15 Perfect Cinco de Mayo Food Recipes

April 29, 2022 by Kate Ramos 4 Comments

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 April 29, 2022

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…no scratch that; I’d have Vincente Fernandez LIVE in my flower-ladened backyard!

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 snacks. Oh, I can throw a off-the-hook party 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 ideas that you can rock at your super buena fiesta!

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 easy to make and has all the fresh, bright flavors that bring joy to your everything from tacos to tortilla chips!

A bowl of pico de Gallo with a spoon sticking out of it sitting on a wood table next to a white napkin and a lime.

2. Vegan Ceviche with Avocado and Lime

A very good vegan ceviche recipe with creamy avocado, small bites of cauliflower, chile, tomato, and cucumber soaked in loads of lime and toasted cumin. Quick and easy!

A woman's hand scooping out some vegan ceviche from a white plate with a blue rim.

3. Shredded Beef for Tacos {Carne Deshebrada}

This Mexican Shredded Beef recipe is perfect for tacos, gorditas, tostadas, 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.

Two shredded beef tacos topped with mango salsa on a white plate that is sitting on a wood table.

4. Slow Cooker Borracho Beans

Flavorful Mexican Borracho Beans using dry beans! A simple, easy recipe that can be made in the Crock Pot. A delicious addition to any Mexican dinner or Cinco de Mayo celebration. Even better when made ahead. No soaking necessary.

A crock pot full of borracho beans topped with fresh cilantro leaves and a ladle sticking into the pot of beans.

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!

A dish with three chiles rellenos on it sitting in red tomato sauce.

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!

A bowl filled with carnitas topped with sprigs of cilantro sitting on a wood table next to some lime wedges.

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!

A brown plate with a huarache on it sitting next to a bowl of green salsa and a white napkin with a knife on it on a wood table.

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 steamed 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.

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!

Spicy Raspberry Margarita Recipe

February 9, 2022 by Kate Ramos 3 Comments

Learn how to make a Raspberry Margarita Recipe with all natural ingredients like fresh raspberries, fresh lime juice, and a homemade spicy jalapeño-infused tequila to give a kick of heat. Ready to spice things up? Cause this is about to get real. {First posted on April 28, 2018. Last updated February 9, 2022}.

All I can say is, your wish is my command.

I took a very formal survey (ie asked you guys on Instagram), what is everyone’s favorite margarita and I heard loud and clear—Spicy! Spicy! Spicy!!

And this is such a delicious spicy margarita recipe with a homemade raspberry syrup made with the fresh berries, jalapeño-infused tequila, and lots of fresh-squeezed lime juice for balance. It is super refreshing when it’s terribly hot, can easily be sized up to make a pitcher, and is the prettiest color of pink I ever did see.

Why You Must Try This Raspberry Margarita Recipe

Two raspberry margaritas on a wood table in margarita glasses rimmed with Tajín and garnished with sliced limes.

Ditch the margarita mix. Once you learn this simple method for making homemade simple syrup you will never go back to using store-bought mix.

You make jam at the same time! The bi-product of making your own raspberry syrup is homemade raspberry jam. After you strain the raspberries from the syrup, save them in a jar. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Easily make a pitcher. To make a pitcher of margaritas instead of one, infuse 2 cups of tequila with 2 sliced jalapeños. Combine that with all the syrup and the juice of 6 limes. Stir and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

More Margarita Recipes
Cucumber Mezcal Margaritas
Sparkling Blood Orange Margaritas
The Original Cadillac Margarita

Ingredients

A raspberry margarita garnished with sliced limes and fresh raspberries on a wood table with white napkins underneath.

There’s no triple sec or orange liqueur in this recipe but you could certainly add it if you want that hint of orange. As for the tequila I like to use either blanco or reposado, just make sure it is made with 100% agave.

A raspberry margarita in a margarita glass garnished with fresh raspberries and sliced limes and ice on a wood table.

Reposado or blanco tequila
Jalapeños
Granulated sugar
Fresh raspberries. Or frozen raspberries if they aren’t in season.
Limes.
Tajín if you’d like a spicy rim or kosher salt for a non-spicy one.

How To Make It!

Two raspberry margaritas sitting on a wood table with sliced limes and garnished with fresh raspberries with Tajin on the rim.

This is the step-by-step for how to make a margarita on the rocks. If you are looking for a frozen raspberry margarita, check out Elizabeth’s version—it is out of this world! Plan ahead with this recipe, the tequila has to infuse for at least 3 hours before it is ready.

A white plate full of Tajin on a wood table.

Infuse the tequila. Since we are making a spicy jalapeño margarita the first step is to make the infused tequila. Add sliced jalapeños to the tequila and let sit at least 3 hours. The longer it sits, the spicier it will be.
Make the syrup. While you wait for the tequila, make the syrup! Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves then add the raspberries. Let simmer until the raspberries fall apart. Remove from heat and let cool with the raspberries in it. Once it cools completely, strain out the berries and chill in the refrigerator.
Make the margarita. Rim the margarita glass with Tajín and fill with ice. Combine tequila, raspberry syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain into prepared glass and enjoy!

A cutting board with sliced jalapeños on it and fresh raspberries with a knife next to it on a wood table.

More Cocktail Recipes To Try!

It is the margarita that needs to be made right now!

I know you love a jalapeño margarita, why not get sweet and sour with this raspberry version? Let me know when you make it by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

Spicy Raspberry Jalapeño Margarita

Yield: 1-6 drinks

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Learn how to make a Raspberry Margarita Recipe with all natural ingredients like fresh raspberries, fresh lime juice, and a homemade spicy jalapeño-infused tequila to give it kick of heat. Ready to spice things up? Cause this is about to get real.

Ingredients

For the Jalapeño-Infused Tequila:

1 cup Reposado Tequila
1 jalapeño, sliced

For the Raspberry Syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
2 cups raspberries, preferably fresh but frozen work too

To Make 1 Margarita:

Lime wedges
Tajin seasoning or kosher salt
2 ounces jalapeño-infused tequila
2 ounces lime juice (about 2 limes, squeezed)
2 ounces Raspberry Syrup

Instructions

To Make the Jalapeño-Infused Tequila:

Infuse the tequila. Add sliced jalapeños to the tequila and let infuse at room temperature for at least 3 hours. The longer it sits the spicier it will be.

To Make the Syrup:

Dissolve the sugar. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Stir to dissolve. Add raspberries and place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Add the raspberries. Cook until raspberries are falling apart, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain and chill completely. You can save leftover raspberry pulp and eat like jam.

To Make the Margarita:

Prepare the glass. Rim a cocktail glass with lime wedge. Dip in Tajín and fill with ice.
Shake the cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with more ice. Add tequila, lime juice, and syrup. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass and serve with another lime wedge if you'd like. ¡Salúd!

Notes

This recipe makes enough syrup for 6-8 drinks. If you'd like to make a pitcher of margaritas instead of just 1, multiply all the ingredients by 8.

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 0g

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Comforting Mexican Lasagna with Noodles

January 17, 2022 by Kate Ramos 8 Comments

Green chiles, chorizo bolognese sauce, creamy layers of pasta and three different cheeses make this Mexican Lasagna with noodles the ultimate comfort food and your next potluck’s best friend. {First posted November 12, 2019. Last updated January 17, 2022}

You know what I discovered yesterday? I have NEVER made lasagna for my children.

I thought surely, sometime in the last eleven years I would’ve made it at least once, but they both assured me as we were sitting down to plates of this beautiful Mexican lasagna last night that they had only eaten lasagna once in their entire lives and that was on an overseas flight two summers ago—for shame.

A baking dish of Mexican lasagna with melted cheese and shavings of fresh cheese on top sitting on a wood table.

Therefore, I am forever grateful that my friends at Rio Luna Organics asked me to create something crowd pleasing and special using their green chiles for tailgating season because this Mexican Lasagna Recipe gave me major mom points.

Unlock the power of peppers indeed!

4 Reasons To Make This Mexican Lasagna with Noodles for Your Next Game Day Get Together

Need convincing? I’ve got at least four reasons to make this cheesy Mexican lasagna for your friends and family this weekend:

Green chiles and Mexican chorizo make the world’s BEST bolognese sauce.
You can totally make this ahead of time by assembling the layers and then baking when you are ready to serve. If you want to make it way ahead it freezes beautifully too!
Lasagna sounds really time-consuming and difficult but by using no boil noodles and a 20-minute bolognese sauce, it really doesn’t take that long at all.
This recipe feeds a crowd and is easy to transport, making it the perfect potluck dish!

Pro-Tips for Cooking Mexican Chorizo

A pan of chorizo bolognese and a bowl of soft cheese with herbs sitting on a cactus tablecloth with a can of Green Chiles next to it.

If you’ve never made any recipes with chorizo before, you may be surprised by how different it is from other sausages.

Mexican chorizo is a raw, ground sausage. Very different from Spanish chorizo which is a cured sausage, more like salami.
It doesn’t “brown” so much as cook down into a crumbly, thick, almost sauce-like consistency.
Mexican chorizo has a lot of fat (which makes it so delicious). If you want to pour off some of the fat before adding the other sauce ingredients you can, but I like to leave it in for the flavor.
There is beef chorizo and pork chorizo. I like to use a combination of both in this recipe, but you can use all beef or all pork if you prefer.
Get extra bonus points for making your own homemade chorizo!
Lastly, if you are watching your saturated fat, substitute black beans.

How To Make Mexican Lasagna with Noodles

Layers of Green Chile Chorizo bolognese, cheese, and no-boil noodles in a glass baking dish with bowls of the ingredients.

There are lots of different ways to make a lasagna with Mexican flavors. Some recipes call for cooked beef flavored with taco seasonings, some use refried beans or even enchilada sauce. I think this is a perfect mash-up of Italian style lasagna with more subtle Mexican touches.

The first step is to make the meat sauce. Cook the vegetables until tender then add the chorizo. Keep cooking until the meat mixture is no longer pink. Add diced tomatoes and other seasonings and let cook about 30 minutes.
Make the cheese mixture.
Cover the bottom of a casserole dish with the sauce. Top with a layer of lasagna noodles. Spread with a third of the cheese mixture and a third of the mozzarella slices (or about 1/2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese.
Repeat layers in the baking pan finishing with the remaining mozzarella slices and Cotija cheese.
Bake until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.

Favorite Mexican Cheeses for Lasagna

A glass baking dish with Mexican lasagna in it and a bunch of cherry tomatoes on top with a can of Green Chiles.

The best part of lasagna is the cheese, amiright?! Here’s what I used to give this one Mexican flair:

Requesón is a soft, milky cheese. Substitute whole-milk ricotta if you can’t find it.
Cotija cheese has a sharp, tangy flavor and crumbles beautifully. It is widely available in most grocery stores.
I used fresh mozzarella for it’s melty quality but you could also use Oaxaca cheese if you’d like.

Is it Spicy?

A glass baking dish with Mexican lasagna in it and a bunch of yellow cherry tomatoes on top and a white kitchen towel.

Compared to many other Mexican dinner ideas, this lasagna is fairly mild. As proof, my kids gobbled it up with no complaints—they’re mildly sensitive to heat.

Keep in mind the chorizo you use will pack some heat as well. You can always cook a little of the chorizo in a separate pan to find out how spicy it is before adding the entire amount to a dish.

Love this recipe? Here’s One (or Two) More You’ve Got To Try

A woman holding a baking dish of Mexican lasagna with slices of red onion, crumbles of cheese, and cilantro on top.

Vegetarian Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

This recipe for Black Bean Enchilada Casserole has eight layers of tortillas, black beans, roasted vegetables, and cheese making it the most delicious ever! Bake in the oven, on a deep casserole dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly. in under 30 minutes! A healthy, plant-based dinner, perfect for Sunday family dinner.

A casserole dish of cheese enchiladas with a sprinkle of cilantro, slices of white onion, and slices of avocado.

Weeknight Cheesy Enchiladas

Or try this more Tex-Mex style cheesy enchiladas from my new cookbook, Plant Powered Mexican out now!

More Mexican Comfort Food Recipes To Try!

Homemade Mexican Lasagna— Totally Doable, Right?

After making this recipe my thoughts about lasagna being fussy and a lot of work have totally changed. Hopefully, I’ve convinced you along the way! I’ll be making this one again for sure. Let me know if you make it too by snapping a photo and sharing it with me or drop me a comment below. Tag @holajalapeno or #holajalapeno on Instagram. ¡Buen Provecho!