By Becky Hardin
Published Apr 24, 2024
Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays of the year! It might just be an excuse to eat tacos and drink margaritas, but…isn’t that what all holidays should be about? These Cinco de Mayo recipes are the best of the best, and definitely need to be on your menu this year! I’m sharing tons of Cinco de Mayo food and appetizer ideas for a party, and the best Mexican dishes to help you celebrate at home. Find tacos, queso, dips, finger foods, dinner ideas, desserts, and lots of other Mexican food to cook for your fiesta.
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Cinco de Mayo Food
I’m a huge fan of Mexican and Tex-Mex food, so Cinco de Mayo food tends to be my absolute favorite recipes. Tacos, burritos, Mexican street foods, chips and salsa, tortilla chips and guacamole , chips and queso …I think you get the point! And none of it is complete without a few margaritas to wash it down.
Below I’m sharing all the best Cinco de Mayo recipes (tacos, dips, appetizers, and easy meal ideas) so you can create the perfect menu for May 5th and really get the party started!
Street Corn Nachos
Cinco de Mayo Appetizers
Every one of my Cinco de Mayo parties needs some appetizers to serve with the margaritas. These finger foods and snacks are so easy to make, and they’re absolutely delicious. I love to make taquitos, potato skins, nachos, and other foods that are easy to eat.
- Street Corn Nachos : Inspired by elote, a tray of chips are loaded with seasoned corn, Cotija cheese, jalapenos, and a creamy sauce.
- Chilaquiles : This snack is so quick and easy to make–just heat up some chips and salsa in a skillet, then add your fave toppings.
- Enchilada Cups : Everything you love about enchiladas is stuffed into a crispy tortilla cup! I love any party appetizer that can be held in one hand (leaving the other open for a cocktail).
- Mexican Corn on the Cob : This is my take on classic Mexican elote! I use Greek yogurt for the creamy sauce to make it a little lighter, but taco seasoning , lime juice, and cheese keep all the flavor there.
- Beef Taquitos : A creamy, seasoned ground beef filling is rolled up in tortillas for a simple appetizer that’s sure to be a hit at any Cinco de Mayo celebration.
- Avocado Fries : Slices of avocado are coated in breadcrumbs then baked, and let me tell you, these are so addicting! The crunchy exterior and super creamy interior is delicious, and these pair well with all the other Mexican dishes.
- Walking Tacos : Keep your party food simple with these tacos in a bag. I especially love to make these for the kids so they can eat, run around, and play without worry.
- Mexican Potato Skins : This beloved app is filled with beef, cheese, tomatoes, olives, and green onions for a Tex-Mex twist.
Birria Tacos
Best Tacos for Cinco de Mayo
Tacos are my very favorite Cinco de Mayo food. They’re easy to make for a lot of people, and you can even set up a taco bar. They can either be a handheld food for parties, or something to sit down and eat for dinner.
- Birria Tacos : Richly flavored, melt-in-your-mouth beef, metly cheese, and crunchy tortillas…I can’t get enough of these tacos, and everyone who tries them seems to love them too!
- Baked Chicken Tacos : These are a personal favorite, a family favorite, and a reader favorite–so you know they’re good! I love how easy it is to make a big batch of tacos in one go.
- Crockpot Taco Meat : If you’re planning a taco bar for Cinco de Mayo, this taco meat is the perfect filling.
- Barbacoa Tacos : This authentic, slow-cooked barbacoa beef is a great taco idea–just be sure to cook the meat the day before so it’s ready to use.
- Buffalo Shrimp Tacos : Crispy bites of popcorn shrimp are coated in spicy buffalo sauce, then piled into tortillas with cabbage, red onion, blue cheese, and some other fun toppings.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos : Shredded honey BBQ chicken, mango salsa, cilantro, black beans, and cheese make some tasty tacos! I like using hard shells for these, but you could make soft tacos too.
- Cod Fish Tacos : These seafood tacos are the perfect pairing for margaritas. They’re so light, fresh, and flavorful!
- Quesabirria Tacos : Flavorful chiles, lots of cheese, and shredded beef create an unbelievable combo! The tacos are pan-fried in a rich consomme to give them the crispiest texture and the most delicious flavor.
White Queso
Queso, Salsa, and Guacamole Recipes
Chips and queso, chips and salsa, chips and guac…I just want something simple to dip my tortillas chips in! Plus, these are all tasty toppings for tacos and Mexican dishes too.
- White Queso : Hands down, this is my favorite queso ever! I make it every chance I get, so of course I make a big batch for Cinco de Mayo–and not a drop is leftover!
- Food Processor Guacamole : Skip the hand-mashing and throw all the ingredients into a food processor instead. Trust me, this is the easiest way to make tasty guac for dipping, tacos, and Mexican food topping.
- Homemade Salsa : This salsa is ready in 5 minutes, thanks to my blender. The mix of garlic, jalapenos, lime, and cumin creates an irresistible, medium-heat salsa with a little bit of texture.
- Crockpot Queso : It only takes about an hour for this queso to cook up, and since it’s already in my Crockpot, I just switch it to the WARM setting to serve throughout the party. This makes a pretty large batch, so there’s enough for everyone!
- Healthy Queso : Greek yogurt and coconut milk help create a creamy texture while cutting down on calories…so I can balance out all the other Cinco de Mayo foods!
- Street Corn Salsa : This quick, fresh salsa is filled with roasted corn, feta, lime juice, sour cream, cilantro, and pico de gallo .
- Velveeta Queso : Velveeta, Rotel, beer, black beans, cheese, and sausage cook up into a chunky, hearty queso dip.
- Poblano Queso : Roasted poblano peppers are the star of this dip. I love the level of heat they add, without creating an overwhelming spiciness.
- Nacho Cheese : My 4-ingredient, 5-minute nacho cheese is the perfect, dippable consistency. You’re going to want to dip all of your Cinco de Mayo appetizers in this!
Crockpot Corn Dip
Cheesy Cinco de Mayo Dips
Hot, cheesy dips are the perfect appetizers for Cinco de Mayo, because they just taste so good with margaritas!
- Crockpot Corn Dip : This Crockpot dip is warm, creamy, and so so cheesy. Just throw all of the ingredients into the pot, and let it cook!
- Chicken Enchilada Dip : I always make this recipe for Cinco because it’s super creamy, cheesy, and delicious! Chicken, corn, beans, and enchilada sauce are all baked beneath a thick layer of cheese…need I say more?
- Mexican Fiesta Dip : This cold dip is so easy to throw together in minutes, which makes it especially great for last-minute parties or snacking. Black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and so much more mingle together for a bite full of yum!
- Mexican Street Corn Dip : You may have noticed by now that I’m a fan of street corn recipes, and this hot dip really hits the spot.
Esquites Cups
Cinco de Mayo Party Foods
All of these recipes are easy to serve and eat at parties, and they’re great for bringing along to any Cinco de Mayo party you attend.
- Esquites : This Mexican street food snack is perfect for Cinco de Mayo parties. I spoon this creamy corn salad into cups so that it’s easy for people to grab and eat while sipping on margaritas.
- Mexican Pinwheels : Pinwheels are a great party appetizer because they’re easy to make, and they can be made the night before. This recipe is filled with chorizo, taco seasoning, green chiles, and more.
- Beef Folded Quesadillas : These are so fun to make for a quick lunch, snack, or party-friendly food on Cinco de Mayo.
- Chicken Empanadas : Pockets of flaky pie crust are stuffed with chicken, multiple cheese, and spices for a filling food option.
- Mexican Pizza : Beef and refried beans are layered between crisp tortillas then topped with cheese and salsa. It makes an easy meal or snack food, and the kids really love these too.
- Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos : Taquitos are a must for Cinco de Mayo, and they’re so easy to make in the Air Fryer.
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad : Perfectly creamy and a little bit spicy, this pasta salad is my favorite dish to bring to a Cinco de Mayo potluck.
Mexican Tamales
Best Mexican Recipes
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with traditional Mexican dishes and Tex-Mex favorites that are easy to make, and so delicious when paired with margaritas.
- Tamales : This traditional Mexican dish will make Cinco de Mayo feel extra special, whether you’re hosting a party or just making dinner at home.
- Nachos Supreme : If you’re going to make nachos for a crowd, might as well throw everything ( refried beans , beef, guac, cheese, peppers, etc.) on them. Yum!
- Steak Fajitas : I love making sizzling fajitas, and tender steak is my filling of choice, along with flavorful veggies. They’re so fun to serve with guests, because everyone can dig in and make their own!
- Shredded Beef Enchiladas : Enchiladas are one of my favorite Mexican dinners, and the thick layer of cheese on top of these makes them extra delicious.
- Chimichangas : Crispy tortillas stuffed with chicken, Rotel, beans, and lots of cheese, served with queso, guac, and all the fixings…these will make you feel like you’re at your favorite Mexican restaurant!
- Crockpot Mexican Shredded Chicken : This chicken is cooked with taco seasoning, corn, beans, and salsa. It’s a versatile recipe that can be used in tacos, burrito bowls , or served any way you like!
- Chicken Mole : Trust me when I tell you, this mole sauce is to die for! The combination of peppers, warm spices, seeds, and dark chocolate creates such a rich, complex flavor.
- Chicken Quesadillas : No one can resist a quesadilla, and these are so easy to make. Make a few plain chicken and cheese ones for the picky eaters, then add the rest of the ingredients for everyone else.
- Cheesy Mexican Rice : Super cheesy rice mixed with tomatoes, peppers, and spices is a great side dish for any foods you cook on Cinco de Mayo!
Salsa Verde Chicken
Easy Cinco de Mayo Meals
Even if you’re not going all out for a fiesta, Cinco de Mayo is still a great excuse to cook up some Mexican food for dinner!
- Salsa Verde Chicken : Green salsa adds a nice spice to juicy chicken breasts, and there’s plenty of cheese melted on top for a satisfying meal. I always serve this with rice and beans!
- Mexican Mac and Cheese : This cheesy recipe is something the whole family can get behind! Taco-seasoned sausage, green chiles, and lots of cheese are baked together with pasta for an easy dinner.
- Mexican Zucchini Boats : If you’re looking for something a little healthier (and keto-friendly) on Cinco, these taco-stuffed zucchinis are a great option.
- Chicken and Sweet Potato Enchiladas : Shredded chicken, sweet potatoes, and black beans make a delicious filling for these easy enchiladas.
- Mexican Tater Tot Casserole : My kids love tater tots, so they get extra excited when they see this Mexican casserole on the table.
- Mexican Stuffed Peppers : Stuffed peppers are a dinner-time favorite, and I like to add a little Tex-Mex twist with taco seasoning, green chiles, and enchilada sauce.
- Taco Casserole : Refried beans, beef, tater tots, tomatoes, and cheese are all baked together in this easy-to-make casserole. Throw some extra toppings on to finish, like crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and lettuce.
- Mexican Street Corn Chicken : This one pan recipe is an easy meal to make, even after a day of drinking margaritas. Rice, corn, cheese, chicken, green chiles, and more cook up in a skillet, so you won’t miss out on a good dinner.
Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
More Cinco de Mayo Food Ideas
I have so many recipes for Cinco de Mayo that I just love–I couldn’t resist sharing a few more favorites!
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup : This creamy soup is one of my all-time favorites because it’s just so comforting. It’s easy to make a batch ahead of time, so you can just reheat and serve!
- Mexican Lasagna : Layer tortillas with the best Mexican food ingredients, like black beans, corn, salsa, and cheese. This is always such a fun meal to eat!
- Chicken con Queso : Chicken, queso, rice, green chiles, pico, and salsa cook up in one skillet, in 25 minutes!
- Chicken Nachos : Nachos are a great appetizer, meal, or party food for Cinco de Mayo, and these are always a hit with guests and family alike. They’re so easy, I could make batch after batch all day long!
- Crockpot Beef Carnitas : Tender, juicy, spiced and shredded, this slow-cooked beef can be used to make tacos, hearty rice bowls, burritos, and more.
- Enchilada Stuffed Chicken : If you’re looking for an easy dinner idea for the family on Cinco de Mayo, this cheesy stuffed chicken is perfect.
- Crockpot Taco Soup : Ground beef, beans, and more swim in a deliciously spiced broth! This can be served as a main dish, or as an appetizer before tacos, enchiladas, and more.
- Chicken Enchilada Pie : The fact that I can whip up this dinner in about 25 minutes means it’s the perfect easy Cinco de Mayo meal.
Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Mexican Desserts and Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth like me (or sugar-hungry kids) you’ll want to try these Mexican-inspired dessert recipes to finish off your Cinco de Mayo fiesta.
- Churros : I never skip the churros on Cinco de Mayo, because they’re just so fun to make and eat. The kids love them, I love them, and they’re great for parties too.
- Tres Leches Cake : The combination of sweet and creamy milks makes this cake a melt-in-your-mouth delight. And the cinnamon on top is the perfect finish!
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars : I was inspired by traditional sopapillas to make these super easy cheesecake bars with crescent roll dough, cream cheese, and cinnamon sugar.
- Margarita Popsicles : If you get a warm and sunny day this Cinco de Mayo, these popsicles will make a great treat to help cool off. Strawberry, peach, and lime flavors are layered together–and yes, these have tequila in them, so they’re adults-only.
So get your best Cinco de Mayo recipes ready, because May 5th is almost here! Tacos, chips, salsa, margaritas, check! And don’t forget the mangonadas …there’s just so many tasty options. I’m so excited for this holiday. I hope you all enjoy yourselves with all this delicious Cinco de Mayo food!
More Recipe Ideas for Your Fiesta
Find more margaritas, dips, appetizers, and food ideas to serve on Cinco de Mayo and beyond!
- 40 Taco Night Recipes
- 28 Margarita Recipes
- 50 Cheese Dip Recipes
- 40 Cinco de Mayo Drinks
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
