Cinco de Mayo Ideas: Our 10 Most Celebration-Worthy Recipes

by Kerry Acker
on 04/24/14 at 12:30 PM


Cinco de Mayo--um, the Fifth of May--has grown into a seriously popular spring holiday in the United States.

Sure, much of the holiday's buzz comes directly from aggressive beer advertising campaigns, and yeah, not many revelers even know what it is they are celebrating (FYI: May 5 marks the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, when Mexican troops defeated the French in 1862). But we still love the holiday, as it's an excellent excuse to drink good beer and eat fabulous food (be it authentically Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Mexican-influenced). Here are our top 10 Cinco de Mayo recipes--with 2 bonus recipes thrown in for good measure.

1. Taqueria Guacamole


Basically, if you have fantastic guacamole, chips, and beer (with lime, of course, if you can find any), you have a party. This four-fork recipe--with just avocado, lime juice, salt, and cilantro--is ridiculously easy. This is your guy.

2. Queso Fundido


Bubbling hot, spicy cheese in a skillet. There's really no need to say anything else here, right?

3. Mexican Seafood Cocktail


A refreshing, flavor-packed classic.

4. Nachos with all the Fixings


It doesn't bother us that nachos aren't an authentic Mexican food. The secret to knock-your-socks-off nachos? Make sure every chip gets some cheesy goodness and love. And don't skimp on the ingredients: the Cotija, raw radishes, and pickled jalapenos are all key components when it comes to texture and flavor.

5. Chile-Braised Pork Shoulder Tacos


Serve this spicy, succulent pork--with warmed corn tortillas and various salsas--to your tableful of guests and just watch them all melt into a puddle of gastronomic contentment.

6. Chicken Mole, Puebla Style


This is the dish to serve if you want to show your company your authentic-Mexican-cooking chops. It requires, time, patience, and lots of ingredients, but you and your guests will be rewarded with fabulous layers of flavor.

7. Mezcal Margarita, #2


It's Cinco de Mayo. This is a Margarita.

8. Tequila-Lime Mahimahi Tacos


Taco party! Let guests assemble these guys themselves, and channel Tulum.

9. Vegetable Enchiladas


These bright and flavorful four-fork enchiladas are an excellent option if you want to keep things on the light side.

10. Mexican Fiesta Casserole


Ooey, gooey, cheesy. A guaranteed crowd pleaser. PS: Ole!

Bonus Recipes:



There was no way we were going to leave this staff favorite off this best-of Cinco de Mayo list: Serve it for lunch, dinner, or as your post-revelry hangover breakfast.

Chocolate Flan


To feed a crowd, you can make one large flan instead, if that's how you roll...

  What are you serving on Cinco de Mayo?

Tagged with: Kerry Acker, Mexican
11:30:27 AM on

making me mui hambre!!!!!!
Ay, yi yi!

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