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Must-Have Easy Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Stacey Pirtle

by Stacey Published: May 3, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links.

These easy Cinco de Mayo recipes highlight some of the very best, must-have Mexican & Tex Mex inspired dishes. We’re talking enchiladas, tacos, nachos, fresh salsas, guacamole, street corn, Charro Beans and fajitas just to name a few! You’re going to find everything you’ll need and more to create your very own Cinco de Mayo party menu.

30 + must have, easy cinco de mayo recipes title collage featuring salsa, guacamole, beef enchiladas, baked tacos and charro beans

Ok, Mexican food lovers! It’s time to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo with our own fiestas! You and I both know no excuse is needed for enjoying all of our favorite Mexican food recipes. We live for guacamole and tacos, and chips and salsa are life. But when there’s a party to be had, the fiesta is on!

Table of Contents

  • What Is Cinco de Mayo
  • Cinco de Mayo Dips & Appetizers
  • Non-Alcoholic Drinks
  • Mexican-Inspired Main Dishes
  • Tex Mex Casseroles
  • Side Dishes
  • Cinco de Mayo Desserts

What Is Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for the 5th of May and, in Mexico, is a minor holiday that commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It’s also known as the Battle of Puebla Day.

However in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has grown into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. And we celebrate in the best way possible… by eating delicious Mexican dishes, loaded with fresh and savory flavors, festive color and, of course, loads of tortilla chips!

So whether you’re throwing the party, bringing a dish or making a fun meal at home for your family, these recipes are just what you need.

Cinco de Mayo Dips & Appetizers

Loads of tortilla chips, dips and appetizers are absolutely expected for any Cinco de Mayo get-together. Fresh salsas and guacamole are not just great for dipping but make crave-worthy toppings for your main dishes too!

Fresh Salsa with Cilantro & Lime

Fresh Guacamole

Green Chile Corn Salsa Dip

BEST Cheesy Beef Enchilada Dip

Summery Pineapple Salsa

Easy Taco Hand Pies (empanadas)

Classic Mexican 7 Layer Dip

Fresh Avocado Strawberry Salsa

Chilled Avocado Soup

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Pineapple Cilantro Lime Spritzer

Made with frozen limeade concentrate, chunks of pineapple, seltzer water, pineapple juice and muddled cilantro, this mocktail is light and refreshing like an herb and fruit-infused water but with all the fizz of a spritzer.

Mexican-Inspired Main Dishes

What's the most eaten food on Cinco de Mayo? Everybody knows it's tacos! This easy recipe for Baked Creamy Tacos is the easiest way to make and serve tasty tacos to a crowd, making it the ultimate Cinco de Mayo party food. But hey! What about fajitas, nachos and enchiladas? Yeah, we got those too.

Baked Creamy Tacos

Tex Mex Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

No-Mess Chicken Nacho Foil Packets

Ultimate Mexican Pot Roast

Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ultimate Shortcut Mexican Cornbread

Tex Mex Skillet Chicken Fajitas

Sheet Pan BBQ Nachos

Taco Stuffed Baked Sweet Potatoes

Tex Mex Casseroles

Layered enchilada casseroles and other cheesy Tex Mex dishes are the perfect way to feed a crowd for Cinco de Mayo. They are also the ideal choice if you are asked to bring a dish to a Cinco de Mayo potluck!

Layered Beef Enchiladas

Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole

Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Dorito King Ranch Chicken Skillet

Overnight Breakfast Burrito Casserole

Side Dishes

Round out your meal or party with plenty of side dishes! From a fun taco pasta salad to more authentic dishes like Charro Beans, Mexican Street Corn Foil Packets and Green Chile Rice, a meal just isn't a meal without a good side or two.

Easy Charro Beans (Mexican Pinto Beans)

Easy Green Chile Rice

Spicy Strawberry Watermelon Salad

Taco Pasta Salad with Avocado Dressing

Mexican Street Corn Foil Packets

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Easy Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

Confetti Frito Corn Salad

Cinco de Mayo Desserts

Light desserts in traditional Mexican and Tex Mex flavors are a delicious way to top off your Cinco de Mayo menu! Lime, pineapple and coconut are always winners.

Coconut Lime Bars

Honey Lime Fruit Tart with Sugar Cookie Crust

Dreamy Coconut Pineapple Trifle

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Filed Under: Recipe Collections Tagged With: Mexican

Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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Meet Stacey

Southern Discourse is a place where you can find southern family dishes, along with special recipes & table settings. Bringing connection & friendship back to the table by wrapping everything in the faith & grace from which true hospitality springs! Read More

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