Cinco de Mayo Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

Favorite Mexican Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

By
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher
Stephanie Gallagher is a journalist and food writer who has authored multiple cookbooks.
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Updated on 04/27/21

You don't have to be Mexican to enjoy the fun, food, and festivities of Cinco de Mayo. The holiday (which literally translates to "May 5"), commemorates the victory of the Mexican army over French forces in the battle of Puebla in 1862. Try these fantastic Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo―or anytime you want good Mexican food.

  • 01 of 09

    Mexican Quesadillas

    Quesadilla

    Michelle Silvestre / EyeEm / Getty Images

    With just five ingredients, these Mexican quesadillas are super simple to prepare. And they're ready in a flash. Serve these quesadillas with homemade tomato salsa.

  • 02 of 09

    Guacamole

    Guacamole

    Stockbyte / Getty Images

    This yummy guacamole recipe is something you can make every time you serve Mexican food. Cool and refreshing, this guacamole is made with fresh cilantro and lime juice.

  • 03 of 09

    Mexican 7 Layer Dip

    7 Layer Dip

    The Spruce / Stephanie Gallagher

    This Mexican 7 layer dip recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. It makes a perfect appetizer with tortilla chips for Cinco de Mayo or any party.

  • 04 of 09

    Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

    Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

    Leigh Beisch / Getty Images

    These sour cream chicken enchiladas are every bit as tasty as the ones at your favorite Mexican restaurant. And they are so easy to make. The best part is you can make this recipe in advance and just reheat when you're ready to serve.

    Continue to 5 of 9 below.
  • 05 of 09

    Steak Fajitas

    Steak fajitas

    Lauri Patterson / Getty Images

    These sizzling steak fajitas are fun to serve for Cinco de Mayo or anytime. Flank steak is marinated then cooked with onions and peppers for this slightly spicy Mexican favorite.

  • 06 of 09

    Beef Tacos

    Beef Tacos

    The Spruce / Stephanie Gallagher

    Beef tacos are one of those fun Mexican recipes that's perfect for kids because they can make their own. This beef tacos recipe doesn't use any packaged seasoning mixes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like.

  • 07 of 09

    Cornbread

    Cornbread

    Eric Schwortz / Getty Images

    This is a sweet, cake-like cornbread recipe that pairs beautifully with the light spiciness of these Cinco de Mayo recipes. It makes a great side dish for chili.

  • 08 of 09

    Chocolate Mexican Wedding Cookies

    Mexican Wedding Cookies (Polvorones) Recipes

     The Spruce

    Chocolate Mexican wedding cookies aren't normally made with chocolate. But we figured, hey, why not up the flavor ante a bit? The butter sweet texture of these wedding cookies will melt in your mouth. They make a perfect end to a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

    Continue to 9 of 9 below.
  • 09 of 09

    Tres Leches Cake

    Tres Leches Cake

    The Spruce / Stephanie Gallagher

    Moist and tender, this tres leches cake is a real treat. Sliced fresh strawberries make a perfect topping for this cake.