15 Perfect Cinco de Mayo Food Recipes

What is Cinco de Mayo food? Any recipe that celebrates the beauty of Mexican flavors! Check out these 15 ideas that are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo party or any celebration.

This post was first published on May 1 2021, and last updated March 29, 2023

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If you could throw an epic Cinco de Mayo party what would it look like?

Mine would be FULL of color—bright fuchsia, deep turquoise, marigold orange. I would have Vincente Fernandez blasting on the stereo and of course there would be a massive bar with every tequila under the sun. At least 20 different margaritas on offer and table after beautifully-set table of glorious Mexican food.

Oh, I can throw an off-the-hook fiesta in my head. In reality however, Cinco de Mayo will be a more mellow affair, with an icy margarita, a few friends… and Vincente Fernandez on the stereo.

We can have some pretty great food though. Here’s 15 of the best Mexican recipes that you can rock this fifth of May or any time you want to celebrate Mexican culture!

More To Explore
25 Must-Try Mexican Appetizers For Cinco de Mayo
11 Delicious Way To Use Tajín
17 Canned Chipotle Pepper Recipes

15 Recipes For Cinco de Mayo Food

1. Pico de Gallo Mexican Salsa

The classic Mexican salsa recipe, Pico de Gallo is the perfect appetizer. It is easy to make and has all the fresh, bright ingredients that bring joy to your everything from nachos to tortilla chips. Looking for another dip? Try my Charred Poblano Guacamole too!

2. Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

One of the best Cinco de Mayo recipes because it serves a crowd and universally loved. Shredded chicken wrapped in warm corn tortillas coated in homemade enchilada sauce made with charred tomatillos and garlic. Bake then garnish with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.

3. Shredded Beef for Tacos {Carne Deshebrada}

This Mexican Shredded Beef recipe is perfect for tacos, gorditas, burritos, and more! Seasoned with cumin, coriander, and chili powder (or make it spicy with cayenne pepper) it is an absolute crowd-pleaser. With stove top, slow cooker, and Instant Pot instructions included. Gluten-free and super kid-friendly.

4. Vegan Refried Beans

This easy refried beans recipe is a delicious addition to any Mexican dinner or Cinco de Mayo celebration. Keep them vegan and top with ripe avocado and a drizzle of olive oil or top with queso, chopped ripe tomatoes and a squeeze of lime juice. Goes great with everything from chicken taquitos to fajitas.

5. Chile Relleno Recipe

This Authentic Chile Relleno Recipe takes you step-by-step on how to make this traditional Mexican dish of poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, dipped in egg batter and lightly fried. It is one of our favorite Cinco de Mayo Recipes. Serve with frijoles de olla, a crisp salad, and salsa ranchera—Ugh, so good!

6. The Best Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas

These richly spiced Instant Pot Carnitas are full of flavor and ready in a fraction of the time. Orange zest, cumin, and guajillo chiles make these pork carnitas exceptionally delicious. Finishing them in the Air Fryer (or under the broiler) gives incredibly crisp edges. You are going to love this recipe! 

7. Huaraches with Sautéed Squash Blossoms

This plant-based Huaraches recipe takes you step-by-step through how to make these heavenly bean-filled masa cakes topped with tomatillo salsa, sautéed squash blossoms, and chipotle aioli. Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable!

8. Pork Pozole Rojo

A classic Red Pozole recipe with pork, hominy, and a broth rich with red chiles. This is Cinco de Mayo food at its best. Top the stew with sliced radishes, dried oregano, and chopped onion. Serve with warm corn tortillas. Dairy-free!

9. Chicken Mole Verde

Chicken Mole Verde –A vibrant green mole made with tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, and thickend with pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Serve with Sofrito Black Beans and Mexican rice for a delicious Mexican dinner. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly!

10. Mexican Chilaquiles with Scrambled Eggs

A simple recipe for authentic Mexican Chilaquiles Rojos—a flavorful Mexican breakfast (but also great for a casual dinner) with salsa-soaked tortilla chips and scrambled eggs. Top with sour cream, and sliced scallions. Ready in under an hour. Vegan-Adaptable. 

11. Authentic Tres Leches Cake

This Authentic Tres Leches Cake Recipe takes you step-by-step on how to make a traditional Mexican cake soaked in three different types of milk and topped with a whipped cream frosting. Sprinkle with cinnamon and raspberries—or both! The ultimate Cinco de Mayo desserts.

12. Classic Churros Recipe with Chocolate Sauce

The ultimate authentic Churros recipe–this is the one you’ve been searching for! Crispy, dusted with cinnamon sugar on the outside, soft and buttery inside with a special technique that makes them even easier to make! Don’t skip on the Mexican Chocolate Sauce either, it’s the perfect accompaniment. Or try this vegan dulce de leche recipe.

13. Mangonada

If you’ve ever had this sweet, sour, salty mango slushy than you know why it is one of our favorite Cinco de Mayo dessert recipes. Layers of frozen mango smoothie, Chamoy sauce and Tajin. So easy and so satisfying, bring it on summer!

14. Easy Sopapilla Recipe

An indulgent treat that is completely irresistible. This Sopapilla recipe comes out perfectly every time and is so easy to make. Ultra light with a crisp exterior and chewy insides. These golden puffs are delicious sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or drizzled with honey. Or try Isabel’s insanely delicious Sopapilla Cheesecake.

15. Coffee Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Not one of your traditional Cinco de Mayo desserts but totally irresistible. This chocolate chip coffee cookies recipe is made for coffee lovers with ground coffee beans, milk chocolate chips, and vanilla. Add a kick to your favorite cookie.

Cute Cinco de Mayo Party Favors

Now that you’ve got some recipes in mind, it’s always nice to end the party with something your guests can take home. Surprise them with one of these unique party favors.

1. Cavallini Cacti and Succulents Poster
2. 4-Pack Taza Stone-Ground, Oaxacan Mexican Chocolate Discs
3. Josefa Goat’s Milk Cajeta Caramel Sauce
4. Plant Powered Mexican, Fast, Fresh Recipes from a Mexican-American Kitchen by Kate Ramos

Drink Recipes For Your Cinco de Mayo Party

• Spicy Raspberry Jalapeño Margarita
• Cucumber Mezcal Margarita
• Simple and Quick Champurrado Recipe {Non-Alcoholic}
• Michelada {Mexican Beer Cocktail}
• The Original Cadillac Margarita
• Matcha Horchata {Non-Alcoholic}
• Vegan Atole {Non-Alcoholic}

Cinco de Mayo Recipes For The Ultimate Party!

I know you will love all of these recipes whether you make them for Cinco de Mayo or any night of the week. Let me know which ones you end up making by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!