I love celebrating Cinco de Mayo with delicious food, vibrant colors, and festive gatherings. This year, I’m excited to share with you my favorite 10 Cinco de Mayo recipes that will surely impress your friends and family. From zesty appetizers to sweet desserts, these recipes are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. So, let’s get started!
1. Classic Guacamole
Guacamole is a staple at any Cinco de Mayo celebration. I remember the first time I made it for my friends. They couldn’t get enough! The creamy avocado mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and tomatoes creates a fresh and tasty dip.
Ingredients for Guacamole
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
How to Make Guacamole
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a bowl.
- Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth but still chunky.
- Stir in lime juice, onion, tomato, cilantro, and salt. Serve with tortilla chips.
2. Street Tacos
Street tacos are a must-have for any fiesta. I love how versatile they are. You can fill them with beef, chicken, or even veggies. They are simple to make and always a hit.
Ingredients for Street Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Toppings: diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa
How to Make Street Tacos
- Cook the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water according to package instructions. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill with meat and top with your favorite toppings.
3. Mexican Corn Salad
This Mexican corn salad is a refreshing side dish. I love the crunchiness of the corn mixed with creamy dressing and zesty lime. It pairs perfectly with tacos.
Ingredients for Mexican Corn Salad
- 4 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Mexican Corn Salad
- In a large bowl, mix corn with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and feta cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
4. Chicken Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a comforting dish that everyone loves. I often make them when I want something hearty. The combination of chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce is simply irresistible.
Ingredients for Chicken Enchiladas
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, green onions, avocado
How to Make Chicken Enchiladas
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with half of the enchilada sauce.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken mixture, roll them up, and place them in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with your favorite toppings.
5. Chiles Rellenos
Chiles Rellenos are a delightful treat. I love how the roasted peppers are stuffed with cheese and then fried until golden. They are perfect for a Cinco de Mayo feast.
Ingredients for Chiles Rellenos
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 1 cup cheese (cheddar or queso fresco)
- 1 cup flour
- 4 eggs, separated
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chiles Rellenos
- Roast the poblano peppers over an open flame until charred. Place them in a bag to steam for 10 minutes, then peel the skin.
- Stuff each pepper with cheese and secure with toothpicks.
- In a bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold in egg yolks and flour.
- Dip the stuffed peppers in the batter and fry until golden brown. Serve with tomato sauce.
6. Spicy Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde adds a kick to any dish. I love how easy it is to make and how fresh it tastes. You can use it as a dip or a topping for tacos.
Ingredients for Spicy Salsa Verde
- 6 tomatillos, husked and quartered
- 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt to taste
How to Make Spicy Salsa Verde
- In a blender, combine tomatillos, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of tacos.
7. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a classic side dish that complements any meal. I love the creamy texture and rich flavor. They are perfect for dipping or as a filling for burritos.
Ingredients for Refried Beans
- 2 cups cooked pinto beans (or canned)
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make Refried Beans
- In a skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add the beans and mash them with a fork or potato masher. Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt.
8. Tres Leches Cake
For dessert, Tres Leches Cake is a must. I love how moist and sweet it is. It’s a perfect ending to a festive meal.
Ingredients for Tres Leches Cake
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit for topping (optional)
How to Make Tres Leches Cake
- Prepare the cake according to box instructions and let it cool.
- In a bowl, mix evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream. Poke holes in the cake and pour the milk mixture over it.
- Refrigerate for a few hours. Before serving, whip the heavy cream with vanilla and spread over the top. Add fresh fruit if desired.
9. Horchata
Horchata is a refreshing drink that perfectly complements spicy dishes. I love its creamy texture and sweet cinnamon flavor. It’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Horchata
How to Make Horchata
- Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 4 hours. Blend the rice with the soaking water until smooth.
- Strain the mixture into a pitcher. Stir in sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk if desired. Chill before serving.
10. Churros with Chocolate Sauce
Churros are the perfect sweet treat to end your Cinco de Mayo celebration. I love their crispy exterior and soft inside. Dipping them in chocolate sauce makes them even better.
Ingredients for Churros
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Sugar and cinnamon for coating
How to Make Churros
- In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil. Stir in flour until a dough forms.
- Remove from heat and mix in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Pipe the dough into hot oil and fry until golden.
- Roll in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Serve with chocolate sauce for dipping.
Enjoying Your 10 Cinco De Mayo Recipes
These 10 Cinco de Mayo recipes are sure to make your celebration memorable. I love how each dish brings its own unique flavor and joy to the table. Whether you’re hosting a big party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these recipes will bring a taste of Mexico to your celebration. Happy Cinco de Mayo!