Well, well, well, my friends, it’s that time of year again when we pretend to know what Cinco de Mayo commemorates while stuffing our faces with outrageously delicious Mexican food and drinking tequila like it’s water.
For the record: it celebrates Mexico’s impressive victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War on May 5, 1862.
This year, I say we raise a margarita (or four) to salute Mexico’s win and then dive into some of our best Mexican recipes. If you’re watching your alcohol, consider reaching for our vibrant watermelon lemonade or zesty homemade limeade, both reminiscent of Mexico’s beloved aguas frescas.
From classic pico de gallo to some funky fresh twists on traditional dishes, these recipes will help you enjoy the weekend and make it one to remember. Depending on how much you drink, maybe not!
Chow,
Chilaquiles
I love this chilaquiles recipe! I grew up with my mother’s chilaquilas – corn tortillas cut and passed through hot oil, then passed through red chili; layered in between cheese and green onions, and baked. HOWEVER . . . I loved the simplicity of your version and have made it many times.
JC MArc
Long Margarita
Carnitas ~ Mexican Braised Pork
My husband is from SoCal and we live in Florida, so he’s always complaining that he can’t get good Mexican food. Carnitas are his absolute favorite, so I made this recipe for his birthday last year. It was incredible. This is now my go-to when I want to impress guests!
Pam
Want Taco Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!
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In fact, I have 21 tacos that are perfect for Cinco de Mayo! Everything from grilled skirt steak tacos and pork belly tacos to fish tacos with creamy chipotle cabbage slaw and even crispy mashed potato tacos.
Choriqueso
Chicken Enchilada with Green Sauce
This chicken enchiladas recipe is fabulous. Unfortunately, I gave some to my family, and now they request them ALL the time. I make a batch for me and one for them to share.
The green sauce is incredible. As another reviewer suggested, I added jalapeños to spice it up. Highly recommended.
zilma
Fried Avocado Dippers
Pico de Gallo
The texture of this pico de gallo was great — wonderful chunky tomatoes and crunchy onions and peppers. The chili pepper was perfect to add quite a kick that sticks with you through the aftertaste!
Ashley
Elote ~ Mexican-Style Street Corn
Churros
Cinco de Mayo Food FAQs
A typical American celebration of Cinco de Mayo will include margaritas and tacos. However, in Mexico, you’ll find classic Mexican dishes, such as carnitas, mole poblano, or barbacoa made with lamb.
In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has become synonymous with margaritas, chips and salsa, and a wild taco free-for-all—and honestly, no one’s complaining. You’ll often find Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas, guac by the gallon, and enough queso to warrant a second fridge.
But in Mexico, the holiday is more regional and subdued, mostly observed in Puebla, where the Mexican army defeated French forces in 1862. There, traditional dishes might include mole poblano (a deeply rich, spiced chocolate-and-chile sauce often served over turkey or chicken), carnitas (slow-cooked pork), barbacoa (usually lamb or beef wrapped in agave leaves and pit-roasted), or chalupas poblanas—corn tortillas lightly fried and topped with salsa, shredded meat, and cheese.
So whether you’re going full fiesta with tequila and tacos, or you’re leaning into the heartier, more traditional dishes, it’s all a delicious way to honor the day. Just don’t forget the napkins. Or the second round of margaritas.
Churros are a fantastic handheld dessert option, and you could serve them with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate for dipping. For a more formal take, try this tres leches cake—a popular dessert in Mexico, for good reason.
What are you serving at your Cinco de Mayo celebrations? Will you be noshing on Tex-Mex fare, such as tacos, burritos, and nachos, or are you indulging in traditional Mexican food, like carnitas or sopa seca de fideo? Let me know in a comment below.
Can you pipe churro dough onto separate pieces of parchment and the drop into oil?
We haven’t tried this, Peter, so I’m not sure if it would work. You might need to spray your parchment with baking spray to make sure that they slide right off.
Absolutely! Just be careful when lowering toward oil parchment-side up. Then immediately peel the parchment off with a set of tongs.
This method is commonly used, including when dropping bagels into their very hot soda-water bath. Just be sure to have all your parchment pre-cut. I hope this helps!
Thanks, Terry!