Celebrate the vibrant flavors of Cinco de Mayo with a delicious spread that turns your table into a full-blown Mexican fiesta! These irresistible recipes have everything you need to build a perfectly festive menu that captures the spirit and taste of the celebration.
If you love to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style, you are in the right place! Our daughters both have Mexican heritage and we wanted to celebrate that with the most authentic versions of some of our favorite Mexican food. Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity to go all out!
My family has celebrated this holiday with a big spread for years and years with friends and I’ve got everything from fresh, zesty dips and flavorful meats to classic rice, hearty beans, tasty tacos, refreshing drinks, and indulgent desserts. These recipes in this blog post are designed to come together beautifully, creating a full, satisfying meal that captures the spirit of the day.
If you want to see all of my Mexican recipes, you can find them all here. So gather your people, fill your plates, and celebrate with food that’s meant to be shared.
1. Birria Tacos
These Birria Tacos were created out of a necessity. We are obsessed with birria tacos from our favorite local restaurant and I knew I had to create them at home. They turned out amazing. But the taco party doesn’t stop here! Dive into my Smoky Chicken Tinga Tacos, Blackened Salmon Tacos, Baja Fried Fish Tacos Recipe, or Grilled Pork Tacos al Pastor for even more mouthwatering taco recipes.
2. Blueberry Cheesecake Tacos
Are we allowed to pick favorites? This viral Blueberry Cheesecake Tacos may not be your traditional Cinco de Mayo dessert but these are definitely worth making! I love that they’re so unique and apparently you do too because they got tens of thousands of views when I shared them on Instagram! Switch it up by using different fruit toppings like raspberry cake filling or cherry pie filling instead of blueberry, if you prefer, and get ready to receive rave reviews.
3. Steak Fajitas
These Steak Fajitas were such a popular item on the menu at the restaurant I worked at that I learned how to make them the best way. Now they are Paul’s favorite meal and annual birthday request. Fajitas are so quick and so easy that they are on a frequent rotation at our house. Try our Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas for our other favorite version! To make it the ultimate comfort meal, try them with our Homemade Flour Tortillas. Nothing beats homemade.
4. Fried Ice Cream
I know it’s silly to call this Fried Ice Cream when it isn’t even fried! But this creamy vanilla ice cream is coated in a buttery, faux-fried crunchy cinnamon cornflake shell with a secret ingredient for even more texture and flavor. The chocolate and caramel syrup, whipped cream, and maraschino cherry are the perfect finish to this fun and simple dessert that tastes just like the version that was so popular at the Mexican restaurant where I worked for my first job in high school! For more festive desserts you can also try my Homemade Churros, Flan de Queso, and Tres Leches Cake!
5. Ground Beef Enchiladas
If you want restaurant quality enchiladas, look no further than this dish of Tex-Mex royalty. These Ground Beef Enchiladas have a rich, homemade red sauce which are then covered in a good cheddar cheese. My White Chicken Enchiladas are another option that has dozens of 5 star reviews. Serve these enchiladas up with Horchata, Mexican Rice, and Pico de Gallo for a full-on Mexican feast!
6. Chicken Flautas
You should try these Chicken Flautas because they’re the perfect combination of crispy, golden tortillas and a flavorful, juicy chicken filling that’s incredibly satisfying. They’re easy to eat and super kid friendly.
7. Baja Fish Tacos
This Baja Fish Tacos recipe is loaded with crispy fried fish, crunchy cabbage, pico de gallo, and a creamy fish taco sauce with plenty of lime juice squeezed over the top. No trip to a San Diego taco stand required.
8. Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn is a classic Mexican street food that we cannot get enough of. My teenager is obsessed and would eat this every day. Lightly charred corn on the cob slathered in a creamy chili, lime sauce and topped with cilantro and cotija cheese is a great side to serve at any summer cookout, not just for Cinco de Mayo! Or try it in dip form or on an elote burger!
9. Crispy Pork Carnitas with Escabeche
This recipe for these crispy slow cooker Pork Carnitas was shared with me by a friend and it’s become one of those dishes I return to again and again. Quite simply, it’s freaking amazing and makes the most delicious carnitas I have had this side of the border. And promise me you will not skip the escabeche which adds the sweet and sour flavor you so desperately want.
10. Best Guacamole Ever. Really.
I know there are a lot of guacamole recipes out there but this one really is the best. Guacamole is a favorite of mine and other recipes just don’t compare to this one thanks to one simple step of mashing the garlic and cilantro to release their oils. Whenever there are chips & guac, you might also want a batch of Easy Mexican Restaurant-Style Salsa, Queso Dip and a pitcher of Virgin Piña Coladas to wash it down!
11. Horchata
Making Horchata for Cinco de Mayo is a fun and refreshing way to round out your celebration with something a little different. This creamy, cinnamon drink is perfectly sweet and incredibly soothing, making it the ideal balance to all the savory dishes like tacos, carnitas, and spicy salsas.
12. Carne Asada
Carne Asada is perfect for eating on its own or you can add it to tacos, salads, and burritos. The citrusy, savory marinade infuses the meat with incredible taste and with minimal effort will make your Cinco de Mayo gathering flavorful and memorable. Serve it with Homemade Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, and a Classic Margarita Mocktail.
13. Green Chili Chicken Chimichangas
Green Chili Chicken Chimichangas have a golden, crunchy tortilla paired with a flavorful, slightly spicy green chili chicken filling creates the perfect balance of texture and bold taste.
14. Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches Cake is a dessert that pairs beautifully with bold, savory dishes, making it the perfect finale to your Cinco de Mayo spread. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the celebration while serving a dessert that feels extra special and authentic. If you want to try something different with a twist on the traditional way, take a look at my Chocolate Tres Leches Cake.
15. Queso Dip
I have a confession. I did not have a queso dip recipe on my website for the longest time because I just didn’t like any of them. Until recently, when a friend told me to give queso another chance. I did some research and wouldn’t you know, I found one I loved. This Copycat Torchy’s Taco Queso Dip is everything you would want in a queso dip and more with roasted green chiles and topped with guacamole, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a generous drizzle of hot sauce.
