KitchenDance Blog

Cinco de Mayo is undoubtedly one of my most cherished holidays! It offers a delightful excuse to indulge in tacos and sip on margaritas. Who says holidays need more than that? This year, make sure your Cinco de Mayo celebration is unforgettable with these top-tier recipes that can be made easily with kitchendance products. I've curated the best Cinco de Mayo food and appetizers, perfect for any party, and fantastic Mexican dishes you can enjoy at home. From tantalizing tacos to rich quesos, savory dips, perfect party finger foods, hearty dinner options, and decadent desserts, you'll find everything you need to host a spectacular fiesta.

What Is Cinco De Mayo, And Why Do People Celebrate It?

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the impressive victory of the Mexican forces over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This triumph provided a massive morale boost to the Mexican army and its people and played a pivotal role in fostering national unity and patriotism.

Party Perfect Pans

11 BEST Cinco De Mayo Appetizers

Below, you'll find an array of exquisite Cinco de Mayo recipe ideas to help craft the perfect menu for May 5. Get ready to kick off your celebration with these irresistible dishes!

1. The Ultimate Guacamole

Experience the rich, creamy texture of authentic guacamole. Made with perfectly ripe avocados, it's seasoned with just the right salt and lime for a delightful flavor balance.

Ingredients: Avocados, salt, lime juice

Preparation:

• Mash ripe avocados in a bowl.
• Add salt and lime juice to taste.
• Mix thoroughly and serve with tortilla chips.

2. Taquitos de Pollo

A beloved Mexican treat, these crispy taquitos are stuffed with juicy rotisserie chicken and bursting with flavors reminiscent of festive childhood celebrations. It pairs well with the garlic chicken feast.

Ingredients: Rotisserie chicken, tortillas, lettuce, salsa, crema Mexicana, cilantro, queso fresco

Preparation:

• Shred the chicken and wrap it in tortillas.
• Fry until crispy.
• Top with lettuce, salsa, crema, cilantro, and queso fresco.

3. Elote (Grilled Mexican Street Corn)

Enjoy this classic street-side favorite, with grilled corn smothered in creamy, spicy mayo and sprinkled with Cotija cheese. It embodies the essence of Mexican street food.

Ingredients: Corn, mayo, Cotija cheese, lime, chili powder

Preparation:

• Grill corn until charred.
• Slather with mayo mixed with lime juice and chili powder.
• Sprinkle with Cotija cheese.

4. Queso Dip

Perfect for any gathering, this creamy queso dip combines smooth cream cheese with tangy Ro-Tel tomatoes and roasted chiles. It's ready to be the star at your next party. If there is any leftover, you can store it in our clear food container.

Ingredients: Cream cheese, Ro-Tel tomatoes, roasted chiles, tortilla chips

Preparation:

• Melt cream cheese and mix with Ro-Tel tomatoes and chiles.
• Heat until well combined.
• Serve surrounded by tortilla chips.

5. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail offers a saucy and flavorful escape, ideal for savoring on a warm day, almost enough to be a light meal.

Ingredients: Shrimp, tomato sauce, avocado, cilantro, onion, lime

Preparation:

• Mix cooked shrimp with tomato sauce and diced vegetables.
• Chill thoroughly.
• Serve with a wedge of lime.

6. 7-Layer Bean Dip

Transform your snack time with this exceptional warm bean dip, layered with various textures and flavors that make each bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients: Refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, olives, tomatoes, scallions

Preparation:

• Layer warm refried beans at the bottom.
• Add layers of guacamole, sour cream, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and scallions.

7. The Ultimate Quesadilla

Crispy and filled with gooey cheese, these quesadillas are twisted with browned tortillas, making them irresistibly crunchy and delicious.

Ingredients: Tortillas, cheese, onion, bell peppers

Preparation:

• Sauté onions and peppers.
• Place cheese and sautéed vegetables between two tortillas.
• Cook until golden on both sides.

8. World's Easiest Salsa

Quick and easy, this salsa combines canned tomatoes and chiles for a flavorful dip ready in minutes, proving simplicity is often best.

Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, canned chiles, onion, cilantro, lime

Preparation:

• Blend all ingredients until smooth.
• Adjust seasoning and serve.

9. Homemade Tortilla Chips

Impress guests with homemade tortilla chips, offering three methods for preparation: traditional deep-frying, quick baking with kitchendance baking products, or even microwaving for a quick snack.

Ingredients: Corn tortillas, oil, salt

Preparation:

• Cut tortillas into wedges.
• Choose to deep-fry, bake, or microwave until crispy.
• Salt lightly before serving.

10. Birria Tacos

Dive into the rich and savory world of birria tacos, where the tortillas are dipped in consomé, filled with tender meat and cheese, and fried to perfection.

Ingredients: Birria meat, cheese, corn tortillas, consomé

Preparation:

• Dip tortillas in consomé.
• Fill with meat and cheese, then fry.
• Serve with a bowl of warm consomé for dipping.

11. Mexican Fruit Cocktail

This Mexican dessert features a refreshing and zesty blend of fruits and a hint of spice. It's perfect for a sunny day snack or a festive gathering.

Ingredients: pineapple, oranges, segmented, green apple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and Pinch of kosher salt.

Preparation Steps:

• Combine pineapple, oranges, apple (or jicama), red onion, and jalapeño in a large bowl.
• Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with kosher salt.
• Add chopped cilantro and toss everything together until well-mixed.

Conclusion

Ready your festive spirit and appetite—Cinco de Mayo is the perfect occasion to explore and enjoy vibrant Mexican flavors. Whether throwing a large party or having a cozy celebration at home, these recipes will make your holiday delicious and memorable.