The weather is warmer and the food is getting spicier, which can only mean one thing— Cinco de Mayo is here! Others may long for the food of fall or winter holidays, but for our money, there’s nothing tastier than the Mexican flavors of this summertime feast. Thanks to innovative chefs, travelling foodies and cross-cultural kitchens, there are more exciting recipes to try than ever before, so you have no excuse to stick with some bland take-out or cafeteria-style tacos— especially when we’ve put together an awesome list for you! Inspired by Delish’s gallery of Cinco de Mayo recipes, we’ve put together our own collection of recipes perfect for the holiday. Read on for the Mexican, the Tex-Mex, the Mexico-inspired, and everything in between, and celebrate!
- Zesy Rice Skillet
One of our favorite things about dishes from this great food tradition? How the simplest meals are also the most delicious! Case-in-point is this zesty dish that’s also one-pot! - Sweet Potato Skins
How do you give potato skins a Mexican twist? Make them in sweet potatoes and add corn, beans, peppers, and spice! - Pizza
Another dish getting a Mexican twist? Pizza! This one uses tortillas for the crust, enchilada sauce, and all your favorite spicy toppings. - Lasagna
Want another Mexican-Italian hybrid? Try this lasagna made with salsa and corn tortillas . . . - Southwestern Lasagna
. . . this version that loses the tortillas for traditional noodles but keeps the Tex-Mex flavor . . . - Spaghetti Bake
. . . or this spaghetti bake that’s totally adaptable. We’re fans of using ground turkey! - Fried Ice Cream
You can’t have a party without dessert, and it doesn’t get more delightful than fried ice cream coated in chocolate, cinnamon, and caramel. - Hot Chocolate Fudge
What makes chocolate fudge hot and Mexican? Cinnamon and cayenne pepper that gives it an amazing kick! - One-Pan Quinoa
Healthy and easy quinoa is boring no longer when you make it with black beans, jalapeños, corn and more! - Elote
What’s elote? A Mexican style of corn on the cob, topped with butter, mayo, lime and cotija cheese for summer taste like no other! - Crullers
You might know them as churros, but whatever you call them, they’re a delicious Cinco de Mayo classic. - Taco Braid
Can’t imagine celebrating without tacos on the table? Mix things up a little with this delicious Taco Braid . . . - Taco Ring
. . . or this made-to-share Taco Ring! - Slow Cooker Carnitas
Want something a little more traditional? You can’t go wrong with carnitas— especially when they’re so easily made in the slow cooker! - Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
The slow cooker’s good for more! Chicken fajitas have never been easier. - Easy Oven Chicken Fajitas
Can’t wait for the crock-pot? Try this recipe instead! - Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme
Is your experience with Mexican less traditional and more Taco Bell? Inch closer to the real stuff with this DIY Crunchwrap Supreme that uses real ingredients, not fake fast food stuff. - Guacamole Pretzel Tacos
It’s not Cinco de Mayo without some of the good green stuff! Have fun with your guacamole with these pretzel “tacos” . . . - Deep-Fried Guacamole
. . . deep fry it for a crunchy take . . . - Avocado Jicama Dip
. . . introduce it to jicama for a delicious dip . . . - Perfect Guacamole
. . . or just make the perfect traditional guac! - Street Corn Nachos
Turn traditional “street corn” into nachos for a party-ready snack. You won’t believe how much you’ll love the corn in this dish! - Shrimp Quesadillas
We can’t forget about the Gulf of Mexico’s influence— and that means shrimp! Try serving them up quesadilla-style for a spicy, sizzling seafood treat. - Beef Quesadilla Cake
Prefer your quesadillas to be more meaty? Beef them up in both senses of the word with this stack of five quesadillas. - Beef Tamale Pie
If quesadillas can be a cake, tamales can be a pie! This one is easy and made with cornbread! - Blood Orange Margaritas
Come on. You didn’t think we’d forget the drinks, did you? The blood orange makes these margs extra celebratory! - Cheesy Baked Chicken Enchiladas
You can’t go wrong with a classic, especially when it’s as easy and delicious as these baked enchiladas. This dish is SURE to be a crowd-pleaser.
Want even more where these recipes came from? We don’t blame you— you can never have enough Mexican food, especially on Cinco de Mayo! Check out the list at Delish for even more culinary inspiration!