25 Traditional Mexican Recipes For Cinco de Mayo

Ready to get the Cinco de Mayo party started? These traditional Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo are packed with flavor and perfect for celebrating with friends and family. From cozy stews to tasty snacks, there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy.

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Pork Chile Rellenos

A stuffed Pork Chile Relleno, drizzled with Mexican crema, served on a white plate. — Pork Chile Relleno. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pork Chile Rellenos are spicy peppers stuffed with tender pork and topped with sauce, giving your Cinco de Mayo plate that perfect mix of heat and heartiness.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chile Rellenos

Enchiladas Rojas

Enchiladas Rojas are filled tortillas smothered in red chile sauce, turning any dinner into a festive meal that’s great for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Get Recipe: Enchiladas Rojas

Chicken Mixiotes

Chicken Mixiotes are juicy bundles of chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce, and they’re just the thing to serve when you want your Cinco de Mayo dinner to stand out.
Get the recipe: Mixiotes de Pollo

Carne Picada Burritos

Two rolled burritos on a white plate with slices of avocado. A bowl of shredded meat, diced onions, and jalapeño slices surround the plate. Cilantro and half an avocado are also on the wooden table. — Carne Picada Burritos. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Carne Picada Burritos are loaded with saucy beef and wrapped up tight, making them a filling and delicious option for your Cinco de Mayo feast.
Get recipe: Carne Picada Burritos

Chiles en Nogada (Stuffed Peppers in Walnut Sauce)

Chile en nogada served on a traditional Mexican clay plate, covered with Mexican crema, sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and minced parsley. — Chiles en Nogada. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Chiles en Nogada bring a colorful and classic vibe to your Cinco de Mayo table, with stuffed peppers in a creamy walnut sauce topped with pomegranate seeds that look just like the Mexican flag.
Get the recipe: Chiles en Nogada

Red Chicken Pozole

Red Chicken Pozole is a warm and hearty stew made with shredded chicken and hominy, and it’s just right for keeping everyone full and happy during your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Get the Recipe: Red Chicken Pozole

Michelada

Michelada is a bold and refreshing beer drink with lime and hot sauce, and it’s the ultimate thirst-quencher to cool off during your Cinco de Mayo bash.
Get the recipe: Michelada

Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

Enchiladas Verdes served on a decorative clay plate and topped with cheese and cilantro. — Chicken Enchiladas Verdes. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chicken Enchiladas Verdes are rolled up with juicy chicken and covered in a tangy green sauce that makes them a perfect pick for a festive Cinco de Mayo dinner.
Get Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

Red Chicken Tamales

Red Chicken Tamales are soft corn dough pockets stuffed with spicy chicken that make every bite taste like a celebration at your Cinco de Mayo table.
Get the recipe: Red Chicken Tamales

Elote en Vaso (Street Corn in a Cup)

A glass serving dish is filled with Mexican street corn topped with a slice of lime, cheese, chili powder, and hot sauce. A spoon is placed on the right side of the dish, and a blurred green lime is visible in the background. — Elote en vaso. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Elote en Vaso is Mexican street corn in a cup, and it’s a creamy, cheesy snack that’s easy to carry and super fun to eat during your Cinco de Mayo party.
Get the recipe: Elote en Vaso

Red Beef Pozole

Red Beef Pozole brings rich and deep flavors to your bowl with beef, hominy, and a red chile broth that feels like a warm Cinco de Mayo hug.
Get the Recipe: Red Beef Pozole

Agua de Pepino, or Cucumber Agua Fresca

Agua de pepino served in a glass with ice next to sliced cucumber. — Agua de Pepino. Photo credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Agua de Pepino is a cool cucumber drink that’s light, sweet, and totally refreshing—just what you need to beat the heat on Cinco de Mayo.
Get Recipe: Agua de Pepino

Baked Potato Flautas

Potato flautas on a white plate topped with lettuce and tomatoes. — Baked Potato Flautas. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Baked Potato Flautas are crispy, cheesy, and perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes—great for making a quick and easy snack for your Cinco de Mayo crowd.
Get the recipe: Baked Potato Flautas

Bean Pozole

A close-up of a bowl of Mexican pozole verde, showcasing a hearty soup made with hominy, pinto beans, and shredded cabbage. The dish is topped with sliced radishes, jalapeños, and cilantro, with a hint of lime visible on the side. A spoon rests in the bowl, ready to eat. — Bean Pozole. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Bean Pozole is a simple meatless version of a classic soup that’s full of bold taste and ready in minutes—perfect for vegetarians at your Cinco de Mayo feast.
Get the recipe: Bean Pozole

Arroz Mexicano (Mexican Rice)

Arroz Mexican served in a clay bowl and topped with a cilantro leaf. — Arroz Mexicano. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Arroz Mexicano is bright and fluffy Mexican rice that pairs well with anything you’re serving and adds a pop of color to your Cinco de Mayo plate.
Get Recipe: Arroz Mexicano

Elotes Mexicanos (Mexican Street Corn)

Elote Mexicano (or Mexican Street Corn) on a white plate topped with chile powder, cheese, and cilantro. — Elotes Mexicanos. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Elotes Mexicanos are grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, and spices, and they bring big flavor and fun to your Cinco de Mayo cookout.
Get the recipe: Elotes Mexicanos

Pork Pozole Verde

A vibrant bowl of green pozole, a traditional Mexican soup, garnished with sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, and herbs. Surrounding the bowl are small dishes containing lime wedges, chopped onions, cilantro, and dried chili flakes on a wooden surface. — Pork Pozole Verde. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Pork Pozole Verde is a delicious stew made with tender pork and green chile broth, and it’s the kind of dish that keeps your guests coming back for seconds. This makes a great addition to your collection of traditional Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo.
Get Recipe: Pork Pozole Verde

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

A chicken tinga tostada topped with green lettuce and sitting on a cutting board. — Chicken Tinga Tostadas. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chicken Tinga Tostadas are crunchy, spicy, and loaded with shredded chicken that’s bursting with flavor, making them a Cinco de Mayo must-have.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Birria de Res

Birria de Res is a slow-cooked beef stew that’s full of spices and flavor, and it’s perfect for dipping tacos or just enjoying on its own during your Cinco de Mayo gathering.
Get Recipe: Slow Cooker Birria de Res

Mole Chilaquiles

A plate of chilaquiles topped with mole sauce, cheese, cilantro, and a fried egg. Surrounding the plate are bowls of diced onions, cream, and crumbled cheese. A chocolate disk and cilantro garnish are also visible on a wooden table. — Mole Chilaquiles. Photo By Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Mole Chilaquiles are crispy chips covered in a rich chocolate-chile mole sauce, making them a sweet and savory breakfast to kick off your Cinco de Mayo morning.
Get the Recipe: Mole Chilaquiles

Arroz Blanco (Mexican White Rice)

Arroz blanco served on a decorative blue plate. — Arroz Blanco. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Arroz Blanco is fluffy Mexican white rice that goes with everything and adds a clean, simple side dish to round out your Cinco de Mayo meal.
Get the recipe: Arroz Blanco

Chelada (Mexican Beer Cocktail)

Two Mexican cheladas served in a glass with a lime wedge. — Chelada. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chelada is a chilled Mexican beer cocktail with lime and salt that’s simple but refreshing, and it’s perfect for sipping all day long at your Cinco de Mayo party.
Get the recipe: Chelada

Chicken Chile Rellenos

Four roasted poblano peppers stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, topped with melted, lightly browned cheese and small vegetable pieces, are arranged in a white ceramic baking dish on a wooden surface. — Chicken Chile Rellenos. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Chicken Chile Rellenos are stuffed peppers filled with seasoned chicken and covered in sauce, and they’re a fun way to spice up your Cinco de Mayo dinner.
Get Recipe: Chicken Chile Rellenos

Homemade Huaraches

Homemade huarache topped with cooked chorizo, chopped tomato, minced cilantro, sliced red onion, and grated cheese, served on a wooden surface. — Homemade Huaraches. Photo Credit: Mama Maggie’s Kitchen

Homemade Huaraches are thick corn masa cakes that are super fun to top with all your favorites. Perfect for those looking for traditional Mexican recipes for Cinco de Mayo.
Get the recipe: Homemade Huaraches

Green Chicken Pozole

Green Chicken Pozole is a zesty tomatillo-based soup filled with chicken and hominy, and it’s a great way to add some cozy comfort to your Cinco de Mayo night.
Get the Recipe: Green Chicken Pozole