25+ Cinco de Mayo Recipes
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to throw a festive party filled with vibrant flavors, bold spices, and classic Mexican dishes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or a family dinner, these 25+ Cinco de Mayo recipes will help you celebrate with authentic taste and unforgettable dishes.
🌮 Appetizers to Start the Fiesta
1. Fresh Guacamole
- Ripe avocados, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño
- Optional: diced tomatoes for added texture
2. Pico de Gallo
- Chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and serrano peppers
- Serve with tortilla chips or tacos
3. Queso Fundido
- Melted Mexican cheese (like Oaxaca or Chihuahua) with crumbled chorizo
- Best served bubbling hot with warm tortillas
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
- Grilled corn brushed with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime
5. Mini Chicken Taquitos
- Rolled corn tortillas filled with shredded chicken and baked until crispy
🌯 Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes
6. Beef Barbacoa Tacos
- Slow-cooked shredded beef with chipotle, garlic, cumin, and vinegar
- Serve in corn tortillas with fresh toppings
7. Chicken Tinga
- Shredded chicken simmered in smoky tomato-chipotle sauce
- Great in tacos, tostadas, or over rice
8. Carne Asada
- Grilled flank steak marinated in lime, garlic, and cilantro
- Slice thin and serve in tacos or burritos
9. Carnitas
- Pork shoulder slow-cooked until crispy on the outside, tender inside
- Use for tacos, bowls, or nachos
10. Veggie Fajitas
- Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms sautéed with Mexican spices
- Served with warm tortillas and guac
🌮 Taco Party Favorites
11. Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
- Grilled shrimp with lime crema and crunchy slaw
12. Fish Tacos with Chipotle Sauce
- White fish fillets with smoky chipotle-mayo and shredded cabbage
13. Tacos al Pastor
- Marinated pork cooked with pineapple and chilies
- Serve with onion, cilantro, and salsa
14. Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
- Juicy marinated chicken with fresh onion, lime, and cilantro
🫔 Mexican Sides You’ll Love
15. Mexican Rice
- Fluffy rice cooked with tomato, garlic, and chicken broth
16. Refried Black Beans
- Mashed black beans with garlic and spices
- Creamy, hearty, and perfect as a side or dip
17. Street Corn Salad (Esquites)
- Off-the-cob version of elote with mayo, lime, chili powder, cotija, and cilantro
18. Jalapeño Cornbread
- Sweet-spicy cornbread with chopped jalapeños and cheddar
19. Cactus Salad (Ensalada de Nopales)
- Light salad made from cooked cactus paddles, tomatoes, onions, and lime
🧁 Cinco de Mayo Desserts
20. Churros with Chocolate Sauce
- Crispy cinnamon-sugar sticks with rich dipping sauce
21. Tres Leches Cake
- Sponge cake soaked in three milks (evaporated, condensed, and cream)
- Topped with whipped cream and strawberries
22. Mexican Flan
- Creamy caramel custard with a silky smooth texture
23. Sopapillas
- Puffy fried dough dusted with cinnamon sugar
- Drizzle with honey or chocolate
24. Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Bars
- Creamy cheesecake layered with sweet caramel sauce
🍹 Drinks to Keep the Party Going
25. Classic Margaritas
- Tequila, fresh lime juice, triple sec, and a salted rim
26. Agua Fresca
- Refreshing fruit drinks made with watermelon, cucumber, hibiscus, or mango
27. Paloma Cocktail
- Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a pinch of salt
28. Horchata
- Creamy rice and cinnamon drink served cold
🎉 Pro Tips for Hosting a Cinco de Mayo Feast
- Set up a taco bar: Let guests build their own tacos with different proteins, toppings, and salsas.
- Use colorful tableware and traditional decorations like papel picado.
- Make recipes ahead: Dishes like carnitas, barbacoa, and tres leches cake are even better the next day.
- Include vegetarian and gluten-free options for everyone to enjoy.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with vibrant, bold, and crowd-pleasing recipes that honor Mexican culture. From street food to slow-cooked classics, these dishes are guaranteed to spice up your party with authentic flavor and festive spirit.
