A celebration of Mexican pride and resilience, Cinco de Mayo honors the Battle of Puebla and Mexico’s unexpected victory over France. Commemorated yearly in the town and province of Puebla, Cinco de Mayo has also morphed into a popular celebration north of the Mexican border, where the day is spent in good company and with great food! For a party that’s brimming with Mexican flair, you’ll want Cinco de Mayo recipes that bring the country’s bold flavors to your table.
Beyond a focus on Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, there are no firm rules dictating what you should serve at a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. For big or small gatherings, the idea is to keep things fun, with a range of flavorful Mexican recipes, including snacks, entrées and desserts, that are simple to execute but packed with satisfying ingredients. Start with guacamole or queso fundido, then move on to loaded nachos, layered rice bowls, crispy tacos and more! Include plenty of frosty drinks, like horchata and margaritas, along with rice pudding, churros, and other sweet treats designed to satisfy every sweet tooth.
A day marked by lively music and dancing, plus reams of colorful décor, plenty of food and drink, Cinco de Mayo is a great reason to throw a party. Prepare each dish yourself, or host a potluck and ask guests to chip in. Either way, it’s the time to gather your closest friends and family for a Mexican-style fiesta they won’t soon forget!
Easy Cinco de Mayo Appetizers to Start the Fun
Recipes for Cinco de Mayo appetizers range from bright, zippy dips to crunchy fried snacks. Add these simple Success® Rice options to the mix and start on a high note without an ounce of added fuss.
Jalapeño Rice Poppers
Warm and cheesy, with a cheeky lick of heat, these Success® boil-in-bag basmati rice and jalapeño poppers are a must-have at any Cinco de Mayo event! Topped with a sprinkling of cilantro and lime, and served with sour cream or salsa, they’re exactly the type of snack people will want to spy on the table as they settle in for a great time.
Mexican Quinoa Salad
Mix up this punchy, colorful Success® boil-in-bag tri-color quinoa salad and spoon it into individual jars for a fresh snack people can enjoy as they mingle. With a tempting blend of crisp veggies, creamy avocado, cotija cheese and chili-spiked vinaigrette it’s as fresh as it is satisfying.
Tex-Mex Zucchini Rice Latkes
Snacks that can be tailored to guests’ preferences, these Success® boil-in-bag basmati rice cakes are golden, tender and delicious. To serve these as an appetizer, make them bite sized. Then, set them out on a table with plenty of tasty toppings—from hot sauce and herbs to pickled jalapeños and guacamole—for guests to garnish as they please.
Mexican Grilled Corn Salad
In this riff on esquites, or off-the-cob Mexican street corn, Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice is paired with smoky corn kernels, feta, green onions and a tangy dressing for a savory snack few can resist. One word of advice? For a dish that really packs a punch, don’t hold back on the chili powder and lime when making this salad.
Main Course Recipes for an Unforgettable Party
No matter how great your appetizers are, they’re still the lead-up to the main event. Ensure nothing disappoints with a menu of entrées that satisfies cravings for texture, color, flavor and fun!
Mexican Taco Wraps
A Cinco de Mayo essential, tacos are comforting, familiar and great for diners of every age! So, give the people what they want, with this savory version filled with seasoned beef, spicy corn, Success® boil-in-bag white rice and plenty of melted cheese. If space allows, set out sauces and garnishes on a table, and invite guests to customize their tacos themselves.
Baja Fish Tacos with Cilantro Cream
Fresh and filling, these fish tacos are a welcome alternative to meat-topped options. Flaky white fish is the best choice for these, as it pairs beautifully with the ancho chili rub, Success® boil-in-bag white rice, beans, corn and cooling cilantro crema.
Flexitarian Tacos
Planning a buffet spread? Ensure there’s something for every diner with these satisfying Success® boil-in-bag brown rice and seasoned beef tacos. Easily doubled, this recipe is great for larger gatherings. It also comes together in minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the fiesta!
Mexican Rice and Beans
A saucy take on traditional rice and beans, this 25-minute dish is loaded with savory chorizo, fiery peppers, tomatoes and plenty of peppy spices. A dish that can be served as a side or as a main, this one is best when topped with cheese, sour cream and herbs.
Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet
Success® boil-in-bag jasmine rice joins seasoned ground beef, black beans and corn in this crowd-pleasing, 15-minute dish. A warm entrée that diners can top with crema, herbs, lime juice and more, this dish should be a Cinco de Mayo menu staple.
Mexican Grilled Shrimp Bowl
Perfectly seasoned with a smoky char, grilled shrimp are an elegant addition to this company-worthy dish. Paired with nutty Success® boil-in-bag brown rice, zhuzhed-up cole slaw, beans and avocado, they become a complete meal that’s as inviting as it is comforting.
Easy Birria Bowl and Rice with Chipotle Crema
Savory, slow-cooked beef turns into tender, irresistible birria in this effortless recipe. A no-mess meal that boasts all of the flavor of birria tacos, this dish is infinitely easier to eat in a crowded room. The combination of chipotle crema, ripe avocado, sharp onions and herbs adds a final flourish of flavor that makes every mouthful sing.
Chicken and Kale Chimichangas
Pan-fried until golden and gooey, these chimichangas are the epitome of party food. Hearty yet easy to make, they’re also easy to hold while guests mingle and are as good hot as they are at room temp. We like them layered with tender chicken, sautéed veggies, chilies, Success® boil-in-bag tri-color quinoa, and cheese but feel free to switch up the fillings.
Dessert Recipes to Wrap Up Cinco de Mayo in Style
Recipes for Cinco de Mayo desserts should be simple to follow with maximum return. Try these delectable ideas and satisfy every guest looking to finish dinner with a little something sweet.
Strawberry Horchata
Made with an aromatic base of Success® boil-in-bag basmati rice, this sweet drink is luscious, rich and utterly delightful. For this rose-colored version, we’ve added spring’s freshest berries to the mix for a fruity, fresh take on the classic.
Arroz Con Leche
Reach for sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon—two beloved Mexican ingredients—for a rice pudding that’s infused with Cinco de Mayo flair! Delicious warm or cold, this rich dessert is a dreamy finale for any celebration.
