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Attention all lovers of Mexican cuisine, the much-awaited time of year is finally here! It’s time to indulge in all your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes and revel in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo! Whether hosting a grand feast or planning an intimate gathering, this list covers it.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo, which translates to the “Fifth of May” in English, is a holiday in Mexico commemorating the Battle of Puebla Day. Nevertheless, this historical event was a momentous occasion where the Mexican army achieved a glorious victory over the mighty French Empire in 1862.
Beyond being a mere victory, Cinco de Mayo represents a momentous triumph of the native Mexican people over foreign invaders. It has come to symbolize the grit and resilience of Mexican culture. For more, here’s an article about Cinco de Mayo History.
In the US, this day has become a heritage and cultural celebration of Mexico, with many people celebrating the beautiful culture with Mexican recipes, fiestas, mariachi music, and margaritas.
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Salsas & appetizers
No fiesta is complete without a generous spread of salsas and dips filling the table. These delectable condiments are versatile enough for dipping, dolloping, and layering flavors onto various dishes. So whether you prefer mild or spicy, chunky or smooth, there is always a salsa or dip to suit your taste buds. With a wide array of colors, textures, and flavors, these condiments will entice your guests to indulge in the festive spirit.
Easy Homemade Salsa
4.96 from 21 votes
Homemade restaurant style salsa! So easy to make and tastes just like it's from your favorite restaurant! Perfect for dipping chips into or spreading all over some tacos.
This tableside guacamole recipe is simply the best. The use of fresh ingredients makes all the difference, and the best part is that it's so easy to make. It's a go-to recipe for any gathering or just a little treat for yourself.
Queso Fundido. Melty cheese loaded up with spicy chorizo, green chiles, Pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for serving with tortilla chips for a fun appetizer.
Texas Nachos. No more sad and lonely chips! Meet the Texas Nachos! Every single chip is loaded up with refried beans, cheese and jalapeno. Serve on a tray with your favorite dips. The perfect meal/snack/appetizer!
Cold, tangy, and spicy this shrimp ceviche is quick and easy to make thanks to using shrimp! Loaded up with fresh veggies, jalapeno, lime and tomato juices, serve with tortilla chips or on a tostada for a fresh summer meal.
When it comes to the perfect main dish for your fiesta, look no further than these mouth-watering options that will surely please everyone at the table. One of our favorites is tacos, a Mexican staple, a popular choice for their versatility and ease of customization. Other main Mexican dishes worth trying include tamales, Chile rellenos, and Birria.
Best Ground Beef Taco Recipe
4.77 from 187 votes
The absolute BEST ground beef Tacos! An easy to make homemade taco seasoning and a secret ingredient that makes this the most flavorful and juiciest taco meat EVER! The perfect family weeknight meal that can be ready in less than 30 minutes!
Rich and flavorful these beef Birria Tacos are perfect served with onion, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice with a bowl of consommé on the side for dipping! These Quesabirria tacos are famous!
The quintessential Tex Mex recipe, these Tex Mex Cheese Enchiladas are the definition of Tex Mex. Warm corn tortillas filled with creamy, melty cheese and smothered in a homemade mild, chili gravy enchilada sauce.
This quick and easy Mexican Picadillo dinner recipe comes together with minimal ingredients and only 30 minutes. Ground beef and potatoes are simmered in a seasoned tomato sauce. Serve this dish up with some rice and fresh flour tortillas for a complete meal.
Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas. Creamy, cheesy baked chicken quesadillas are perfect for a family dinner or for feeding a crowd! Loaded with tender bits of chicken, melty cheese, and all coated with a taco seasoned sour cream sauce.
The KING of Burritos! This Wet Burrito is loaded up with juicy, tender meat, rice, beans, and cheese. All smothered in a red enchilada sauce, more cheese and baked until nice and melty. Top with some cooling sour cream and fresh lettuce and tomato for a fun, restaurant quality meal.
Baked Chicken Taquitos. These taquitos have a creamy, cheesy chicken filling that is perfectly seasoned! Plus baking taquitos makes it easy to make a large batch with much less mess!
Step by step directions on how to make Authentic Pork Tamales. Tender shredded pork is coated in a homemade red Chile sauce and surrounded in a melt in your mouth masa dough.
Every Mexican meal is made complete with some delicious and flavorful side dishes to complement the main course. So whether you’re serving up tacos, enchiladas, or any other Mexican main dish, these side dish recipes will add a layer of taste and authenticity to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Cilantro Lime Rice. This tender, fluffy rice is flavored with fresh zesty lime juice and chopped cilantro. Perfect for serving alongside chicken, fish, or shrimp.
Charro beans are a Tex Mex favorite. These pinto beans are tender and simmered in a flavorful bean broth seasoned with onion, garlic and bacon. Jalapeño adds just a touch of heat. These charro Beans are the perfect side dish for any meal!
Mexican Street Corn, or Elotes. This grilled corn recipe is coated with a cooling lime Crema, spiced with some Chile powder, and topped with crumbled Cotija and diced cilantro. The perfect side dish or appetizer!
These Roasted Mexican Potatoes are seasoned with a blend of Tex Mex seasonings and fresh cilantro. Baked at a high temperature to ensure crispy skins on the outside and a creamy texture on the inside. This is a great gluten free, vegetarian side dish option to go with all your favorite Tex Mex meals!
Whether you prefer non-alcoholic drinks or cocktails, there’s something here to please everybody. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic beverage, the agua frescas, and horchata are always popular choices. The refreshing and sweet flavors will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.
Meanwhile, cocktail enthusiasts will delight in frozen margaritas, classic margaritas, and fresh grapefruit Palomas. These drinks are the perfect combination of tart and sweet. They will add a fun and festive element to your Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Classic Margarita
4.91 from 10 votes
Only a handful of ingredients are needed to make these Easy Classic Margaritas at home! No pre-made mixes are required. Enjoy the flavors of fresh squeezed lime juice, orange liquor and your favorite tequila.
These Frozen Margaritas are cold, frosty, and fruity! You can blend up a batch of these slushy margaritas in less than 5 minutes and with only a handful of ingredients. The perfect drink for any hot and sunny day.
Quick and easy, these Frozen Mangonadas are a sweet and spicy treat the entire family will love! Layers of frozen mango smoothie with tart and spicy chamoy sauce make these the perfect frozen treats to cool down with.
This easy Agua Fresca Recipe can be used to make a refreshing, non-alcoholic, fruit drink using any of your favorite fruits. Perfect for cooling down and relaxing on a hot summer day.
Horchata. This creamy, Agua de horchata is cold and refreshing. This cold and creamy authentic Mexican drink recipe is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. This drink also pairs with all your favorite Mexican or Tex Mex meals!
No celebration is complete without indulging in sweet treats, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. Mexican cuisine boasts many delicious and unique desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
From the puffy and flaky sopapillas served with a drizzle of sticky, sweet honey to the cold and creamy Tres Leches Cake soaked in a rich three-milk mixture, there is a treat for everyone!
Fresas Con Crema (Strawberries and Cream)
5 from 5 votes
Quick and easy Fresas Con Crema (Strawberries and Cream) recipe! Ripe, juicy strawberries in a cold, sweet cream sauce. Perfect easy no bake dessert recipe!
Sopapillas are fried pastries sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar and served with honey! This restaurant quality recipe is easy to make at home using items from your own pantry.
This easy to make Homemade Tres Leches Cake is tender and drenched in a three milk mixture. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh fruit, it can also be topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a truly authentic Mexican dessert treat!
Quick and easy, these Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars are a fun dessert ready to feed a crowd! Layers of flaky dough, with a creamy, sweet cheesecake in between. All topped with a cinnamon sugar crust.
Hi Serene, Love your recipes! My question is, do you have a recipe book I can buy ? I only have a computer in my bedroom & I don` t want to print out all the ones I want for the kitchen .
Thank you so much for sharing. I recently made vegan pulled “pork” for the first time using Jackfruit. It was amazing. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes.
Wow!! I haven’t heard of jackfruit, so now I’m on my way to go look that up. I imagine that vegan pulled pork would be a wonderful substitute in some enchiladas!
Hi Serene, Love your recipes! My question is, do you have a recipe book I can buy ? I only have a computer in my bedroom & I don` t want to print out all the ones I want for the kitchen .
Thank you so much for sharing. I recently made vegan pulled “pork” for the first time using Jackfruit. It was amazing. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes.
Wow!! I haven’t heard of jackfruit, so now I’m on my way to go look that up. I imagine that vegan pulled pork would be a wonderful substitute in some enchiladas!
I love Mexican food! I need to make way more of it way more often! Thanks for doing this roundup!
Thanks Melissa! Mexican food is definitely our go to in our house 😉 these are all recipes that have been made many, many times.
How in the world am I supposed to choose what to make first?! Everything looks phenomenal!
Awesome collection
Thanks Becky!
Now the party can start!
Absolutely! Thanks Ginny!
Geez, this is like a goldmine! What a treasure trove and great resource for Cinco de Mayo!
Thanks so much Lori 🙂
I could seriously live off of these all month and be super happy while doing it! <3 Mex is my favorite
It’s my favorite too! This is basically all we eat!
Get in my belly. All of these. Right now. Okay, well not right now…. but one a day for the next 30 days please!!! YUM!!!!
Sounds like a good plan to me! Thanks Betsy!
Mexican food is my absolute FAVORITE! I’m so pumped to have found this recipe and all these great ideas. Pinning for later!
Thanks so much Bintu 🙂 Thanks for the pin!