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
- 1. Beef Barbacoa
- 2. Carne Asada Tacos
- 3. Carnitas
- 4. Homemade Tacos
- 5. Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
- 6. Tacos De Adobada
- 7. Beef Fajita Tacos
- 8. Chicken Tinga
- 9. Chicken Mole
- 10. Beef Machaca
- 11. Chori Pollo
- 12. Pork Tamales
- 13. Carne en su Jugo
- 14. Pozole Rojo
- 15. Chili Con Carne
- 16. Tachos
- 17. Elotes Mexicanos
- 18. Birria Nachos
- 19. Ceviche de Camaron Tostada
- 20. Taco Ring
- 21. Hatch Green Chile Cheese Dip
- 22. Taco Stuffed Peppers
- 23. Vegetarian Mexican Casserole
- 24. Mexican Rice
- 25. Refried Beans
- 26. Cilantro Lime Rice
- 27. Refried Beans
- 28. Chilaquiles
- 29. Tres Leches Pancakes
- 30. Mexican Eggs Benedict
- 31. Pico De Gallo
- 32. Chunky Salsa
- 33. Guacamole
- 34. Mango Pico De Gallo
- 35. Serrano Crema
- 36. Chipotle Corn Salsa
- 37. Salsa Verde
- 38. Mexican Ice Cream
- 39. Mexican Flan
- 40. Sopapillas
- 41. Empanadas
- 42. Baked Churro Chips
- 43. Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail
- 44. Agua de Fresca
- 45. Horchata de Arroz
- 46. Pineapple Mojito Mocktail
- 47. Fajita Bar
- 48. Mexican Charcuterie Board
- 49. Taco Sugar Cookies
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.
Photo Credit: Garnish and Glaze
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. 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
Ground beef, onions, and tomatoes combine with taco seasoning to make the perfect weeknight homemade tacos with ground beef.
Prepare a taco bar spread with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, guacamole, and Tapatio.
You can also include black olives, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, salsa verde, chunky salsa, or pico de gallo.
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.
Photo Credit: The Dizzy Cook
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.
Photo Credit: Hilda’s Kitchen Blog
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.
Photo Credit: Sweet and Thyme
Cinco de Mayo Meat Recipes
8. 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.
Photo Credit: Paint the Kitchen Red
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.
Photo Credit: The Forked Spoon
10. 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:
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.
Photo Credit: Tabetha’s Table
12. 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.
Photo Credit: Ranch Style Kitchen
13. Carne en su Jugo
Carne en su jugo is a cozy, homestyle meal that features tender beef simmered in its own juices, homemade salsa verde, and pinto beans. Enjoy the tasty comfort meal with arroz rojo and warm tortillas.
Cinco De Mayo Chili Recipes
14. 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.
15. Chili Con Carne
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
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
Photo Credit: Midwestern Home Life
21. 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.
Photo Credit: Three Olives Branch
22. 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.
Photo Credit: Crystal and Comp
23. Vegetarian Mexican Casserole
Healthy vegetarian Mexican casserole with rice and beans is easy to make and filled with cheesy goodness, brown rice, and loads of veggies. Serve it as a meal or appetizer at your next dinner party.
Photo Credit: Piping Pot Curry
Cinco de Mayo Side Dish Recipes
24. Mexican Rice
Vegan Mexican rice simmers with tomatoes, vegetable broth, fresh jalapeños, and garlic to make a highly concentrated and flavorful side dish.
25. 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.
Photo Credit: Oh Sweet Culture Shock
26. 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.
Photo Credit: Resplendent Kitchen
27. Refried Beans
Instant Pot refried beans feature dry pinto beans that simmer for about an hour for maximum flavor.
Photo Credit: Simply Happy Foodie
Cinco de Mayo Breakfast Recipes
28. 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!
Photo Credit: Plant Based on a Budget
29. 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.
Photo Credit: Aubrey’s Kitchen
30. Mexican Eggs Benedict
Mexican eggs benedict is a breakfast favorite! The combination of spicy chorizo, smashed avocado, jalapeños, and chipotle hollandaise is insanely delicious!
Photo Credit: Every Last Bite
Cinco de Mayo Dip Recipes
31. 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.
32. 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!
33. 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.
34. Mango Pico De Gallo
35. Serrano Crema
Serrano crema contains fiery serrano peppers, fresh cilantro, garlic, and a combination of sour cream and yogurt for a creamy sauce you will want to put on everything.
36. 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!
Photo Credit: Happy Kitchen
37. Salsa Verde
Dessert Recipes for Cinco de Mayo
38. Mexican Ice Cream
Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl
39. Mexican Flan
Flan is a popular dessert consisting of a vanilla custard topped with a caramel sauce.
Photo Credit: In Mama Maggies Kitchen
40. Sopapillas
Sopapillas 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.
Photo Credit: I Heart Eating
41. 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.
Photo Credit: Flavor Mosaic
42. Baked Churro Chips
These crunchy and delicious baked churro chips come together quickly and are easy to eat!
Photo Credit: Simply Scrumptious Eats
Cinco de Mayo Drink Recipes
43. Spicy Jalapeno Margarita Mocktail
Spicy jalapeño 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!
Photo Credit: Entirely Elizabeth
44. Agua de Fresca
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.
Photo Credit: M.A. Kitchen
45. 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.
Photo Credit: Dish N’ the Kitchen
46. Pineapple Mojito Mocktail
It only takes 10 minutes to make a delicious sparkling pineapple mojito mocktail whenever you crave a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink.
Photo Credit: My Chef’s Apron
Creative Cinco de Mayo Recipes
47. 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
Photo Credit: Foxes Love Lemons
48. 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.
Photo Credit: Play, Party, Plan
49. 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.
Photo Credit: Homemade Heather
More Mexican Recipes:
Inger
Sunday 1st of May 2022
Yum! I want to try everything!
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 12th of June 2022
I feel the same way!