50+ Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Are you ready for a Fiesta? We have over 50 Cinco de Mayo recipes to help you create a Fiesta for a crowd, your family or even just for you!

50+ Cinco de Mayo Recipes

If you need Cinco de Mayo menu ideas, you have come to the right place.

Below you will find over 50 recipe options for appetizers, soups and stews, main dishes, sides, desserts and a special drink.

Pick your favorites from each section for your menu!

For additional inspiration, check out all of our Mexican recipes.

In addition to these great recipes, if you are throwing a Cinco de Mayo party, then consider some of these decorations from Amazon. Click on any photo below to see the Amazon price.

Cinco de Mayo Appetizers

Get your fiesta started with salsas, dips, guacamole and jalapeno poppers!

Restaurant Style Salsa | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Appetizer, Snack 5 Minute Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe
Make your own restaurant style salsa with only a few ingredients and just 5 minutes! Quick, easy and so delicious!
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 11 votes
Check out this recipe
Restaurant Style Guacamole
Appetizer Restaurant Style Guacamole Recipe
Fresh and creamy restaurant style guacamole is so good you'll want to eat it with a spoon. It's a family favorite!
Total Time: 10 minutes
4.89 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe
Homemade Queso Dip | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Appetizer Homemade Queso Dip Recipe
This creamy & flavorful homemade queso dip is the perfect party app. It's easy to make and even easier to devour! Plus, no processed cheese required.
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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This Mango Pico de Gallo recipe is full of fresh and crisp fruits and veggies and makes the perfect dip or topping to any dish!
Appetizer, Dips, Dressings & Sauces Mango Pico de Gallo
This Mango Pico de Gallo recipe is full of fresh and crisp fruits and veggies and makes the perfect dip or topping to any dish!
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
Best Ever 7 Layer Dip | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Appetizer Best 7 Layer Dip Recipe
Best ever 7 layer dip! It's colorful, flavorful and perfect for game day, parties or BBQs! It only takes a few minutes to make and even less time to devour.
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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Appetizer Jalapeño Popper Recipe
Jalapeño poppers are creamy, spicy, and fried to perfection. These stuffed peppers are a widely popular appetizer for good reason!
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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This Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers recipe combines spicy jalapenos with a creamy and cheesy filling, topped off with a little crunch for a delicious appetizer or snack!
Appetizer Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
This Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers recipe combines spicy jalapenos with a creamy and cheesy filling, topped off with a little crunch for a delicious appetizer or snack!
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
Mango Pineapple Salsa | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Side Dish Pineapple Mango Salsa Recipe
This mango pineapple salsa is perfect with chips or any Mexican meal. It's filled with pineapple, mango, onion, cilantro and jalapeños. Simple & flavorful!
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.88 from 8 votes
Check out this recipe
Warm, cheesy, slightly spicy jalapeño popper dip.
Appetizer Jalapeño Popper Dip Recipe
This creamy, cheesy jalapeño popper dip is loaded with peppers, bacon and topped with buttery breadcrumbs. Serve it warm with your favorite chips.
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe
Roasted Salsa Verde | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Appetizer Roasted Salsa Verde Recipe
This roasted salsa verde is easy and delicious! It only requires a few simple ingredients and takes just 20 minutes to make!
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizer Avocado Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe
This is our FAVORITE recipe for Black Bean and Corn Salsa. It's chock full of freshly chopped veggies and simple seasonings, giving it a light, yet bold, flavor. 
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 4 votes
Check out this recipe

Soups and Stews

These Mexican soup recipes are easy to make ahead of time and warm them up for the party. They make a great second course after the appetizers and can give you more time to cook up the main dishes or just enjoy the party!

Jalapeño Popper Soup
Main Dishes, Soup Jalapeno Popper Soup Recipe
You MUST try this lightened up Jalapeño Popper Soup! It's creamy, spicy, filled with veggies and ready to go in just 30 minutes!
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.67 from 15 votes
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Soup Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Spicy and hearty instant pot chicken tortilla soup is packed with flavor! It's an easy dinner perfect for those busy weeknights.
Total Time: 55 minutes
4.91 from 10 votes
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Spicy Chile Verde Stew
Soup Chile Verde Stew Recipe
This extremely flavorful and slightly spicy chile verde stew is a perfect weeknight dinner. It is hearty, filling, and is made entirely in one pot!
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
5 from 8 votes
Check out this recipe
A close up image of easy taco soup garnished with cilantro, sour cream and green onions.
Soups Taco Soup Recipe
Taco Soup is a flavorful and filling soup topped with all the fixings. This easy taco soup recipe is one of our go-to dinners.
Total Time: 50 minutes
4.86 from 21 votes
Check out this recipe
A cozy bowl full of easy, homemade jalapeño lime chicken chili.
Soups Jalapeño Lime Chicken Chili Recipe
Warm up with a bowl of this flavorful jalapeño lime chicken chili. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly night!
Total Time: 45 minutes
4.75 from 4 votes
Check out this recipe
Chicken Tortilla Soup | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Soups Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
If you love soup, you've got to try this thick and delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup that is ready in 45 minutes! It's loaded with veggies and protein, plus it's naturally gluten free and dairy free!
Total Time: 45 minutes
4.77 from 59 votes
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Main Dishes, Soups Chicken and Hatch Chile Stew Recipe
This bold & flavorful chicken and hatch chile stew is ready to go in just 1 hour! It's loaded with shredded chicken, fresh corn, rice and of course, hatch chiles!
Total Time: 1 hour
4.73 from 124 votes
Check out this recipe

Cinco de Mayo Main Dishes

We have you covered with a variety of Cinco de Mayo recipes for the main dishes on your menu, including beef, chicken, pork and vegetarian recipes. Since not everyone loves spicy dishes, you might want to have some spicy and some not so spicy dishes. You can also have hot sauce on the side so your guests can spice up each dish to their desired level of heat.

Beef Main Dishes

Favorite Beef Tacos
Main Course Beef Tacos Recipe
These tacos are our family's FAVORITE beef tacos. They're made with a homemade blend of seasonings and spices along with a few secret ingredients.
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.94 from 16 votes
Check out this recipe
Crazy Delicious Beef Enchiladas
Main Dishes Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Beef enchiladas are flavorful without being overly spicy. They are saucy, cheesy and packed full of flavor!
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
5 from 3 votes
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Crazy Delicious Beef Barbacoa
Main Course Beef Barbacoa Recipe
This crazy delicious beef barbacoa couldn't be easier to make! Season, braise, simmer and let your oven do the rest!
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
4.75 from 16 votes
Check out this recipe
Easy Red Enchiladas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course Easy Red Enchiladas Recipe
Easy red enchiladas filled with seasoned ground beef and a blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheese. These flavorful enchiladas are always a hit!
Total Time: 1 hour
5 from 8 votes
Check out this recipe
15 Minute Cheesy Taco Skillet | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course 20 Minute Cheesy Taco Skillet Recipe
This 20 minute cheesy taco skillet is loaded with veggies, protein and fiber. It's a delicious low-carb meal that the entire family will love!
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Check out this recipe
Quick & Easy Mexican Pizzas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course Easy Mexican Pizzas Recipe
These quick & easy Mexican pizzas are a delicious meal that the entire family will love!
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.93 from 13 votes
Check out this recipe

Chicken Main Dishes

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
These easy, flavorful, sheet pan chicken fajitas are sure to become a favorite! They're oven-roasted to perfection!
Total Time: 40 minutes
4.83 from 96 votes
Check out this recipe
Chile Verde Chicken Tamale Casserole | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Dishes Chile Verde Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe
This chile verde chicken tamale casserole is a quick and easy spin on traditional tamales. It’s loaded with flavor and every bit as delicious as the real deal!
Total Time: 1 hour
4.75 from 100 votes
Check out this recipe
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course Chili Lime Chicken Tacos Recipe
These chili lime chicken tacos are easy and full of flavor! Serve them with roasted corn, onion, black beans and drizzle with some avocado dressing!
Total Time: 45 minutes
4.78 from 18 votes
Check out this recipe
Dad's Smoked Cheddar Fajita Quesadillas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Appetizer, Main Dishes Smoked Cheddar Fajita Quesadilla Recipe
Dad's smoked cheddar fajita quesadillas are a flavorful and filling spin on a classic. They're loaded with peppers, onion, black beans, chicken, and of course, cheese!
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Fiesta Chicken and Rice | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Dishes Instant Pot Fiesta Chicken and Rice Recipe
An easy, flavorful dinner that is ready less than 30 minutes! This Instant Pot fiesta chicken and rice is sure to become a family favorite!
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.89 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe
Main Dishes Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce Recipe
This Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce Recipe is so good, you will want to put this recipe on your regular rotation list!
Total Time: 40 minutes
4.50 from 6 votes
Check out this recipe
Main Dishes Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe
This chicken tortilla casserole is delicious and packed full of flavor. It's easy to prep, easy to customize, and easy to devour!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
4.84 from 25 votes
Check out this recipe
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
These creamy chicken enchiladas are so flavorful and delicious, you'll want to lick your plate clean!
Total Time: 1 hour
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Main Dishes Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Creamy chicken taquitos are easy to make and incredibly moist and flavorful! Plus they're oven baked – no frying necessary!
Total Time: 1 hour
4.80 from 34 votes
Check out this recipe
Mom's Green Enchiladas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course Best Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Mom's green chicken enchiladas are always a big hit! They're loaded with seasoned shredded chicken, sour cream, LOTS of cheese, and topped with a green chile sauce.
Total Time: 1 hour
4.70 from 33 votes
Check out this recipe
Main Course Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe
This salsa chicken is perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads and more! With the Instant Pot, you can make this yummy, tender, and juicy chicken recipe in about 45 minutes!
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe

Pork Main Dishes

Pork Tamale Casserole. | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Dishes Pork Tamale Casserole Recipe
Loaded with flavor, this pork tamale casserole is a quick and easy spin on traditional tamales, but every bit as delicious as the real deal!
Total Time: 1 hour
4.70 from 46 votes
Check out this recipe
This Pulled Pork Enchiladas recipe is a twist on a classic Mexican dish. Filled with onions, cheese, and jalapenos, it is sure to be a hit with your family!
Main Course, Main Dishes Pulled Pork Enchiladas Recipe
This Pulled Pork Enchiladas recipe is a twist on a classic Mexican dish. Filled with onions, cheese, and jalapenos, it is sure to be a hit with your family!
Total Time: 50 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Carnitas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Dishes Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
This recipe for Instant Pot carnitas are easy to prep and even easier to cook- just let the pressure cooker do all the work!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Homemade Tacos Al Pastor
Main Dishes Homemade Tacos Al Pastor Recipe
If you love sweet and spicy pork, you are going to fall in love with these homemade tacos al pastor! They're easy to make and packed full of flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe
Main Dishes Stovetop Citrus Carnitas with Pickled Jalapeño and Red Onion Recipe
Tender flavorful stovetop citrus carnitas with pickled jalapeño and red onion. This dish is easily one of our favorite dinners of all time!
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

Vegetarian Main Dishes

Main Course Black Bean Taco Recipe
Black Bean Tacos are crunchy and chalk full of flavor…did I mention easy?! Ready in minutes for those busy nights.
Total Time: 25 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Southwestern Burrito Bowl Bake
Main Dishes Burrito Casserole Recipe
This flavorful and spicy southwestern burrito casserole is perfect for game days or special occasions!
Total Time: 1 hour
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe

Cinco de Mayo Side Dishes

If you want to include the traditional rice and bean side dishes, we have a few options for you to choose from along with a few other side dishes.

Flavorful Spanish Rice
Side Dish Easy Spanish Rice Recipe
This flavorful spanish rice is a perfect side dish to serve along with tacos, burritos or enchiladas! Start to finish, it's ready to go in less than 30 minutes!
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.62 from 21 votes
Check out this recipe
Main Course Black Beans and Rice Recipe
This recipe for black beans and rice is full of flavor. It is comforting, delicious, and can easily be made vegan!
Total Time: 40 minutes
4.70 from 26 votes
Check out this recipe
Cilantro Lime Rice | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Side Dish Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
If you love Chipotle's or Cafe Rio's cilantro lime rice, you'll love this EASY homemade version. It's fragrant and flavorful—the perfect side dish!
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish Yellow Rice Recipe
This aromatic yellow rice makes a great side and has a big punch of flavor. Spiced with turmeric and cilantro for one delicious bite.
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.78 from 104 votes
Check out this recipe
No Soak Instant Pot Pinto Beans | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Side Dish No Soak Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
Fool-proof no soak Instant Pot pinto beans. They are tender and flavorful and best of all, effortless! The perfect side for a fiesta!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
4.82 from 164 votes
Check out this recipe
Easy Restaurant Style Black Beans | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Side Dish Mexican Black Beans Recipe
Delicious and easy restaurant style black beans. These beans are loaded with flavor and are perfect alongside ANY Mexican entree!
Total Time: 35 minutes
4.73 from 33 votes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish Refried Beans Recipe
Easy and creamy homemade refried beans that are flavorful and perfect as a side or in some of your favorite recipes like tostadas and burritos!
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.73 from 33 votes
Check out this recipe
Side Dish Mexican Corn on the Cob Recipe
Mexican corn on the cob is char-grilled, tangy, and spiced to your liking. It is juicy and refreshingly delicious!!
Total Time: 14 minutes
4.72 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Hatch Chile Cornbread | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Breads & Muffins Hatch Chile Cornbread Recipe
You're going to fall in love with this hatch chile cornbread. It's moist, tender and bursting with roasted chiles and sweet corn.
Total Time: 38 minutes
4.86 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Homemade Flour Tortillas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Main Course Homemade Flour Tortillas Recipe
It's time to ditch the store bought tortillas and make your own! These simple homemade flour tortillas are soft, tender and flavorful.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
Check out this recipe

Cinco de Mayo Desserts

To complete your Cinco de Mayo Menu, choose one of these delicious desserts to make.

Tres Leches Cake | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Dessert Tres Leches Cake Recipe
You're going to fall in love this tres leches cake- I did! It's tender, moist and sweet, the perfect treat for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta!!
Total Time: 35 minutes
4.86 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Cookies, Dessert Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Deep, dark and fudgy, these Mexican hot chocolate cookies are incredibly intense! Hints of cinnamon and chili pepper take these cookie to a whole new level!
Total Time: 32 minutes
4.86 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Black and White Sugar Skull Cupcakes | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Cupcakes Black and White Sugar Skull Cupcakes Recipe
These black and white sugar skull cupcakes are both festive and delicious! They've got a rich & moist chocolate base and a thick sweet white chocolate buttercream.
Total Time: 1 hour
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

Cinco de Mayo Drinks

If you want to go over the top, include this Horchata recipe on your menu!

Quick & Easy Horchata
Drinks Horchata Recipe
This is a simplified version of the traditional Mexican drink—Horchata. It's made with just a few pantry-staple ingredients and comes together in only 45 minutes!
Total Time: 45 minutes
4.75 from 20 votes
Check out this recipe

We hope you have a wonderful Cinco de Mayo Celebration! Please share your menu with us in the comments below!

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Andrea

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Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

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