Cinco de Mayo is all about good food, great company, and fun celebrations. If you’re looking to bring something special to the table this year, these 23 delicious Mexican recipes will make sure your party is a hit. From savory dishes to sweet treats, each recipe packs bold flavors that are perfect for the occasion.
Honey Habanero Tacos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
These masa cups filled with slow-cooked Mexican beef are a perfect bite-sized addition to any Cinco de Mayo celebration. The tender, flavorful beef pairs with crispy masa shells for a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. Set them out and watch as they disappear one by one.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Homemade Nacho Cheese
A bowl of creamy, homemade nacho cheese makes any Cinco de Mayo meal even better. This smooth, melty cheese dip is perfect for tortilla chips, tacos, or drizzling over just about anything. Melt up a batch and bring a crowd-pleasing favorite to the table.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese
Carnitas
Slow-cooked carnitas bring bold, savory flavor to the table, making them perfect for tacos, burritos, or rice bowls on Cinco de Mayo. The tender, juicy pork soaks up every bit of seasoning, creating a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. Add them to the menu and enjoy a classic favorite that’s too good for just one day.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Refried Beans
No Cinco de Mayo spread is complete without creamy, flavorful refried beans. Slow-cooked and perfectly seasoned, these beans bring a rich and hearty touch to any meal. Serve them alongside tacos, enchiladas, or rice for a side that’s both comforting and packed with tradition.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
Bring bold flavor to the table with these messy, satisfying Mexican meatball sandwiches. Juicy, well-seasoned meatballs are coated in a rich, zesty sauce and served on soft rolls for a dish that’s packed with spice and comfort. Set them out for a crowd-pleasing option that’s perfect for a Cinco de Mayo feast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Meatball Sandwiches
Chicken Tamales
Homemade chicken tamales bring classic, comforting flavors to any Cinco de Mayo menu. Tender, seasoned chicken is wrapped in soft masa dough, making for a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. Steam up a batch and enjoy a true taste of Mexican tradition that’s perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tamales
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
This roasted tomatillo salsa is fresh, zesty, and packed with bold, smoky flavor, making it a perfect addition to any Cinco de Mayo spread. Roasted tomatillos, garlic, and lime blend together for a tangy, slightly spicy dip that pairs well with chips, tacos, or grilled meats. Set out a bowl and let everyone enjoy a salsa that brings big flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
These semi-homemade chicken enchiladas bring big flavor to any Cinco de Mayo menu without the extra work. Rotisserie chicken, melty cheese, and a bold red sauce come together for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. Bake up a pan and serve a dish that’s perfect for a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Enchiladas
Honey Habanero Tacos
A little heat and a little sweetness make these tacos a must for any Cinco de Mayo celebration. The fiery kick of habanero blends with smooth, golden honey, creating a bold and balanced taco filling that keeps every bite exciting. Set them on the table and enjoy a dish that brings big flavor to the party.
Get the Recipe: Honey Habanero Tacos
Chunky Guacamole
No Cinco de Mayo meal is complete without a big bowl of fresh, chunky guacamole. Creamy avocados, bright lime, and roasted tomatoes come together for a dip that’s perfect for chips, tacos, or just about anything. Mix up a batch and enjoy a classic that’s always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole
Red Enchilada Sauce
Homemade red enchilada sauce brings deep, bold flavor to any Cinco de Mayo dish. Made with rich spices and a smooth texture, it adds the perfect kick to tacos, enchiladas, and burritos. Drizzle it over your favorite Mexican meals and enjoy the difference fresh, homemade sauce makes.
Get the Recipe: Red Enchilada Sauce
Mexican Triple Chocolate Cookies
These triple chocolate cookies bring a rich, spiced twist to any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Dark, milk, and white chocolate come together with a touch of cinnamon for a dessert that’s sweet with just the right hint of warmth. Bake up a batch and serve a treat that keeps the party going with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Triple Chocolate Cookies
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
These flaky, golden empanadas bring bold, savory flavor to any Cinco de Mayo menu. A well-seasoned beef filling is wrapped in buttery puff pastry, creating a crispy, handheld bite that’s impossible to resist. Serve them warm and watch as they disappear faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Tamale Pot Pies
Tamale pot pies bring a fun and hearty twist to any Cinco de Mayo celebration with their rich masa crust and tender, flavorful chicken. Each individual pie is packed with bold seasoning and a comforting texture, making them a standout addition to the table. Serve them up and watch as they disappear fast, proving that tradition can always have a tasty twist.
Get the Recipe: Tamale Pot Pies
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A warm, flavorful bowl of chicken tortilla soup makes a great addition to any Cinco de Mayo menu. Tender chicken, beans, and corn simmer in a rich broth that’s comforting yet packed with bold, vibrant flavors. Ladle some up and enjoy a dish that’s hearty enough for a meal or perfect as a starter.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
This cheesy beef and rice casserole is a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that fits right in with any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Savory ground beef, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese come together for a meal that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. Serve up a big dish and watch as everyone comes back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef and Rice Casserole
Dessert Nachos
Bring something fun and unexpected to the table with these crispy cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips topped with chocolate drizzle, fresh berries, and whipped cream. These dessert nachos add a sweet and festive twist to any Cinco de Mayo menu. Set them out and watch as they quickly become the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Dessert Nachos
Mexican Skillet Quinoa
A fresh, hearty addition to any Cinco de Mayo meal, this Mexican skillet quinoa is packed with protein and flavor. Fluffy quinoa, black beans, and zesty salsa come together for a dish that’s satisfying, filling, and easy to make. Serve it up as a lighter option that still brings all the bold taste of a fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Skillet Quinoa
Spanish Rice
No Cinco de Mayo meal is complete without a side of perfectly seasoned Spanish rice. A rich blend of tomatoes, spices, and fluffy rice makes the perfect addition to tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats. Scoop some onto your plate and enjoy a side dish that’s full of bold, comforting flavor.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
These flaky, golden chicken empanadas make a great addition to any Cinco de Mayo feast. A savory, well-seasoned filling is tucked into crisp pastry for a handheld bite that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Serve them warm and watch as they quickly become a favorite at the table.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
These Mexican sheetcake brownies bring deep chocolate flavor with a hint of cinnamon and spice, making them a perfect treat for Cinco de Mayo. Each bite combines rich cocoa with a warm, slightly spicy kick that sets them apart from traditional brownies. Bake up a pan and add a little extra sweetness to the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Sheetcake Brownies
Shrimp Pico de Gallo
Bring fresh, coastal flavors to the table with this zesty shrimp pico de gallo. Plump shrimp, juicy tomatoes, and bright lime juice create a refreshing dish that’s great for snacking or topping tacos. Scoop it up with chips or spoon it over your favorite Mexican dishes for a burst of fresh flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pico de Gallo
Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
Let the slow cooker do the work while this tender, flavorful Mexican shredded chicken simmers to perfection. Bold spices and slow cooking create juicy, fall-apart chicken that’s great for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Make a big batch and enjoy an easy, crowd-pleasing dish for Cinco de Mayo.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken