While the most obvious choice for celebrating Cinco de Mayo might be your old taco night standbys and a big bowl of guacamole, for the ultimate spread, we recommend branching out and trying some new dishes. Impress your fellow mojito-drinking buddies with your vast knowledge of Mexican cuisine, from spicy soups to chalupas you won't find at Taco Bell. Don't forget the essential every-kind-of-hot-sauce bar either. Try these 29 Mexican-inspired recipes for the most delicious fiesta.
What are 3 typical foods served on Cinco de Mayo?
Molé, chilaquiles, and tamales are all typical foods found at a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
What is a good menu for Cinco de Mayo?
A good Cinco de Mayo menu includes a range of authentic Mexican recipes – from carnitas to tamales, you can also put your own twist on each dish!
What is the most popular food eaten on Cinco de Mayo in Mexico?
Authentic dishes like Molé Poblano, chalupas, enchiladas, tacos, and chilaquiles are all popular Mexican foods eaten on Cinco de Mayo.
What can I bring to a Cinco de Mayo party?
Bringing delicious meals, either authentic ones or ones with more modern twists, are welcome at a Cinco de Mayo party. Scroll for an array of recipe ideas to bring to the celebration!
Sweet and spicy is just a combo we can't pass up. This chunky salsa will accommodate each guest at your Cinco de Mayo parties with bites full of fresh veggies and fruit. (via Cozy Cravings)
This tasty street food snack is so fun to eat. Grilling gives the corn a nice char and smokey flavor. However, they're getting slathered in mayonnaise and cotija cheese, so they're bound to please any way you make them. (via Sunday Supper Movement)
These chicken taquitos are the ideal finger food for a Cinco de Mayo party. The contents are inside a rolled tortilla and make a great portable bite for those times when your favorite song comes on and you *have* to bust a move. (via A Cozy Kitchen)
Dips really keep the world turning since they're so tasty and easy to scoop up with the swipe of a chip. Stock up on your dippable chips, because this taco dip recipe won't last long. (via Rachl Mansfield)
If you love tacos, you’ll adore sopes. They’re a traditional Mexican dish made from thick rounds of fried masa, and this version is topped with ultra-tender slow-cooked brisket. Crack open a cold cerveza and enjoy. (viaMuy Bueno Cookbook)
Savor in the deep, smoky notes of this popular Mexican recipe – pollo asado. Each bite is crusted in spices for a never-boring bite. (via A Spicy Perspective)
If you’re short on time but still want to party, these quesadillas are just the dish for you. Upgrade the basic cheese ‘dillas you know and love from childhood with avocado slices and seasoned ground beef, for a hearty bite that’s easy to make but still tastes impressive. (via Damn Delicious)
Ceviche is always super light and fresh, and when served during the summery day of Cinco de Mayo, everyone will have you to thank for bringing such a mouthwatering dish to the party. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
This creamy salsa is like a cross between salsa verde and guacamole. This means it’s highly addictive, so you better have a lot of chips handy. Try it on top of tacos, nachos or even on a torta — this salsa tastes good on *everything*. (via Muy Bueno Cookbook)
Chile rellenos are stuffed green chiles that then get battered and fried in the best way. Enjoy yours for Cinco de Mayo alongside some rice and beans! (via The Girl On Bloor)
If you have some vegan pals pulling up to the party, serve them some plant-based elote for Cinco de Mayo. This recipe retains all the good textures and flavors, too! (via The Edgy Veg)
This ooey, gooey white queso is bound to steal the show at any party thanks to a fiery kick from red pepper flakes and pickled jalapeños. (viaThe Cookie Rookie)
Quash two cravings at once with Mexican Pizza. Though it's hard to pinpoint many similarities between this dish and actual pizza (save for its round, open-faced nature), once you take a bite, you'll get it. Cut into slices and share with the fam… or don't share at all. (via Snixy Kitchen)
For a more hearty addition to your Cinco de Mayo platter, this Mexican hot pot is sure to please anyone. (via Half Baked Harvest)
Use sushi-grade fish for the best taste and peace of mind. Though you’ll be marinating the fish in lime juice, you’ll still want the freshest, best quality product you can get. (via Feasting at Home)
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the most delicious Mexican sandwich around. Some of the bread is scooped out to make extra room for fillings like refried beans, guacamole and cheese. We're okay with that, and we might even suggest saving those bread fillings for sopping up any sandwich spillage. You're welcome. (via Easy Cheesy Vegetarian)
Forgo the corn on a stick for a less-messy, easy-to-eat elote salad. Add black beans, red onions and bell peppers to make it more salad-like and colorful. Bonus: The dressing uses yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream for a healthy twist. (via Live Eat Learn)
This traditional Mexican soup is full of tender stewed beef, hominy (dried maize) and a super flavorful red chili sauce. It’d be nice if you had leftovers after your Cinco de Mayo festivities, but don’t count on it — this soup doesn’t play around. (via Muy Delish)
These chalupas are nothing like the kind you'll find at your local Taco Bell. Set out toppings like shredded beef, avocado, salsa and cheese, and let everyone assemble their own. (via The Stay at Home Chef)
These saucy enchiladas take a little patience to prepare, but they're totally worth it. Invite some friends to make the process fly by. You'll need to fry the tortillas, dunk them in sauce, fill and roll, so you might need to enlist all the kiddos to help. (via Tasting Table)
Delicious Dessert Recipes For Cinco de Mayo Parties
This is technically a drink, but with all of the sugar-infused additions, we must classify it as a totally delectable dessert. Horchata is a rice-based sip that's served with Mexican food, and this upgrade looks phenomenal. (via No Eggs Or Ham)
What’s better than fried dough and chocolate? If you can come up with something, good for you — we’ll be over here munching on these churros. These amazing, crispy treats are coated in cinnamon sugar and paired with a velvety chocolate and espresso dipping sauce you won’t be able to get enough of. (via Drizzle and Drip)
Enjoy all the best parts of a churro, but in cake form. Baked churro layers are doused in a sweet, sugary icing for maximum yum factor. (via Amanda Wilens)
This Mexican puff pastry cannot be missed at your next Cinco celebration. It's fried, then coated in an addictive cinnamon sugar sprinkling, just like churros. (via Cilantro Parsley)
Drink Recipes To Sip On For Cinco de Mayo
This bold take on a classic Mexican margarita will keep you going with punchy flavors from lime and jalapeño. (via Gastroplant)
Feel a sense of refreshment flow over you with this delicious drink recipe that'd perfect for Cinco celebrations. Make sure to prep a big batch to share with everyone! (via Culinary Hill)
We could never pass up a traditional marg. This one gets prepped with key limes that add amazing falvor notes. (via Barley & Sage)
Sip your way to the shores of your dream beach destination with the pineapple-y tastes of this drink. It'll also cool you down in all the right ways during hot Cinco de Mayo days! (via Amanda Wilens)
Get the best of both worlds with this summertime sipper, a margarita made with champagne. (via The Endless Meal)
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This post has been updated.