Cinco de Mayo won’t be complete without an epic spread of delicious Mexican recipes! While the most famous recipes for celebrating Cinco de Mayo might be taco and a big bowl of guacamole, this year I recommend you to try some new authentic dishes for the ultimate spread.
If you are wondering what to make for Cinco de Mayo, then you have come to the right place. I’ve got chicken flautas, sopapillas, albondigas, tamales and more. This list of Cinco de Mayo recipes has everything you need for your Mexican fiesta.
A small fact about Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo (translated as the “Fifth of May”) is a minor holiday in Mexico that is also referred to as Battle of Puebla Day, so it is not Mexican Independence Day as some belief. It commemorates the victory of the Mexican military over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. This holiday, in fact, it’s not widely celebrated in Mexico. But in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.
Whether you’re having a big get-together or celebrating solo, these awesome Cinco de Mayo recipes will Impress your fellow mojito-drinking buddies!
Delicious Cinco de Mayo Recipes
1. Carnitas
Impress your family with this tender fried pork! Crispy outside and flavorful inside, you can make this with ingredients you’re likely to have on hand, like piloncillo, milk, onion, and pork shoulder. And the best way to eat this fried pork is by stuffing it inside a taco. YUM! (Via Kevin is Cooking)
2. Tamales
Instead of making the dish by yourself why not invite your family and friends to make the process fly by? The good news is tamales aren’t just fun to eat, but they’re also a great group project for anyone who loves to cook or help stuff and wrap them!
For the filling, you can fill it with chicken, pork, or even bean and cheese, either way they will still taste incredible. (Via Tastes Better from Scratch)
3. Carne Asada
Do you have jalapeno, ground cumin, chili powder, soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, and flank steak in your kitchen? Then you’re good to make this juicy, tender carne asada. Cook it on an outdoor grill for the ultimate Cinco de Mayo backyard party. (Via Lemon Blossoms)
3. Elote (Grilled Mexican Street Corn)
If you’re short on time but still want to party, these elotes are just the dish for you. You don’t really need a recipe to make this insanely popular Mexican street food snack.
Grill the corn until it has a nice char and smokey flavour and top with mayonnaise and cotija cheese so they’re bound to please anyway you make them. But if you’re looking for some guidance, this recipe won’t let you down. (Via Simply Recipes)
5. Chipotle Barbacoa
Are you looking for tasty Mexican recipes to feed a crowd? I’ve got you covered. Can be made in the oven, stovetop, and crockpot, this incredibly tasty and spicy chipotle barbacoa beef recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. (Via Lemon Blossoms)
6. Chicken Flautas
These chicken flautas are the ideal food for a party. Flour tortillas are stuffed with fiesta spiced chicken, cheese, salsa, and sour cream, rolled up then fried or baked to golden, crispy perfection. Make a great choice for those who want to have a filling, tasty meal and a great portable bite for those who like to mingle. (Via Carlsbad Cravings)
7. Sopapillas
Your party won’t be complete if there is not one sweet treat on the food menu. It’s so easy to make these “the doughnuts of the Southwest”, all you need is flour, shortening, and baking powder. You can go for cinnamon sugar or honey for the topping. This puffy and pillowy sopapilla recipe is definitely a keeper. (Via Lil Luna)
8. Chicken Chimichanga
If you love burritos, you’ll adore chimichanga. It’s stuffed like a burrito with things like meat, cheese, beans, and a sauce, but the author baked it instead of deep frying making it less greasy. To complete this, you will need Mexican white sauce and green chiles.
Serving this for the family on Cinco de Mayo as this recipe is perfect for making a large batch and the sides are endless! (Via Munchkin Time)
9. Quesadillas
This vegan version is so good it’s hard to decipher from a regular quesadilla. You’ll get all of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in every square inch of this skillet dish: savory black beans, fresh veggies, and of course cheese.
But if you’re not a vegetarian then you can add additional fillings like spicy beef. These quesadillas make for a last-minute, easy meal you’ll have on repeat. (Via Cookie + Kate)
10. Beef Enchiladas
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the most delicious Mexican food around. You’ll need to fry the tortillas, dunk them in sauce, fill, and roll, so it takes a little patience to prepare these saucy enchiladas, but they’re totally worth it.
This beef enchiladas recipe is so insanely delicious, it will have everyone (even your hard-to-please Mexican friends) excited for dinner – again, and again and again. It’s an instant fiesta when this hits the table. (Via House of Yumm)
11. Churros Mexicanos
Do you like fried dough and sugar? Then, you will probably like churros! These amazing, crispy treats are coated in cinnamon sugar and are perfect for dipping in velvety chocolate or in some cheesecake dip that you won’t be able to get enough of.
Whether you make these homemade churros on the stove top or air fryer, they are beyond addicting. (Via Mexico in My Kitchen)
12. Chili Con Carne
Looking for something special to spice up your Cinco de Mayo party? You will love this irresistible spicy dish. This recipe is easy to make and loaded up with an authentic flavor that will make you think you’re eating at your favorite Mexican restaurant! (Via Chili Pepper Madness)
13. Chalupas
These chalupas look nothing like what you usually order at your local Taco Bell, right? Well, it’s because this is the authentic Mexican chalupas!
With just corn tortillas, tomatillo salsa verde, queso, and pulled chicken or pork, it takes just a few minutes to toss together. These chalupas are about to become your family favorite! (Via Garlic and Zest)
14. Huevos Rancheros
Breakfast deserves a chance to celebrate Cinco de Mayo too! And you can start by making this amazing recipe. All you need is 10 minutes and a freshly fried tortilla with a sunny side-up egg, fresh salsa, beans, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese. A delicious way to start your morning this Cinco de mayo! (Via Downshiftology)
15. Coctel de Camarones (Mexican Shrimp Cocktail)
Made with cooked shrimp and mix with the tomato, cucumber, jalapeno, and salt and pepper, then stir together with tomato-onion sauce. This refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail comes together quickly, making them a perfect party appetizer. Serve these up with some tostadas and call it a fiesta. (Via Mama Maggie’s Kitchen)
16. Mexican White Queso Dip
This ooey, gooey white queso dip is bound to steal the show at any party. It’s simple yet irresistible and also kid friendly. But if you like spicier food you can add some red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños to give a fiery kick. (Via Eating on a Dime)
17. Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup)
You may already know tortilla soup and enchilada soup, but have you ever tried albondigas? Or heard about it? If not, then this recipe is a must-try.
From the thick, juicy meatballs, to the healthy vegetables, to the rich tomato broth, to the handful of spices, all packed together in a warm bowl – this comforting Mexican meatball soup is perfection. (Via Yellow Bliss Road)
18. Chile Relleno
These peppers stuffed with loads of melted ooey-gooey cheese and fried in a light and fluffy batter are so easy to recreate and come together quickly. Made with poblano peppers, Monterey jack cheese, eggs, four, and homemade salsa roja. You definitely will love this dish. (Via Isabel Eats)
19. Red Chicken Pozole
A soup might not be the ideal meal to serve during these months, but you need to exclude this cozy soup from that category. Filled with spicy chiles, BUSH’S Beans White Hominy, and topped with tons of crunchy veggies. This traditional Mexican soup is fancy enough for company and totally will make your Cinco de Mayo festivities cozier. (Via Muy Bueno)
20. Chilaquiles
Upgrade the basic corn tortillas you know and love from childhood by coating them in a homemade sauce and topping them with crema and queso fresco. Serve it with a fried egg and avocado for a hearty bite that’s easy to make but still tastes impressive. (Via Tastes Better from Scratch)
21. Beef Empanadas
Spice up your party with beef empanadas that are full of savory beef and a super flavorful cheese filling. It’d be nice if you had leftovers after, but don’t count on it — these appetizers will be gone in a minute. (Via Creme De La Crumb)
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