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 in a bowl.
5 Minute Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
A few ingredients and five minutes is all it takes to make the 5 Minute Restaurant Style Salsa Recipe—perfect for picnics, cookouts, or patio lunches.
5 from 11 votes
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A bowl of restaurant-style guacamole served with tortilla chips.
Restaurant Style Guacamole Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
This fresh and creamy Restaurant Style Guacamole is so good, you'll find yourself eating it straight from the bowl. It’s just that irresistible!
4.91 from 10 votes
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Homemade cheddar queso dip in a skillet.
Homemade Queso Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Bring some fun to your next gathering with this irresistible Homemade Queso Dip. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and made without any processed cheese.
5 from 10 votes
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A close-up of Mango Pico served in a white bowl.
Mango Pico de Gallo Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Tired of boring dips? Mango Pico de Gallo brings the zing with juicy mango, crisp veggies, and a hint of spice. Chips? Tacos? It’s good on everything.
5 from 2 votes
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7 layer taco dip in a glass dish.
Easy 7 Layer Taco Dip Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serve Easy 7 Layer Taco Dip cold with chips or grilled meats. The layers are creamy, cheesy, and salty with a chilled texture that’s easy to scoop and satisfying to eat.
5 from 5 votes
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Close-up of a jalapeno popper dipped in sauce.
Homemade Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Spice up your snack game with these Homemade Jalapeno Poppers! Creamy, fiery, and fried to golden perfection, these poppers are sure to be the appetizer everyone raves about.
5 from 5 votes
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Air fryer jalapeno poppers on a white plate.
Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
Game day isn’t complete without these Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers! Spicy, cheesy, and crunchy, they’re the perfect finger food for cheering on your team.
5 from 2 votes
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Bowl of pineapple mango salsa recipe with lime, jalapeño, and fresh cilantro, surrounded by tortilla chips.
Pineapple & Mango Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
With naturally sweet mangoes and juicy pineapple, Pineapple & Mango Salsa has a refreshing, sweet-tart mix. Spoon it onto tacos or use as a dip at your next cookout.
4.88 from 8 votes
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Jalapeño popper dip in a cast iron skillet.
Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Warm and creamy with a little kick, Jalapeno Popper Dip with Bacon has everything you want in a skillet dip—melty cheese, smoky bacon, and peppers in every scoop.
5 from 1 vote
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Roasted Salsa Verde | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Roasted Salsa Verde Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
This roasted salsa verde is easy and delicious! It only requires a few simple ingredients and takes just 20 minutes to make!
5 from 7 votes
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Avocado black bean and corn salsa in a wooden bowl.
Avocado Black Bean and Corn Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
We can’t get enough of this Avocado Black Bean and Corn Salsa! It’s quick, full of flavor, and perfect for a gathering or simple snack. The combination of fresh veggies and lime zest is irresistible.
5 from 5 votes
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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!

Jalapeno Popper Soup in a stockpot.
Jalapeno Popper Soup Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Spice up your soup game with our lightened up Jalapeno Popper Soup! Creamy, zesty, veggie-packed, and ready to go in just 30 minutes!
4.73 from 18 votes
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A bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes
Weeknights just got easier with this Easy Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. It's hearty, flavorful, and incredibly delicious!
4.91 from 10 votes
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A bowl with Chile Verde soup, garnished with cilantro.
Chile Verde Soup Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Warm up with this flavorful Chile Verde Soup. It is your perfect weeknight dinner. Hearty, filling, and all made in one pot!
5 from 9 votes
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A bowl of taco soup with tortilla chips scattered nearby.
Taco Soup Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Taco Soup is a family-friendly dinner that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. Full of flavor, and quick to prepare, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights with kids.
4.86 from 21 votes
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Jalapeno lime chicken soup in a bowl.
Jalapeño Lime Chicken Chili Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Add some zing to your dinner with this Jalapeño Lime Chicken Chili! Bursting with flavor, it’s the ultimate dish for cold nights and comfort food lovers.
4.80 from 5 votes
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A bowl filled with Dairy Free and Gluten Free Chicken Tortilla Soup.
Dairy Free and Gluten Free Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
This Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Chicken Tortilla Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, vibrant spices, and fresh toppings—all without compromising dietary needs.
4.79 from 65 votes
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This bold and flavorful Green Chile Chicken Stew is ready to go in just 1 hour! It's loaded with shredded chicken, fresh corn, rice and of course, hatch chiles!
Green Chile Chicken Stew
Total Time: 1 hour
This bold and flavorful Green Chile Chicken Stew is ready to go in just 1 hour! It's loaded with shredded chicken, fresh corn, rice and of course, hatch chiles!
4.76 from 149 votes
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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

A plate of beef tacos.
Favorite Beef Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
These Favorite Beef Tacos are filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with all your favorite fixings for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
4.95 from 17 votes
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Homemade beef enchiladas on a white plate.
Shredded Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
No need for a restaurant run—these homemade Shredded Beef Enchiladas are cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor! Slow-cooked beef, melty cheese, and a rich sauce come together in the best way.
5 from 4 votes
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Three soft-shell tacos filled with shredded Beef Barbacoa.
Beef Barbacoa Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Experience the ultimate in easy and flavorful cooking with our Beef Barbacoa. Just season, braise, simmer, and let your oven take over to create this mouth-watering dish!
4.78 from 18 votes
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A close-up of cheesy red enchiladas in a white baking dish.
Easy Red Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
These Easy Red Enchiladas are loaded with seasoned beef and melty cheese and topped with that classic red enchilada sauce. Everyone will love them!
4.82 from 11 votes
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Tortilla chips dipped in taco beef skillet with toppings.
20 Minute Cheesy Taco Skillet Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
You get saucy beef, beans, and melted cheese in every scoop of the 20 Minute Cheesy Taco Skillet. Serve it hot for snacking, wrapping, or piling onto rice.
5 from 3 votes
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Mexican pizzas at home topped with cheese, tomatoes, and green onions on parchment paper.
Easy Homemade Mexican Pizzas Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Weeknights feel easier with Easy Homemade Mexican Pizzas Recipe—crisp tortillas layered with taco meat, beans, and cheese, then topped with enchilada sauce and all your favorite toppings.
4.93 from 14 votes
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Chicken Main Dishes

Sheet pan fajitas.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
These Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are a game-changer! Just toss everything onto one pan, let the oven do the work, and enjoy a flavorful, fuss-free dinner.
4.85 from 109 votes
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A baking dish with a slice of Chicken Tamale Casserole.
Chicken Tamale Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Experience the joy of home-cooked perfection with our Chicken Tamale Casserole, blending the classic tamale taste with an effortless, delicious twist!
4.79 from 122 votes
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Chili lime tacos topped with creamy sauce and lime wedges.
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Turn ordinary tacos into something extraordinary with these Chili Lime Chicken Tacos. Quick to prepare, they are filled with roasted corn, black beans, and topped with a tangy avocado dressing.
4.80 from 20 votes
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Smoked cheddar fajita quesadillas served on a plate.
Smoked Cheddar Fajita Quesadillas Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Dad’s Smoked Cheddar Fajita Quesadillas are a delicious, 30-minute twist on a classic, packed with melty cheese, sautéed peppers, onion, black beans, and chicken for a truly satisfying meal.
5 from 8 votes
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Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Transform your dinner with our Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice! Quick, easy, and ready in less than 30 minutes. It's the perfect meal for any busy weeknight.
4.91 from 11 votes
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Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce on a plate.
Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
These Chicken Enchiladas with Sour Cream Sauce are a favorite, featuring tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich, tangy sour cream sauce.
4.58 from 7 votes
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This Chicken Tortilla Casserole recipe is a flavorful and layered Tex-Mex inspired dish that the whole family will love!
Chicken Tortilla Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This Chicken Tortilla Casserole recipe is a flavorful and layered Tex-Mex inspired dish that the whole family will love!
4.85 from 26 votes
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Creamy enchiladas on a yellow plate with avocado and chips.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Perfect for gatherings or weeknight meals, these Creamy Chicken Enchiladas combine tender chicken with a smooth, spiced sauce that will have everyone asking for more.
5 from 8 votes
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A plate of oven-baked chicken taquitos.
Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos! Juicy, creamy, and wrapped in a perfectly crisp shell – enjoy a fuss-free, flavorful feast that skips the frying pan.
4.82 from 38 votes
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The best green enchiladas served in a baking dish.
Best Green Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
These are the Best Green Chicken Enchiladas! Made with tender chicken, rich green Chile sauce, and lots of cheese, it is sure to please the whole family!
4.73 from 36 votes
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Shredded salsa chicken served on a plate.
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Spice up your meals with Instant Pot Salsa Chicken! Juicy, tender, and ready in 45 minutes – perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, and enchiladas.
4.89 from 9 votes
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Pork Main Dishes

Pork Tamale Casserole on a plate.
Pork Tamale Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Spice up your mealtime with Pork Tamale Casserole, blending the simplicity of a casserole with the authentic, rich flavors of traditional tamales.
4.74 from 53 votes
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Pulled pork enchiladas in a glass baking dish.
Pulled Pork Enchiladas Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Experience the ultimate comfort food with a twist – our Pulled Pork Enchiladas! Juicy pork, combined with crispy onions, melted cheese, and sizzling jalapenos, creates a dish that's sure to be a family hit!
5 from 3 votes
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Instant Pot Carnitas | lifemadesimplebakes.com
Instant Pot Carnitas Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
This recipe for Instant Pot carnitas are easy to prep and even easier to cook- just let the pressure cooker do all the work!
Homemade tacos al pastor with lime wedges and cilantro served on a metal tin.
Easy Tacos Al Pastor Recipe
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Family dinners just got more exciting with Easy Tacos Al Pastor! This recipe combines fresh ingredients, authentic flavors, and a lighter take on tacos everyone will enjoy.
5 from 1 vote
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Three soft corn tortillas filled with citrus pork carnitas on a plate.
Stovetop Carnitas Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Stovetop Carnitas are cooked low and slow with fresh citrus and spices, then crisped to perfection. This flavorful pork is great for tacos, burritos, or serving with rice, beans, and toppings.
5 from 3 votes
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Vegetarian Main Dishes

Three vegetarian black bean tacos on a plate.
Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
You don’t need meat for a delicious taco night! These Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos are crunchy, hearty, and flavorful. Ready in 30 minutes, they’re simple and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
5 from 7 votes
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Burrito Casserole in a baking dish.
Burrito Casserole Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Make game days unforgettable with this spicy, cheesy southwestern Burrito Casserole everyone will love!
5 from 3 votes
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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.

Spanish Rice in a large pan.
Flavorful Spanish Rice Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes
Need a quick and tasty side dish? This flavorful Spanish Rice is perfect with tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, and it's ready in less than 30 minutes!
4.57 from 23 votes
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Black Beans and Rice in a skillet.
Black Beans and Rice Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
This recipe for black beans and rice is full of flavor. It is comforting, delicious, and can easily be made vegan!
4.75 from 36 votes
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Easy cilantro lime rice served in a bowl.
Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Love Chipotle’s Cilantro Lime Rice? You’ll love this homemade Cilantro Lime Rice! Packed with fresh flavor, it’s easy to whip up for taco night or meal prep.
5 from 10 votes
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A bowl with yellow rice and a spoon.
Yellow Rice Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Savor the burst of flavors in this Yellow Rice recipe. Packed with the vibrant flavors of turmeric and freshness of cilantro, it's the perfect, flavorful side to any meal!
4.80 from 112 votes
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Instant Pot Pinto Beans in a bowl.
No Soak Instant Pot Pinto Beans Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Say hello to the ultimate fiesta side: no-soak, effortlessly tender Instant Pot Pinto Beans, they're a game-changer for any meal!
4.83 from 200 votes
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Restaurant Style Black Beans served in a bowl.
Restaurant Style Black Beans Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Savor the bold, refined flavors of our Restaurant Style Black Beans, an elevated take on traditional Mexican black beans!
4.75 from 44 votes
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A bowl filled with refried beans.
Refried Beans Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Homemade Refried Beans are a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with any meal!
4.75 from 36 votes
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Mexican corn on the cob on a serving platter.
Mexican Corn on the Cob Recipe
Total Time: 14 minutes
Savor the sizzle of Mexican Corn on the Cob! Charred to perfection and seasoned for your pleasure, it's the ultimate companion to your favorite Mexican dishes.
4.78 from 9 votes
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A slice of cornbread with Hatch chiles topped with butter and drizzled with honey.
Hatch Green Chile Cornbread Recipe
Total Time: 38 minutes
Roasted Hatch green chiles and sweet corn take this Hatch Green Chile Cornbread to the next level with a balanced smoky, savory flavor. It’s a great side for any meal.
4.86 from 7 votes
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Homemade flour tortillas stacked under a cloth napkin.
Soft Flour Tortilla Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This Soft Flour Tortilla Recipe gives you tender, pliable tortillas that cook up golden in a skillet. Once you try these, store-bought tortillas won’t stand a chance.
5 from 12 votes
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Cinco de Mayo Desserts

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

A slice of Tres Leches Cake on a white plate.
Tres Leches Cake Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cinco de Mayo just got sweeter with this Tres Leches Cake, but don’t stop there! Its creamy, fluffy, and absolutely delicious layers make it perfect for any special occasion.
4.88 from 8 votes
Check out this recipe
A close-up of a gooey, fudgy Mexican chocolate cookie with melted chocolate inside.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies Recipe
Total Time: 32 minutes
Fudgy and rich, these chewy Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies bring a little spice with cinnamon and chili for a subtle kick. Perfect when you’re craving something different.
4.88 from 8 votes
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Halloween cupcakes displayed on a cake stand.
Skull Cupcakes Recipe
Total Time: 1 hour
Rich, moist, and spooky, these Skull Cupcakes are topped with creamy white frosting and eerie edible skulls, making them the perfect Halloween treat with a hauntingly sweet finish.
5 from 1 vote
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Cinco de Mayo Drinks

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

Horchata Recipe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Savor the charm of Horchata, a Mexican favorite simplified into a speedy delight using everyday ingredients, ready in just 45 minutes!
4.78 from 22 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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Hotelier turned Food Blogger to help make your life simple, one recipe at a time.

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