Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to enjoy some tasty Mexican food. These 35 recipes will make your celebration unforgettable, with flavors that everyone will love. From sizzling fajitas to fresh guacamole, these dishes bring a little extra spice to the party. Get ready to create a Cinco de Mayo worth remembering!
Dessert Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Bring flavor and convenience to your Cinco de Mayo with these flaky, golden chicken empanadas. The savory filling makes them perfect for sharing or serving as a satisfying snack. Add them to the menu and make your celebration even better with an easy and delicious handheld treat.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A warm, hearty bowl of chicken tortilla soup is just what a Cinco de Mayo celebration needs. Loaded with tender chicken, beans, and corn, this flavorful soup is great as a starter or a main dish. Keep the party going with a comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Feeding a crowd on Cinco de Mayo is easy with this cheesy beef and rice casserole. Ground beef, fluffy rice, and melted cheese come together in a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Make this part of your spread and serve up a meal that keeps guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Homemade Nacho Cheese
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a smooth, cheesy dip that brings everything together. This homemade nacho cheese has just the right amount of spice, making it perfect for chips, tacos, and more. Whip up a batch and turn any snack into something special.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese
Red Enchilada Sauce
Bring bold flavor to your Cinco de Mayo dishes with a homemade red enchilada sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this sauce adds a deep, rich taste to enchiladas, tacos, and more. Drizzle it over your favorite Mexican dishes and take your fiesta to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Red Enchilada Sauce
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Add a fresh and hearty option to your Cinco de Mayo menu with this one-pot Mexican skillet quinoa. Quinoa, beans, and salsa come together for a protein-packed dish that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Serve up this wholesome meal and give guests a delicious, gluten-free choice.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Dessert Nachos
Make Cinco de Mayo even sweeter with a fun twist on nachos. Crispy cinnamon-sugar tortillas are topped with chocolate drizzle, fresh berries, and whipped cream for a treat that’s just as delicious as it is playful. Put this on the table and turn dessert into a celebration of its own.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These semi-homemade chicken enchiladas are an easy way to bring bold flavor to your Cinco de Mayo dinner. Rotisserie chicken, melted cheese, and rich sauce come together in a dish that’s comforting and satisfying. Make these part of your celebration and serve up a meal that feels special without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Brighten up your Cinco de Mayo spread with this zesty roasted tomatillo salsa. The combination of roasted tomatillos, garlic, and lime creates a fresh and tangy dip that pairs perfectly with chips and tacos. Add this to your table and bring a burst of bold flavor to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Carnitas
Make Cinco de Mayo unforgettable with a batch of tender, flavorful carnitas. Slow-cooked pork with crispy edges is perfect for tacos, burritos, or just piling onto a plate with rice and beans. Add this to your celebration and give guests a taste of something truly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Spanish Rice
Make your Cinco de Mayo meal feel complete with a side of flavorful Spanish rice that pairs beautifully with any Mexican dish. The rich blend of tomatoes, spices, and perfectly cooked rice creates a savory and comforting addition to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Add this easy and flavorful dish to your celebration and watch it disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Chicken Tamales
Bring a traditional touch to your Cinco de Mayo celebration with homemade chicken tamales that are filled with tender, seasoned chicken wrapped in soft masa dough. Steamed to perfection, these tamales offer a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, making them a comforting and delicious dish for any gathering. Serve them up hot and let everyone dig into a plate full of classic Mexican flavors!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales
Mexican Triple Chocolate Cookies
Satisfy your sweet tooth this Cinco de Mayo with Mexican triple chocolate cookies that pack a rich, decadent punch. The combination of dark, milk, and white chocolate, along with a hint of cinnamon and spice, creates a deep and complex flavor that makes every bite unforgettable. Bake a batch and enjoy a dessert that brings the perfect mix of sweetness and spice to the party!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Triple Chocolate Cookies
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Add a savory touch to your celebration with puff pastry beef empanadas, where flaky, golden crust meets a flavorful beef filling. These hand-held bites are perfect as an appetizer or snack, delivering a delicious mix of spices and textures in every bite. Serve them warm and watch as they quickly become the most popular dish at the table!
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Surprise your guests with Mexican sheetcake brownies, a dessert that combines rich chocolate with warm spices like cinnamon and chili powder. The deep cocoa flavor, paired with a subtle kick of spice, makes each square a bold and irresistible treat. Cut them up, pass them around, and let everyone enjoy a sweet and spicy twist on a classic dessert!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Honey Habanero Tacos
Spice things up with honey habanero tacos, where sweet and spicy flavors come together in the most exciting way. The caramelized honey balances the heat of the habanero, creating a bold and unforgettable filling for warm tortillas. Load them up with your favorite toppings and get ready for tacos that will steal the show!
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Refried Beans
No Cinco de Mayo feast is complete without a side of creamy, flavorful refried beans that pair perfectly with any main dish. Slow-cooked with seasonings and mashed to perfection, they offer a rich and comforting addition to tacos, burritos, or rice plates. Scoop them onto your plate and enjoy a classic side that brings depth and heartiness to every meal!
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Put a fun twist on your menu with crockpot Mexican beef in masa cups, where tender, spice-infused beef meets crispy masa shells. This easy, hands-off dish lets the slow cooker do the work, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Set them out at your fiesta and watch as guests grab one after another!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
Turn your Cinco de Mayo meal into something special with Mexican meatball sandwiches, a bold twist on a classic favorite. Juicy, seasoned meatballs are coated in a rich sauce and served in a soft roll, making each bite packed with flavor. Make a batch and get ready for a sandwich that’s messy, delicious, and totally worth it!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
Chunky Guacamole
No celebration is complete without chunky guacamole, a fresh and flavorful dip made with ripe avocados, zesty lime, and roasted tomatoes. Whether scooped up with crispy tortilla chips or spread onto tacos, it adds a creamy and vibrant touch to any dish. Mix up a big bowl and let everyone dig into this fiesta favorite!
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole
Tamale Pot Pies
Bring comfort and creativity to your Cinco de Mayo with tamale pot pies, a fun twist on traditional tamales. These individual pies are filled with savory chicken and wrapped in a masa crust, creating a warm and flavorful dish that’s both unique and satisfying. Serve them up hot and watch as they become a new Fiesta favorite!
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Mixed Bean Chili
This smoky, rich mixed bean chili is packed with hearty beans, bold spices, and deep flavors that make every spoonful satisfying. Perfect for weeknight meals, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Make a big batch and savor the bold, comforting flavors all week long!
Get the Recipe: Mixed Bean Chili
Slow Cooker Taco Soup
This slow-cooker taco soup is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, juicy meatballs, fresh cabbage, and bold spices into one satisfying bowl. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty soup. Ladle up a warm bowl, top it with cheese and avocado, and dig into a meal that will keep you coming back for more!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Taco Soup
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This Mexican street corn pasta salad combines charred corn, cotija cheese, and a creamy chili-lime dressing for a delicious fusion of flavors. The tender pasta absorbs all the vibrant seasonings, making it the perfect dish for any gathering. Toss it together and serve up a salad that’s anything but ordinary!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Garden Fresh Salsa
Fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapeños, and bright cilantro come together to make this flavorful garden-fresh salsa. Whether used as a dip for chips or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes, it brings a burst of freshness to any meal. Grab a bowl and enjoy a salsa that’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Get the Recipe: Garden Fresh Salsa
Mexican Macaroni Salad
Mexican macaroni salad takes pasta salad to the next level with chopped vegetables and a taco-seasoned dressing that’s packed with flavor. Every bite delivers a creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy kick, making it a hit at potlucks and gatherings. Whip up a batch and get ready for a side dish that steals the spotlight!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad
Pollo Asado
This Pollo Asado recipe features chicken thighs marinated in fresh cilantro, onion, orange juice, and lime juice for a bright and flavorful dish. Grilled, pan-seared, or oven-roasted, the juicy and tender chicken makes the perfect centerpiece for tacos, rice bowls, or salads. Fire up the grill and enjoy chicken that’s bursting with citrusy, smoky goodness!
Get the Recipe: Pollo Asado
Enchilada Meatballs
These enchilada meatballs are coated in a bold, flavorful sauce that makes them the perfect fusion of two classic dishes. Baked to perfection, they’re tender, juicy, and packed with the spices that make enchiladas so irresistible. Serve them up with rice or tortillas and enjoy a meal that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs
Shrimp Pico de Gallo
This shrimp pico de gallo is a fresh and zesty seafood dish that combines plump shrimp with tomatoes, onions, and lime juice. Whether served as an appetizer, snack, or taco topping, it adds a bright and refreshing touch to any meal. Scoop it up with chips or spoon it over tacos for a dish that’s light, flavorful, and full of coastal vibes!
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pico de Gallo
Crockpot Mexican Street Corn Dip
Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and boldly flavored street corn dip. Sweet corn, smoky spices, and melted cheese come together for a rich and irresistible dish that’s perfect for sharing. Set it out warm and watch as everyone gathers around for just one more bite!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Street Corn Dip
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Air fryer chicken fajitas make it easy to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken cooked with tender peppers and onions. The air fryer locks in the seasonings and char, delivering all the taste of classic fajitas with none of the extra hassle. Pile them onto warm tortillas and get ready for a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
Homemade Queso Dip
This homemade queso dip is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, making it the perfect companion for chips, nachos, or tacos. The smooth texture and bold flavor make it a must-have for any gathering, whether it’s a party or a quiet night in. Melt up a pot and enjoy the kind of queso that keeps everyone reaching for more!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Queso Dip
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a light, flavorful side dish that delivers the perfect balance of zesty and herby notes. The fluffy texture and bright citrus taste make it a great low-carb alternative to traditional rice without sacrificing flavor. Stir up a batch and enjoy a refreshing and wholesome side that pairs with anything!
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
These grilled elote corn ribs are packed with smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that bring the street corn experience to a fun, bite-sized format. Each rib is grilled to perfection and coated in a creamy, spiced topping that enhances every bite. Fire up the grill and enjoy a side dish that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Salsa Ranchera
This salsa ranchera is a bold, punchy sauce made with fresh tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, and fragrant garlic. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy, adding an authentic kick to tacos, eggs, and grilled meats. Blend up a batch and drizzle it over everything for a true taste of Mexico!
Get the Recipe: Salsa Ranchera