Cinco de Mayo Recipes

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.

Guacamole and tortilla chips on a plate.

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.

An overhead view of queso fundido dip in a black cast iron skillet with purple triangular tortilla chips to the side.

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.

Two strawberry margaritas in gold-rimmed glasses, garnished with lime slices, on a white surface surrounded by strawberries.

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:

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
Cheesy chorizo dip is lifted up by a tortilla chip as the cheese stretches.
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.
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2
Close-up of chocolate cookies with a cinnamon stick atop one, arranged on a white surface.
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.
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3
A bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips.
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.
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4
A wooden spoon sits on a white marble surface next to a bowl of summery salsa. Other ingredients and chips sit on the same surface.
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.
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5
above view of bowls of easy chicken tortilla soup
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.
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6
Margarita bars cut into squares and garnished with salt.
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.
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7
A bowl of chips and halves of spent limes sit near two bowls of pineapple-based salsa.
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
Flank Steak Tacos
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.
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9
Homemade Mexican Churros
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.
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10
Baked Ground Chicken Tacos
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.
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11
Cauliflower Tacos
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.
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12
Baked Chicken Taquitos
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.
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13
Traditional Mexican Rice
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.
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14
Horchata Popsicles
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.
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15
Quick Carne Asada Nachos
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.
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decorative icon of a beer stein.

The Golden Ratio Guide:

Mix the perfect cocktail, every time

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