Cinco de Mayo Recipes are perfect for creating a Mexican-themed party. Getting together with family and friends is a fantastic opportunity to indulge in delicious Mexican foods. This list has something for everyone, from main dishes to snacks and even margaritas!
What is Cinco de Mayo?
On May 5, 1852, the Mexican Army defeated the French troops at the Battle of Puebla. This event is often mistaken as Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is a traditional celebration mainly celebrated in the state of Puebla nowadays.
However, the celebration has grown with great enthusiasm in the United States, where it has become a symbol of Mexican heritage and culture. Festivities in the U.S. typically include street festivals, parties, and the consumption of Mexican food and beverages such as tacos, enchiladas, and margaritas.
Over 40 Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Cinco de Mayo is not a big celebration in Mexico; it is primarily a local holiday celebrating the triumph over the French Invaders. Here in the United States, it has evolved into a nationwide celebration and an opportunity to enjoy Mexican food. So, if you are looking for the best Mexican recipes or inspiration to make Mexican food part of your menu celebration, here are appetizers, beverages, main meals, and even desserts to choose from and combine with your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Enjoy!
Spicy Habanero Guacamole
Start your celebration with this creamy avocado dip. Mash or dice your ripe avocados, add lime juice, diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, habaneros, and a pinch of salt, and serve with tortilla chips. Habanero Guacamole Recipe
Pico de Gallo
This fresh salsa is a must-have and easy to make. Chop tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro and mix with lime juice and salt. It's great on tacos, tostadas, or simply with chips. Pico de Gallo Recipe
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Boil, grill, or roast corn on the cob. Then, slather with mayonnaise, sprinkle with chili powder cotija cheese and squeeze lime juice. It's a flavorful and savory side dish. Corn on the Cob Recipe
Queso Fundido
This savory appetizer typically consists of melted cheese mixed with chorizo, sometimes peppers, onions, or mushrooms, creating a rich and flavorful dip, perfect with a corn chip or flour tortilla. Queso Fundido Recipe
Tortilla Chips
Also known as totopos are a staple accompaniment to many Mexican dishes, such as salsa, guacamole, refried beans, or queso fundido. They are also perfect on their own as a satisfying snack. Tortilla Chips Recipe
Fresh Salsa
This salsa fresca is quick and easy to make. It's ready in 10 minutes and perfect with tacos, fish, steak, tortilla chips, and your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Fresh Salsa Roja Recipe
Mango Pico
Combine juicy fresh mango, tangy lime juice, spicy jalapeno, and fresh cilantro to create a flavorful salsa that will impress your guests. Serve it as a chip dip, a topping for grilled chicken or fish, or a side dish for your favorite Mexican meal. Mango Pico de Gallo Recipe
Esquites
Esquites are a tasty way to start or finish your meals. It is an inexpensive Mexican street food dish served in a cup with your favorite traditional seasonings. Esquites Recipe
Chicken Tacos
Set up a taco bar with flour or corn tortillas, grilled chicken, and multiple toppings like salsa, pico de gallo, avocado, fresh cilantro, and sour cream. Chicken Tacos Recipe
Margaritas
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without margaritas. Mix tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. Serve over ice with a salt rim for a classic margarita, or get creative with flavors like mango or pineapple to add to your Cinco de Mayo recipes. Margarita Recipe
Chiles Rellenos
Roast poblano peppers, stuff them with cheese or ground beef, dip them in egg batter, and fry until golden brown. Serve with salsa for a delicious main course. Chilles Rellenos Recipe
Green Enchiladas
Roll up tortillas with chicken filling, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. Garnish with cilantro and serve with slices of avocado. Green Enchiladas
Tres Leches Cake
Finish your meal with this decadent dessert. Soak a sponge cake in a mixture of three milks (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream), then top with whipped cream and fresh berries. Tres Leches Cake
Steak Quesadillas
Steak quesadillas are a mouthwatering fusion of Mexican and American flavors. They combine tender, juicy steak with gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. Steak Quesadilla Recipe
Mexican red rice
This red rice, or "arroz rojo," is a vibrant and flavorful dish that adds color and taste to any meal. Mexican Red Rice Recipe
Chicken tamales
They are the perfect balance of flavors by using masa harina (masa flour), stuffed with a chicken filling and homemade tangy tomatillo salsa to create the ideal meal. Chicken Tamales
Horchata
Agua de Horchata is a refreshing Mexican rice and cinnamon drink made with just a few simple ingredients. It is the perfect beverage for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Horchata Agua Fresca
Salsa Verde
The main ingredients for a salsa verde are tomatillos and serrano peppers. This salsa is great with tacos, burritos, tortilla chips, and eggs. Salsa Verde Recipe
Churros
These churros Mexicanos are light, golden, crispy fried pastries dusted with sugar and cinnamon powder. I haven’t met anyone who didn't enjoy them. Churros Recipe
Corn Tamales
This effortless and tasty recipe is the perfect dessert or snack for your family to enjoy. They are the perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Corn Tamales
Calabacitas
This recipe is for those looking for a healthy, vegetarian option. It can be an excellent appetizer or served next to rice and corn tortillas. Corn and Zucchini Recipe
Sopapilla
You can never have too many desserts. These delectable pastries are fried until golden and puffy, then dusted with cinnamon sugar or drizzled with honey for a sweet finish. Sopaipillas Recipe
Refried beans
Refried beans, or "frijoles refritos," are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as a delicious side dish, a filling for tacos or enchiladas, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.Refried Beans Recipe
Fresas con Crema
This quick and tasty treat is the perfect dessert to feed a crowd. Due to its simple ingredients and taste, it is one of the most traditional desserts in many festivities. The best part is that you can do it in minutes. Fresas con Crema Recipe
Pineapple Agua Fresca
This simple yet delightful drink combines the vibrant flavors of ripe pineapple, sugar, and water, creating a refreshing concoction perfect for quenching your thirst. Pineapple Agua Fresca
Arroz con Leche
The perfect ending to any meal, make a batch of this creamy and comforting dessert that evokes feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Arroz con Leche Recipe
Carne asada
Everybody loves carne asada, or “fajitas,” and with this recipe, everybody will love your party. I guarantee you, everybody will be asking for more. Carne Asada Recipe
Pork Carnitas
These carnitas recipe “little meats” need very little time to prep and only six ingredients. So make a batch or two and satisfy your cravings for a hearty and delicious Mexican meal. Carnitas Recipe
Birria
The famous birria can be served as a brothy soup in a bowl, as tacos or quesabirrias. The best part is that it can be made ahead of time. Beef Birria Recipe
Shrimp Tacos
Shrimp with adobo sauce adds an extra kick of flavor to the shrimp. Quick, healthy, and so tasty, add your favorite toppings, like avocado, cilantro, or coleslaw. Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Chicharrones de Harina
These easy and quick-to-make snacks are so addictive and perfect with hot sauce, lime juice, and chili powder. Chicharrones de Harina Recipe
Pozole
For a savory soup with an aromatic broth, try the pozole. It is both comforting and satisfying and a meal that can be made ahead of time. Pozole Recipe
Beans Tostadas
These black bean tostadas are perfect for a quick and easy meal. On top of being healthy and light, they are ready in less than 30 minutes. Black Bean Tostada
Enfrijoladas recipe
This is another easy recipe that can be a meal by itself. You can adjust it to your taste, and be easily modified for those who are looking for a vegan alternative. Enfrijolada Recipe
Michelada Cocktail
If you are more of a beer kind of person, this is the perfect cocktail. The Michelada Cocktail is a refreshing and savory Mexican drink ideal for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Michelada Recipe
Chorizo Tacos
Here is one of my all-time favorites: easy, quick, and economical. Top them off with your favorite salsa, a handful of cilantro, or, hey, why not some pineapple for that extra zing. Chorizo Tacos Recipe
Shrimp Cocktail
If you like seafood with a little kick, you will love this shrimp cocktail. Serve it in small cups for a delightful appetizer or in a big glass for a tasty meal. Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
Discada Norteña
This dish is a meat lover's paradise. With steak, bacon, pork, and chorizo, what's not to like? It's served with tortillas and your favorite salsa. Discada Norteña Recipe
Fish tacos
Not your typical fish tacos, these cod and deep-fried tacos are crispy and an excellent choice for your celebration. Fish Tacos Recipe
Beef Tongue Barbacoa Tacos
Here is one of the best recipes for cooking your meal in your crockpot ahead of time. These tasty and flavorful beef tongue barbacoa tacos are out of this world and so easy to make. Beef Tongue Barbacoa Recipe
Sopes
These small, round masa sopes are the perfect pattie for generous portions of flavorful toppings. They are easier than you think and so satisfying. Sopes Recipe
These recipes offer a variety of flavors and are perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo with friends and family. Feel free to mix and match dishes to create your own festive feast!
Buen Provecho!
Mely,
For more recipes, follow Us on Facebook, Instagram, and Party Ideas on Pinterest. In español Visit Us at Mexico en mi cocina.
Mina Gomez
Que Rico!! Siempre es un placer ver tus platillos...!
Diana@Spain in Iowa
I loved the history behind this Mely. The recipes are an added bonus!!
Miz Helen
Hola Mely,
Your post is wonderful! Your food is always outstanding and today is really special. Thank you so much for sharing your history and your talent with us. This is how we learn from each other. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you next week!
Marelie
I enjoyed your post...love all the food and most of all thanks for the info.I think theres many of us who dont understand what is cinco de mayo and we dont have the courage to ask.. lol!I like your blog, very yummy and informative.. so I followed you.
Anonymous
it's all about blind prejudice. Americans should celebrate canadian victory day, russian, british, slovs, south african, cuban, korean, vietnamese, northern ireland, turkish victory days. More reasons to cheer!
Mely (mimk)
Hola Nora,
En eso pense yo con una coronita bien fria! 🙂
Hello Zerrin, I hope you could join us cooking something Mexican.
Nora
Para mí, LAS PUNTAS DE FILETE A LA MEXICANA! como se me antojaron! y luego Con unas tortillas recién hechas, y una corona o una negra modelo jaajaja. Felicidades Mely!
zerrin
Thank you for that history part. I didn't know about the importance of 5 May for Mexicans. I love learning such info. And thanks for the recipes. I can join you celebrating it by cooking these dishes.
Mely (mimk)
Hola Silvia,
Que gusto verte de nuevo por aca. Que bueno que te quedaron ricas las salsas.
Un abrazo,
Mely
Silvia
Mely siempre un placer visitarte! Que delicia. Oye te platico que el sabado pasado me avente a hacer tus dos salsas la verde y la roja con los tomatitos y el chile tatemados. Que cosa mas rica! Es la primera vez que la hacia asi y tuvo un super exito!
Un abrazo fuerte querida!
Jessie
Oh my! I'm sitting here admiring the food, I love mexican cuisine. I make it often!
s. stockwell
Well yes! We are here in an adobe built by the Spanish in 1820 and then in 1823 this entire region became a part of Mexico called Alta California. We have a very large Cinco de Mayo celebration here with great music and food...yours is magnificent and would make an amazing buffet...we are going to the plaza for plenty of tamales & marguerites. Best from Santa Barbara, s
Mely (mimk)
Hi there,
Doggybloggy: It really makes me glad to know that you could have some roots down south of the border.
Chow and chatter: Thanks for stopping by.
You are right Janet, Ignacio Zaragoza was from Texas in what used to be part of the Mexican State of Coahuila. I love the phrase in his letter to then President "Benito Juarez" telling him about his victory. "The national arms have been covered with glory."
Anyway, I think is great that you could at least be at the celebration in Goliad, TX.
janet lynn
we sent saturday camping in the town of goliad, texas where ignacio zaragoza was born (my 2nd son was named after juarez & ignacio)... it was kind of fun to learn more about him and be at the party they had for him. too bad for swine flu b/c then we would have met the mexican delegates.
Chow and Chatter
great post loved to learn the history lol
doggybloggy
great dishes - while I live in NYC now I am from New Mexico and my family has lived there for over 300 years -