15+ Cinco de Mayo Food Ideas for Your Party

May 5 is coming up, which means this weekend is (or should be) all about celebrating. From tacos to tortilla chips, there’s a dish for your fiesta in this list of Cinco de Mayo recipes.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, is a holiday that celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the 1862 Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.

Although it’s not widely celebrated in Mexico, the United States has adopted it as a way to honor our southern neighbor’s history and culture.

It is celebrated annually on May 5, though if it falls on a weekday, sometimes it is celebrated on the closest weekend.

What to eat

If you’re hosting a party on May 5, you should opt for Mexican recipes. Consider adding these to your party menu:

• appetizers: tortilla chips with dips like salsa, guacamole and queso
• main dishes: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, elote
• desserts: churros, tres leches cake, flan, buñuelos

We pulled some of our favorite tried-and-true Cinco de Mayo recipes below.

What to drink

Well, you should have Cinco de Mayo cocktails of course! You could set up a margarita bar for guests to build their perfect tequila cocktail.

The paloma is the most popular cocktail in Mexico, but there are many others to try:

• margaritas: classic, non-alcoholic or strawberry
• other tequila cocktails: Mexican mule, Bloody Maria, tequila sunrise
• mezcal cocktails: Oaxaca old-fashioned, mezcal margarita, mezcal mule
• jello shots: margarita or paloma
• shots: Mexican candy shot, shots of tequila or mezcal
• Mexican beer: Corona sunrise or a beerita
• non-alcoholic: agua fresca, virgin strawberry margarita

Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

My go-to restaurants always seem to trend toward Mexican and Latin venues, and those flavors also influence my cooking. They’re some of my favorite recipes to make year-round.

Here are some of my favorite recipes for drinks and party snacks worthy of a Cinco de Mayo get-together. From guacamole to margaritas, there’s something for everyone on this list:

1

Queso Fundido

Share the sizzle of spicy chorizo and gooey cheese in a skillet of Queso Fundido, a perfect choice for Cinco de Mayo gatherings, especially when paired with crunchy tortilla chips.

GET THE RECIPE

2

Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies

Treat yourself to the sweet and spicy flavors of Mexican Hot Chocolate Cookies, a unique and delightful addition to your Cinco de Mayo celebration, adding a festive twist to traditional chocolate treats.

GET THE RECIPE

3

Homemade Guacamole

Whip up a batch of easy Guacamole, customizable to suit all tastes, ensuring everyone at your Cinco de Mayo party will love this classic appetizer.

GET THE RECIPE

4

Peach Salsa

Brighten up your Cinco de Mayo spread with Peach Salsa, a vibrant and refreshing option that blends sweet peaches with spicy and tangy flavors, perfect for summer festivities.

GET THE RECIPE

5

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Simplify your Cinco de Mayo dinner with an easy Chicken Tortilla Soup, a flavorful and convenient choice made with pantry staples. It's a great one for busy weeknights yet still delivers a satisfying meal.

GET THE RECIPE

6

Margarita Bars

Cool off with these icy Margarita Bars, a frozen treat reminiscent of the classic cocktail, ideal for Cinco de Mayo parties and providing a refreshing twist on dessert.

GET THE RECIPE

7

Cilantro Pineapple Salsa

Add a burst of flavor to your Cinco de Mayo celebration with Cilantro Pineapple Salsa, a colorful and chunky dip that's packed with tropical taste.

GET THE RECIPE

8

My Baking Addiction

Flank Steak Tacos

Spice up taco night with Flank Steak Tacos, marinated to perfection and guaranteed to become a favorite in your Cinco de Mayo rotation.

GET THE RECIPE

9

Table for Two

Homemade Mexican Churros

Treat yourself to the crispy perfection of Homemade Mexican Churros, transporting your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico and making them a must-have for Cinco de Mayo festivities.

GET THE RECIPE

10

Nutmeg Nanny

Baked Ground Chicken Tacos

Enjoy the simplicity and flavor of Baked Ground Chicken Tacos, a crowd-pleasing option for Cinco de Mayo gatherings that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

GET THE RECIPE

11

Stetted

Cauliflower Tacos

Opt for a meatless alternative with Cauliflower Tacos, roasted to perfection and seasoned with your favorite taco spices, offering a delicious choice for Cinco de Mayo festivities.

GET THE RECIPE

12

The Culinary Compass

Baked Chicken Taquitos

Serve up Baked Chicken Taquitos as a versatile option for any Cinco de Mayo occasion, whether as a flavorful appetizer or a hearty side dish for sharing.

GET THE RECIPE

13

Joyfully Mad

Traditional Mexican Rice

Elevate your Cinco de Mayo feast with restaurant-quality Mexican Rice, oven-baked to lock in the authentic flavors and bring the taste of Mexico to your table.

GET THE RECIPE

14

The Speckled Palate

Horchata Popsicles

Delight in the adult-friendly sweetness of Horchata Popsicles, a dairy-free and refined sugar-free treat perfect for cooling off on hot summer days and celebrating Cinco de Mayo in style.

GET THE RECIPE

15

Cake ‘n Knife

Quick Carne Asada Nachos

Impress your guests with the bold flavors of Quick Carne Asada Nachos, offering all the taste without the hassle, making them an ideal addition to your Cinco de Mayo spread.

GET THE RECIPE