Recipe)

A tray of fluffy Mexican cornbread enhances any meal. All it takes is some easy-to-make Jiffy cornbread with some jalapenos, bell pepper, and cheese mixed in.

64. Restaurant-Style Mexican Rice

A Cinco de Mayo menu, or any Mexican-inspired menu for that matter, would not be complete without Mexican rice. It’s featured at any restaurant you’ll go to, and it makes a wonderful pairing with everything on this list.

65. Roasted Peppers & Onions

Roasted bell peppers & onions are a versatile vegetarian side dish that can be enjoyed on their own, used as toppings, or mixed into other recipes. Just customize the seasoning to suit your needs and pop them in the oven.

66. Mexican Corn Fritters

Easy pan-fried corn fritters complement any Mexican-inspired meal. They can be an appetizer, a side dish, or whatever you need them to be, and you can make them as spicy (or not spicy) as you like.

67. Tomatoes & Rice

Juicy tomatoes add a wonderful textural element to rice that is both savory and satisfying. It goes well with chicken, beef, veggies, and whatever is on the menu.

68. Cilantro Lime Rice

This fluffy cilantro lime rice is bursting with fresh lime juice and vibrant cilantro. Serve it with tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled meats for an easy, flavorful upgrade to your fiesta spread.

Desserts

Round out the meal with a sweet treat or two. Are you craving cake, cookies, or homemade churros? There are no wrong answers.

69. Tres Leches Cake

This classic tres leches cake is soaked in a rich blend of three milks and topped with fluffy whipped cream for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo dessert. It's light, sweet, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

70. Homemade Churros

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these homemade churros are rolled in cinnamon sugar. Serve them with chocolate dipping sauce for a fun, festive treat.

71. Mexican Wedding Cookies

These buttery Mexican wedding cookies melt in your mouth with every bite and are coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar. They're a simple, sweet cookie where you can't eat just one.

72. Mexican Pralines

Made with creamy caramelized sugar and toasted pecans, these Mexican pralines offer a delightful crunch and rich flavor that's irresistible. They're a must-have for any authentic dessert table.

73. Arroz con Dulce

This creamy Mexican rice pudding is spiced with cinnamon and sweetened to perfection. It's a comforting, make-ahead dessert that is easy to prepare.

Drinks

Here's a variety of drinks to include with your amazingly tasty food. Everything from vodka spins on the classic mojito and margarita to a couple of tasty lemonade recipes.

74. Pink Vodka Margarita 

Everyone loves a margarita! This fruity pink vodka margarita is as delightful to drink as it is to look at. Serve these at your Cinco de Mayo party and be the talk of the town.

75. Vodka Mojito

The muddling is worth the added effort once you take a sip of this fabulous vodka mojito. It is a refreshing beverage that is easy to sip on during Cinco de Mayo or any time.

76. Vodka Margarita 

If tequila isn’t your thing, try a smooth and tangy vodka margarita. It’s so delicious that you may want to drink your margaritas with vodka from now on.

77. Pink Vodka Lemonade

This pink vodka lemonade can easily be made into a mocktail. It’s tasty, it’s fun to look at, and you can even turn it into an alcoholic slushie.

78. Strawberry Pineapple Lemonade (non-alcoholic)

A pitcher of strawberry pineapple lemonade will keep the party going on hot summer days. There’s no alcohol in this juicer recipe, so it’s great for the whole family.

💭 Tips For Throwing a Seriously Fun Cinco de Mayo Feast

1. Get a game plan. Choose your recipes ahead of time. Maybe some tasty chips and dip to start, a main dish that'll wow everyone, a few yummy sides, and something sweet to finish it all off.
2. Don't forget the sides. Adding some flavorful Mexican rice, maybe some creamy refried beans, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh salad will round out the meal.
3. Prep ahead. Your hour-of-party self will thank you. Chop the veggies for the salsa and guac the day before. Get your meat marinating. Tres leches cake and pralines can be made in advance, but churros taste better fresh.
4. Decorate with fiesta vibes. Think bright, happy colors everywhere. The brightly colored paper banners (papel picado) and a colorful tablecloth go a long way. Add little touches of Mexican flair and crank up the music.
5. Get a variety of drinks. For many, margaritas are a must on Cinco de Mayo, but don't stop there. Offer some refreshing agua frescas for those who don't drink alcohol. Mexican beers are always a hit, and maybe even whip up a pitcher of sangria for the wine drinkers. Don't forget lots of ice and some fun glasses or cups.
6. Taco bar = instant party. Follow my taco bar recipe to lay out all taco fillings, tortillas, and a ton of fun toppings like salsa, onions, cilantro, sour cream, and cheese. It's interactive, everyone gets to make their perfect taco, and it's just plain fun.

Now that you have a varied collection of Cinco de Mayo recipes to choose from, you should have no problem throwing an epic Cinco de Mayo party. Check back in and let me know what recipes you chose.

📖 Recipe Card