Cinco De Mayo Recipes

What’s a Cinco De Mayo celebration without a mouth-watering spread of colorful and flavorful dishes? Create the menu of your dreams with some of my favorite Cinco De Mayo recipes, perfect for any get-together or gathering.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco De Mayo is a time of year when Americans celebrate all things Mexico!! The history behind the date commemorates the First Battle of Puebla – a battle between Mexico and France. Yet, the celebration of Cinco De Mayo is not as widespread in Mexico as it is in the U.S.

Nevertheless, let the party continue, and do so by learning about the history and culture of Mexico while enjoying delicious Cinco De Mayo recipes with family and friends.

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

1. Educate	Learn about Mexican history and share the real story of Cinco De Mayo.
2. Support	As you celebrate, put your money into the pockets of those you are celebrating – visit your local Mexican grocery store (or carniceria), a restaurant, a clothing store, or an artisan shop owned by Mexicans!
3. Eat	I’ve got you covered for this one because I spent the time collecting 45 of the best Cinco de Mayo recipes to try this year!

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Cinco De Mayo Taco Recipes

1. Beef Barbacoa

Tender beef barbacoa is bursting with flavor. Use the shredded beef to fill tacos, burritos, savory quesadillas, or as a topping for a salad or burrito bowl.

2. Carne Asada Tacos

Enjoy tender carne asada flap steak, marinated to perfection and expertly grilled to make carne asada tacos. Fill a warm corn tortilla with the seared steak and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and onion. If you want more than tacos, make a carne asada platter with cotija cheese topped refried beans and Mexican rice!

3. Instant Pot Carnitas

Elevate your home-cooking game with easy-to-make Instant Pot carnitas featuring succulent pork flavored with chiles and warm spices. This recipe is one of my go-to’s for feeding a crowd on a budget.

4. Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef

Ground beef, onions, and tomatoes combine with taco seasoning to make the perfect weeknight homemade tacos with ground beef.

5. Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

Spicy shrimp tacos marinate in a chipotle chili sauce to produce a spicy, smoky flavor as they cook. Finish the tacos with a creamy cilantro slaw or homemade coleslaw with mint and cilantro for a quick 30-minute meal.

6. Tacos De Adobada

Make delicious tacos de adobada. Juicy pork marinates in a tasty blend of roasted chili salsa, vinegar, and a secret ingredient (shawarma seasoning) that adds a flavorful Middle Eastern twist.

7. Beef Fajita Tacos

Treat yourself to a classic comfort food. The beef marinates for several hours in a mix of chiles, herbs, and lime juice before being grilled, resulting in delicious fajita tacos. Serve them with tender vegetables and all your favorite toppings.

Cinco de Mayo Meat Recipes

8. Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Instant Pot chicken tinga is a tasty addition to tacos, tostadas, enchiladas, nachos, rice bowls, or taco salads. Pressure-cooked and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect as a make-ahead dinner.

9. Chicken Mole

Chicken mole features layers of bold flavor. Traditionally prepared for special occasions and celebrations, mole is a staple dish in Mexican cuisine and represents the country’s rich culinary heritage. Enjoy it over warm rice and beans, wrapped in tortillas, or drizzled over your favorite tacos, nachos, and veggies.

10. Instant Pot Beef Machaca

Instant Pot beef machaca is the best filling for tacos, burritos, and nachos! Transform a basic chuck roast into the most flavorful shredded beef.

More Shredded Beef Recipes:

• Carne Mechada
• Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
• Instant Pot Ropa Vieja

11. Chori Pollo

Chori polli combines tender, juicy chicken and spicy chorizo smothered in a creamy cheese sauce for a dish that will have you licking your plate clean.

12. Instant Pot Pork Tamales

Make flavorful pork tamales in half the time using an Instant Pot! Mildly spicy red chili sauce perfectly complements tender and juicy pork, all wrapped up in a fluffy masa that will have you savoring every bite.

Cinco De Mayo Chili Recipes

13. Instant Pot Pozole Rojo

Are you looking for a hearty stew to make your holiday celebration even more special? Try my beloved family Instant Pot pozole rojo recipe that we whip up for holidays like Cinco De Mayo, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Authentic pozole features succulent pork shoulder, hominy, and a chili-spiced broth. Pile your bowl high with fresh toppings like sliced radishes, fresh cilantro, shredded cabbage, onions, and Mexican oregano.

14. Chili Con Carne with Beans

Warm up with a heaping bowl of savory, southwest-style chili. Authentic chili con carne with beans combines hearty beef chuck, black beans (gasp! I know), and a delicious combination of chiles.

Appetizer Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

15. Tachos

Ditch regular corn tortilla chips and replace them with crispy tater tots to make sheet-pan tachos, also known as tater tot nachos. Pick your favorite tater tots, seasoned ground beef, and gooey nacho cheese. Plus, all your favorite toppings like avocado lime crema, pico de gallo, and sour cream.

16. Elotes Mexicanos

Elotes Mexicano, or Mexican corn, features juicy corn on the cob charred on the grill and covered in a creamy sauce. Cotija cheese and chili powder put the finishing touches on the elotes, a classic street food in Mexico- and one of my favorites!Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together or looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, smoked elote is the perfect side dish or appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds. Serve it alongside grilled chicken drumsticks to make it a complete meal. 

17. Birria Nachos

When you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, make fully loaded birria nachos! Layer tortilla chips with juicy beef birria, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and pickled onions for the ultimate nacho experience.

18. Ceviche de Camaron Tostada

Ceviche de camaron tostada or shrimp ceviche tostadas is a classic Mexican dish that combines the zesty fresh flavors of ceviche with crispy tostada shells for an easy-to-make dinner or appetizer.

19. Taco Ring

The quick and easy taco ring dinner incorporates flaky crescent roll dough, taco meat, cheese, black beans, corn, and all your favorite taco toppings. Perfect for holiday parties, game nights, and Cinco De Mayo.

20. Hatch Green Chile Cheese Dip

Hatch green chile cheese dip is a perfect appetizer! Gooey cheese and roasted peppers make an easy snack perfect for entertaining guests.

21. Taco Stuffed Peppers

Taco stuffed peppers are an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love and a perfect appetizer for social gatherings. With a few simple ingredients, you will have a delicious treat on the table in no time! Plus, you can dip them into ancho aioli or avocado lime crema.

Cinco de Mayo Side Dish Recipes

23. Mexican Rice

Vegan Mexican rice simmers with tomatoes, vegetable broth, fresh jalapeños, and garlic to make a highly concentrated and flavorful side dish.

24. Refried Beans

Forget canned refried beans and start making them at home with a few easy steps. Homemade refried beans are a must for any Cinco de Mayo gathering.

25. Cilantro Lime Rice

Are you looking for a flavorful side dish? Try simple cilantro lime rice! The light, bright, versatile side is full of fresh flavors.

26. Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot refried beans feature dry pinto beans that simmer for about an hour for maximum flavor.

Cinco de Mayo Breakfast Recipes

27. Chilaquiles 

Make hearty, flavorful, and protein-packed vegan chilaquiles combining crispy corn tortilla strips with scrambled tofu, onion, beans, and salsa. A quick, easy, affordable, and super-filling breakfast that is ready in under 30 minutes!

28. Tres Leches Pancakes

Tres leches pancakes are super soft and fluffy. Finish them with a decadent three-milk syrup, extra caramel or dulce de leche, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and whipped cream.

29. Mexican Eggs Benedict

Mexican eggs benedict is a breakfast favorite! The combination of spicy chorizo, smashed avocado, jalapeños, and chipotle hollandaise is insanely delicious!

Cinco de Mayo Dip Recipes

30. Pico De Gallo

Get fresh pico de gallo on the table with just five ingredients: ripe tomatoes, white onion, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice combined to make a perfect topping or garnish.

31. Chunky Salsa

Skip a trip to the store and make chunky salsa with cilantro and avocado at home. This fresh dip uses simple ingredients and can be ready in just 20 minutes!

32. Guacamole

Fresh and easy guacamole without tomato is ready in 10 minutes! All you need is a handful of ingredients! Serve it as a dip, or use it to dress up your favorite entree.

33. Mango Pico De Gallo

Sweet, spicy, and easy to make – serve mango pico de gallo with tortilla chips or use it to top chicken, fish, tacos, or salad. It’s so good you’ll want to eat it with a spoon.

34. Serrano Crema

Serrano crema contains fiery serrano peppers, fresh cilantro, a pop of garlic, and a combination of sour cream and yogurt to give the sauce a creamy texture. Olive oil, lime juice, and warm spices finish this sauce you can put on everything.

35. Chipotle Corn Salsa

Chipotle corn salsa is an ideal accompaniment for Mexican food. The sweet roasted corn pairs perfectly with smoky chipotle peppers for a fresh topping for summer gatherings and Cinco de Mayo!

36. Salsa Verde

Make restaurant-style salsa verde with tomatillo to serve alongside comfort meals like tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas or as a dip for tortilla chips.

Dessert Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

37. Mexican Ice Cream

Making Mexican ice cream is easier than you think! Skip the fryer and make these easy, three-ingredient treats in 10 minutes. And you can finish the frozen dessert with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and a cherry on top!

38. Mexican Flan

Flan is a popular dessert consisting of a vanilla custard topped with a caramel sauce.

39. Sopaipillas

Sopaipillas are light, fried dough pieces coated with delicious cinnamon sugar. Whether they are for Cinco De Mayo or a tasty dessert to share with family and friends, sopaipillas are a perfect choice.

40. Empanadas

Mexican empanadas de cajeta are easy to make and tasty! The soft dough is coated with cinnamon and sugar and stuffed with sweet dulce de leche or caramel.

41. Baked Churro Chips

These crunchy and delicious baked churro chips come together quickly and are easy to eat!

42. Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail

Spicy jalapeno margarita mocktails are tart, sweet, and have the perfect heat. The refreshing drink takes minutes to make – no fancy equipment is required! Try this and more of our tasty mocktail recipes for a sober, good time!

43. Agua de Fresca Con Leche

This agua de fresca con leche is delicious and perfect for a hot day. The creamy and fruity drink is a popular choice among children and adults, and it’s an excellent way to use fresh strawberries.

44. Horchata de Arroz

Homemade horchata de arroz is a simple and refreshing drink made with rice water and condensed milk accented by a sprinkle of cinnamon.

45. Pineapple Mojito Mocktail

It only takes 10 minutes to make a delicious sparkling pineapple mojito mocktail whenever you crave a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink.

Creative Cinco de Mayo Recipes

46. Fajita Bar

A fajita bar is a delicious build-your-own dinner that the pickiest kids and the hungriest adults will enjoy.

Fixings for the Bar:

• Avocado Salsa
• Pico de Gallo
• Grilled Peppers and Onions
• Corn Tortillas or Tostadas

47. Mexican Charcuterie Board

A Mexican charcuterie board is the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Buy or make your favorite Mexican recipes, display them on a table or board with a little fiesta-inspired flair, and let everyone grab their favorite! Include recipes like taquitos, quesadillas, and mini tacos.

48. Taco Sugar Cookies

How cute are these taco sugar cookies? Plus, they are perfect for Cinco de Mayo or Taco Tuesday with your family and friends.

More Mexican Recipes:

• Birria Con Consume
• Chicken with Mole
• Vegetarian Black Bean and Corn Enchiladas