72 Recipes for Your Cinco de Mayo Party

Homemade Guacamole

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Taco Pinwheels

These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Sopes

Sopes are a common Mexican street food, often eaten as snacks. Each cup is typically topped with refried beans, meat, and cheese—but they're endlessly customizable. Experiment with toppings to see what variation of this sopes recipe is your favorite. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nacho Chicken

I have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it's a favorite of my family and friends. It disappears quickly at bring-a-dish gatherings, too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan

Homemade Air-Fryer Churros

Serve these cinnamon-sugar air-fryer churros fresh and hot with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. They’re sure to become a family favorite! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Jalapeno Popper Spread

I've been told by fellow partygoers that this recipe tastes exactly like a jalapeno popper. I like that it can be made without much fuss. —Ariane McAlpine, Penticton, British Columbia

Slow-Cooked Carnitas

Simmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. —Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California

Try this recipe with our homemade taco seasoning mix.

Fresh Lime Margaritas

This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. And for more sweet-and-salty flavor, try these margarita dessert recipes. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Learn how to make a pitcher of margaritas.

Mini Chimichangas

Wish your guests "Feliz Navidad" with this south-of-the-border specialty! Hearty enough to serve as a meal, these flavorful and filling wraps draw raves whenever I serve them.—Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio

Mexican Fiesta Platter

This recipe proves you don't need to fuss to prepare an appetizer for a crowd. With generous layers of beef, rice, corn chips and cheese, it's a nacho lover's dream!—Ann Nace, Perkasie, Pennsylvania

Pork Taquitos

Pork taquitos are poised to become your go-to party appetizer or game-day snack. They're easy to prepare, flavorful and the perfect vehicle for salsas and dips. Our advice: Make a double batch, because they'll go fast.

Fried Jalapenos

Here's an appetizer that will heat up any gathering. Family and friends often request that I make these jalapenos. —DeLea Lonadier, Montgomery, Louisiana

Veggie Bean Tacos

In the summer when fresh corn and just-picked tomatoes are in season, authentic Mexican dishes like this leave you always wanting that next bite. My personal preference is to serve them with a slice of lime to squeeze over the avocado. —Tonya Burkhard, Davis, Illinois

Tres Leches Cake

Experience the ultimate in creamy, dreamy desserts with this easy-to-make tres leches cake, soaked in a trio of milks and finished with a cloud of whipped cream.

Pork Chile Verde

Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California

Grilled Guacamole

If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana

Shredded Beef Burrito Filling

Make your next office party a taco bar or burrito bar! Set out the beef in the slow cooker on warm, along with tortillas, bowls of shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, and chopped lettuce, jalapenos, onions and tomatoes. For a variation, I make Beef & Bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

Salsa Rice

Salsa rice adds a little kick of flavor and color to regular ol' rice. What's more, this recipe doesn't require any special tools or techniques—just three ingredients.

Easy White Sangria

Not too heavy or heady, this easy white sangria is a perfect refresher when you want a sip of sunshine.

Easy Tamale Pie with Peppers

My family loves anything with southwestern flavor, so this recipe is a big hit. It’s super quick and easy to prepare, and cleanup afterward is fast because everything cooks in one dish. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Chicken Fajitas

Sizzling chicken fajitas are super easy to make and full of flavor. The secret is in the skillet, which can go from stove to table for restaurant-quality presentation.

Guacamole

This is one of our favorite spicy snack food recipes, and it’s quick and easy to prepare when friends drop by on short notice. It also makes a great side dish for a complete southwestern-style meal. Mild or sweet peppers can be substituted for the chiles for those who like their guacamole a little less spicy. —Anne Tipps, Duncanville, Texas

Homemade Tortillas

Beautifully browned, soft homemade tortillas are just four pantry ingredients away. Once you learn how simple this recipe is, you may never buy the store-bought stacks again!

Not-Fried Ice Cream Cake

We created this ice cream cake to mimic the popular dessert in many Mexican restaurants without the deep frying. It’s a no-fuss treat that feeds a crowd, and it’s conveniently made ahead. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Mini Phyllo Tacos

For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Cheesy Quesadillas

We serve these quesadillas as chili dippers or load them up with salsa and sour cream for a super starter. —Terri Keeney, Greeley, Colorado

No-Fuss Avocado Onion Salad

My mother, Nena, grew up in Cuba and learned many styles of cooking. She had a knack for making something incredibly simple taste amazing. This salad is proof. By itself, the dressing is really tart, but add the avocados and onions and it's the perfect complement. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Salsa Corn Cakes

This recipe is super with fresh or canned corn. I whip up these patties to serve alongside nachos or tacos on hot summer evenings. The salsa is subtle but adds flavor. —Lisa Boettcher, Rosebush, Michigan

Chicken & Bean Chili

Chili Time is any time you want to make a hungry crowd happy. This creamy chili is a must at my soup party every year. —Theresa Baehr, Williamsburg, Michigan

Black Bean Tortilla Pie

I found this entree a while ago and decreased the cheese and increased the herbs called for in the recipe. It’s one of my toddler’s favorite meals. She always smiles when she sees it on the table. —Wendy Kelly, Petersburg, New York

Chipotle Lime Corn Cobs

In Mexico, grilled corn sometimes comes slathered in mayonnaise, rolled in grated cheese, and served with lime and chili powder. This is my family’s take on the dish, with our own flavor enhancements. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

Bloody Maria

Tequila, lime and jalapenos give the brunch classic a fresh Mexican twist.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, WIsconsin

Sweet & Smoky Salsa

I love the roasted flavor that grilling gives food, so I decided to make a salsa from grilled vegetables. I think this recipe would also taste great using plum tomatoes. Also, if you can't use wood chip charcoal, you might try adding a little liquid smoke to the salsa while it cooks. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon

Beef Enchiladas

Our crowd-pleasing beef enchiladas recipe features a homemade enchilada sauce and a spiced ground beef filling. Don't be fooled by the ingredient list. It's actually quite simple to prep!

Easy Tres Leches Cake

When we come across a cake recipe described as “easy” that's also a contest-winner, you know we'll be running out to get the ingredients! Thankfully, this easy tres leches cake cuts down on a few ingredients by starting with a simple box of cake mix.

Fire-Roasted Vegetable Salsa

We love having company over to grill by the pool. This salsa gets the party started as soon as guests arrive. Make this recipe ahead of time, then serve it warm or cold with pita chips. —Lisa Bradley, Apopka, Florida

Pork Burritos

As a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin

Frozen Lemon-Berry Margaritas

I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois

Avocado Salsa

This avocado salsa is smooth, cool and downright refreshing. Scoop it with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak—or just eat it on its own!

Chicken Tamales

Chicken tamales may feel like a major cooking project, but they deliver major returns. We use homemade chicken stock to infuse the tamale dough with savory flavor, and the chili-spiced chicken filling has the perfect level of spice.

Cheesy Beef Taco Dip

Try this recipe for a warm, hearty snack with a bit of a kick. It's a hit with my family, and guests rave about it, too. Ideal for parties, it makes a big potful. The only "utensil" you'll need to serve it with is a brimming bowl of tortilla chips. —Carol Smith, Sanford, North Carolina

Mexican Roasted Potato Salad

My husband is the No. 1 fan of this south-of-the-border potato salad. The leftovers make an awesome late-night snack, straight from the fridge. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Coquito

Our coquito recipe is a creamy cocktail that’s rich with warming spices. Some call it Puerto Rican coconut eggnog, and it’s incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect big-batch cocktail for a holiday party.

Refried Bean Dip

This five-star refried bean dip is one of our most popular appetizer recipes. After one dreamy bite, you'll understand why. It's spicy, a little creamy and extremely cheesy.

Smoked Salmon Quesadillas with Creamy Chipotle Sauce

These extra-special quesadillas take just minutes to make, but you'll want to savor them for as long as possible. Sprinkle the cheesy wedges with chopped fresh cilantro. —Daniel Shemtob, Irvine, California

Mexican Chocolate Sugar Crisps

My grandma loved these so much, she would hide them from my grandpa! I think of her every time I make a batch. Like Mexican spice? Try stirring in a little chili powder. —Michele Lovio, Thousand Oaks, California

Loaded Queso

Loaded Cowboy Queso is the ultimate football dip! This easy appetizer loaded with cheese, beer, black beans, tomatoes and sausage is our family’s favorite tailgating recipe. I often serve it with homemade tortilla chips sprinkled with taco seasoning. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

Chili Tortilla Bake

A homestyle Tex-Mex casserole is all it takes to gather the whole family around the dinner table. With its popular flavors and bubbly cheese topping, there is never a need to worry about leftovers. —Celine Weldy, Cave Creek, Arizona

Veggie Fajitas

For a scrumptious and super healthy party dish, these colorful, hearty veggie fajitas packed with crisp-tender vegetables are perfect. —Sarah Mercer, Wichita, Kansas

Quick Tacos al Pastor

We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

Basil Citrus Cocktail

Fruity, fantastic and lighter in calories! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Guava Coconut Rum Cocktail

My beverage is so sensational it's like a taste of the tropics in a glass. The guava adds a touch of sweetness to this coconut drink. —Melanie Milhorat, New York, New York

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake

This decadent dulce de leche cheesecake features rich cream cheese filling with swirls of dulce de leche atop a spiced gingersnap and walnut crust.

Smoky Chicken Nachos

What's game day without can't-stop-munching nachos? Featuring layers of crunchy tortilla chips, black beans and a creamy, smoky chicken mixture, this appetizer will disappear before the second quarter. —Whitney Smith, Winterhen, Florida

Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole

This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of a number of Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in hardly any time! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio

Beer Margarita

A beer margarita gives you the casual ease of a beer with the citrusy pop of a margarita. Cheers!

Mango Avocado Salsa

Mango avocado salsa takes your favorite chip dip and elevates it, thanks to the addition of sweet, tropical mango. You can double or quadruple this recipe to feed a crowd.

Grilled Street Corn

Mexican food is my grandmother’s favorite. I wanted a perfect side for her legendary tacos, and this chile-lime grilled corn turned out to be just right. —Ashley Crainshaw, Shawnee, Kansas

Horchata

In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Jalapeno Popper Corn Cupcakes

Cream cheese frosting may seem like an unlikely partner for a jalapeno and cornmeal cupcake, but we guarantee the treats are sure to please! —Tina Bellows, Racine, Wisconsin

Ground Beef Taco Dip

What’s a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI

Smothered Burritos

My brother-in-law teased that I only knew five ground beef recipes. I proved him wrong with my inventive spicy burritos. —Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri

Spicy Refried Beans

Need a quick appetizer? All you need is a can of refried beans, jalapeno pepper, seasonings and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Mexican Street Corn

Elote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn, is grilled, covered in mayo, and then sprinkled with chili powder, Cotija and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice is the perfect finishing touch. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Loaded Tater Tots

Playing with food is loads of fun when you have loaded Tater Tots. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

7-Layer Bean Dip

To make this zesty 7-layer bean dip, you simply layer the ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a “walking dip,” because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you walk and talk with guests. —Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California

Spicy Chunky Salsa

Vinegar adds a refreshing tang to this sweet tomato salsa. It's wonderful as is, but for more heat, leave in some hot pepper seeds. —Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington

Chicken Nachos

Flavorful and hearty chicken nachos feature delicious layers of protein, cheese, salsa and sour cream. They’re ideal for sharing and satisfying big crowds.

Air-Fryer Avocado Fries

Avocados just got even more exciting! These juicy, flavorful, easy and healthy air-fryer avocado fries are for those who are huge fans of avocado. They even go well on tacos! —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Mexican Chicken Wings

I make these spicy appetizers for parties and football games and never have any leftovers. The hot wings contrast nicely with the cool but zippy dip. When the wings run out, we use the extra cilantro dip on tortilla chips. —Barbara McConaughey, Houlton, Wisconsin