18 Día de los Muertos Recipes Full of Flavor and Tradition

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with these tasty dishes that are traditionally made for the Mexican holiday. The list includes everything from hearty stews to special sweet breads, which are often served for dinner or placed on decorative altars. Each recipe is a great way to learn about and enjoy a piece of Mexican culture and history through its food. Gathering around a table to share these meals is a wonderful way to honor the day.

Tamales de Elote (Sweet Corn Tamales)

These soft and sweet tamales are made with a corn dough that has a smooth, buttery taste. The recipe for Tamales de Elote uses canned corn for a simple twist on the classic method, creating a treat that is perfect for making during a special celebration or for a fun family dinner.
Get the recipe: Tamales de Elote (Sweet Corn Tamales)

Red Chicken Pozole

A rich and flavorful red chile broth is filled with tender pieces of chicken and soft, chewy hominy in this stew. This Red Chicken Pozole is a very comforting and traditional meal that is often shared with family and friends during important gatherings and is a staple for the holiday.
Get Recipe: Red Chicken Pozole

Birria Consomé

The delicious and rich broth that is left over after cooking birria meat is called Birria Consomé. This broth is packed with all the spices from the meat and is perfect for dipping tacos into or for sipping by itself like a warm and comforting soup.
Get Recipe: Birria Consomé

Mexican Champurrado

This is a warm and thick drink that is made with chocolate and has a smooth, creamy texture. Mexican Champurrado is a classic beverage that is often enjoyed with meals and is known for its rich flavor that is both comforting and sweet.
Get Recipe: Mexican Champurrado

Mexican Menudo

This is a traditional soup that is made with beef tripe and is simmered for a long time to develop a rich and hearty flavor. Mexican Menudo is known for its deep taste and is considered a very comforting and restorative meal by many people.
Get Recipe: Mexican Menudo

Red Pork Tamales

Tender shredded pork that has been cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce is wrapped in a soft corn dough. These Red Pork Tamales are a classic Mexican dish where every single bite is packed with a delicious and authentic taste that people love.
Get the Recipe: Red Pork Tamales

Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)

This sweet bread has a soft, fluffy texture and a light, buttery taste with a hint of orange flavor. The unique shape of Pan de Muerto makes it a special treat that is traditionally baked and enjoyed during the holiday celebrations.
Get Recipe: Pan de Muerto

Red Chicken Tamales

Shredded chicken that has been coated in a spicy and flavorful red sauce is used as the filling for these tamales. Each Red Chicken Tamale offers a great mix of tender meat, a little bit of heat, and the rich taste of the corn dough it is wrapped in.
Get the recipe: Red Chicken Tamales

Asado de Puerco

Pieces of juicy pork are cooked slowly in a rich and slightly spicy sauce until they are very tender. This Asado de Puerco dish is packed with amazing flavor in every single bite, making it a very satisfying and hearty meal for any dinner.
Get the recipe: Asado de Puerco

Instant Pot Chile Colorado

Beef is braised until it becomes incredibly tender in a rich and flavorful red chile sauce. Using an Instant Pot to make this Chile Colorado is a faster way to get that deep, comforting taste that usually comes from hours of slow cooking.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Chile Colorado

Chicken Pozole Blanco

This is a lighter version of the traditional stew, made with a clear broth, tender chicken, and hominy. Chicken Pozole Blanco is a warm and comforting soup that is often served with fresh toppings like lettuce, radishes, and lime for extra flavor.
Get Recipe: Chicken Pozole Blanco

Tamales de Rajas con Queso (Chile and Cheese Tamales)

Strips of mild poblano peppers and melted cheese are tucked inside a soft corn dough to make these tamales. These Tamales de Rajas con Queso are a savory and satisfying dish that is great for a festive occasion or for a special dinner at home any time.
Get the Recipe: Tamales de Rajas con Queso

Red Enchiladas (Enchiladas Rojas)

Soft tortillas are filled, rolled, and then covered in a rich and savory red enchilada sauce. These Red Enchiladas are a classic comfort food that is baked until warm and often topped with cheese, making for a very delicious and satisfying meal.
Get the recipe: Enchiladas Rojas

Atole de Vainilla (vanilla atole)

This is a warm, thick, and creamy drink that is gently sweetened and flavored with vanilla. Atole de Vainilla is a classic Mexican beverage that is often enjoyed in the morning or evening and is known for being very soothing and comfortable.
Get Recipe: Atole de Vainilla

Tamales de Frijol (Northern-style Bean Tamales)

A simple and tasty filling made from seasoned beans is spread inside a soft corn dough. These Tamales de Frijol are a popular Northern-style dish that is great for vegetarians and is full of wonderful, home-cooked flavor that everyone can enjoy.
Get the recipe: Northern Style Bean Tamales

Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

Shredded chicken is rolled inside tortillas and then covered in a tangy and vibrant green tomatillo sauce. These Chicken Enchiladas Verdes are a quick and easy dish to prepare for a weeknight dinner but are still packed with the fresh, delicious flavors of Mexico.
Get Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

Green Chicken Pozole

Tender chicken and soft hominy are simmered together in a flavorful green sauce made from tomatillos. This Green Chicken Pozole is a delicious and traditional Mexican stew that has a bright, tangy taste which is both unique and very comforting to eat.
Get the Recipe: Green Chicken Pozole

Beef Tamales (tamales de res)

A spiced and savory beef filling is wrapped in a soft corn dough and then steamed until hot. These Beef Tamales are a hearty and flavorful dish that tastes great when you top them with a little extra salsa or your favorite sauce.
Get Recipe: Beef Tamales