Fun fact: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s independence day, it commemorates the Mexican army’s improbable victory over French forces on May 5, 1862. Something you can drop on your guests when you celebrate May 5 with some of these impressive Cinco de Mayo menu items!
Here are 11 easy and delicious Cinco de Mayo menu recipes to get your party started on the right note.
RELATED: 12 Cinco de Mayo Mocktails to Make
Check out These Cinco De Mayo Recipes!
1. Elote
From its humble beginnings as a Mexican snack sold on streets and at festivals, the whimsical Elote has been in vogue as of late. However, don’t let that discourage you from making this Mexican food appetizer that only requires 4 main ingredients in this simple recipe.
2. Guacamole
We’d like to think that half of the people in this world like guacamole and the other half absolutely love it! We hope you also fit within the latter group and invite you to try this awesome guac recipe.
This recipe can be prepared by hand if you like it a bit chunkier. On the other hand, you can totally use a food processor to give your guac a much smoother texture. You can make your guac ahead of time, we don’t recommend more than a day before the party.
If you’re preparing it ahead, just press a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of your guacamole so that no air is touching the dip. Last tip, don’t forget to garnish your dip with freshly chopped cilantro before serving!
3. Keto Taco Cups
In any party, you want to give your guests some variety and especially cater to those who may have unique dietary needs. With the Keto Diet being in style as of late, don’t leave them feeling left out at your party with these Keto-friendly, yet totally delicious Keto Taco Cups!
The cups take inspiration from parmesan crisps and are an awesome Mexican finger food to serve your guests before you serve your main dishes.
4. Chicken Tamales
Normally an all-day affair, this tamale recipe can be prepped and on the table in under 2 hours flat. Save yourself even more time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken and bottled salsa but feel free to substitute in pork, beef, or even cheese if you want to go with a non-meat version.
5. Make Your Own Taco Bar
Everyone has their own taste and you can be sure to accommodate all with a homemade taco bar. Mexican food gets a bad rap for being heavy and unhealthy but this recipe offers a lighter chipotle turkey taco filling.
This will be perfect for your health-conscious guests who want to get their taco fill and not overload on calories.
6. Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
Because it wouldn’t be a complete Cinco de Mayo party if someone didn’t bring out a pan of enchiladas, right? Anytime’s a great time for enchiladas, especially these since they’re so easy to make with this recipe! We would even debate they’re just as good the day after as leftovers as these store well in your fridge even days after your party.
6. Horchata
A Cinco de Mayo party isn’t a party without Cinco de Mayo drinks! Plus, imagine having all that delicious food without having thirst-quenching options to accompany it?
Well, we’ve got a few recipes on this list to help you out. One of our favorites is a delicious and refreshing Horchata recipe that can be prepared the night before your big party.
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7. Mango-Guava Batidos
While sticking to the theme of drinks, don’t you just love a great batido? What is a batido, you ask? Batidos, also know regionally as licuados, are a Latin American blended beverage similar to a smoothie and are usually prepared with milk, fruit, and ice.
Batidos and other fresh fruit juice drinks are typically sold all over Mexico. Now that you know what they are, you can pass it on and share this refreshing 5-ingredient recipe with your guests. Once you get the hang of making delicious batidos, feel free to experiment using different fruit flavors and combinations!
8. Lime-Shaped Margarita Gelatin Shots
Margaritas are great, don’t get us wrong but when was the last time you had a lime-shaped margarita gelatin shot? That’s what we thought! Feel free to use your favorite brand of tequila for this and don’t forget to sprinkle salt on these before shooting!
Another great timesaver of a recipe that you can prepare the night before and have on deck for your guests once it’s time to really get your Cinco de Mayo party started!
9. Tres Leches Cake
Pastel de Tres Leches, which translates to “Three Milks Cake”, is a traditional dessert all over Latin America. Tres leches cake is a dessert that always packs a punch of flavor helped from its overnight soak of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream.
The cake can be made ahead of time and on the day of your party, just prepare the whipped cream topping and you’re all set!
10. Corn Muffin Churros
Churros are a fried-dough pastry snack that originated from Spain and Portugal but are enjoyed all over the world today. A box of corn muffin mix makes this simple churro recipe and will save you a lot of prep time.
11. Mexican Brownies
Another easy and delicious recipe to add to your list of Cinco de Mayo desserts: Mexican Brownies. Take your favorite boxed or homemade brownie recipe and spike them with chipotle chile pepper and cinnamon. Don’t forget to top each brownie off with a scoop of dulce de leche ice cream and a dash of cinnamon!
Hopefully, we’ve armed you with some great ideas to use for your upcoming Cinco de Mayo party. From Mexican finger foods to Mexican appetizers, these Cinco de Mayo menu ideas will have your family and loved ones wishing Cinco de Mayo happened more than just once a year!
What are some of your favorite Cinco De Mayo recipes? Tell us in the comment section below!
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