40 Mexican Appetizers To Kick Off Your Cinco De Mayo

In 1943, some wives of U.S. soldiers stationed at Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass, Texas, were on a shopping trip in the bordering city of Piedras Negras, Mexico. They stopped at a just-closed restaurant. Not wanting to disappoint his customers, the maître d’, Ignacio "El Nacho" Anaya, was determined to whip something up for them. He made due with what was left in the kitchen—tortillas, cheese, and pickled jalapeños—and served what would go on to be called "Nacho's especiales." TMYK!

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Regardless of whatever your mind conjures when you hear the words "bean dip," we guarantee this cheesy black bean dip is not that. This dip is anything but boring and will resemble nothing like the pasty, brown mush you might be expecting. Black beans are blended with lots of garlic, jalapeños, and cheese, then topped with even more cheese before baking (cue the perfect cheese pull).

Get the Loaded Black Bean Dip recipe.

Street tacos are typically prepared by doubling up two smaller corn tortillas, making them easier to eat on the side of the street, in the car, anywhere! They're no frills yet tend to be some of the most craveable tacos around.

Get the Grilled Chicken Street Tacos recipe.

Creamy, just-ripe avocados are tossed with chopped tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion, sweet corn, and tons of chopped fresh cilantro to create this refreshing hybrid dip. Now you’ll never have to decide between salsa and guac ever again!

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This versatile, flavorful corn salad is the perfect way to get even more corn into your life. Mix and match your favorite cheeses, herbs, and nuts, but keep the citrus for brightness and oil for a little richness. And if you like a little *kick*, add some sliced jalapeños or a big pinch of red chili flakes.

Get the Grilled Corn Salad recipe.

These crispy, cheesy Mexican taquitos are quick and easy to make—even if you don’t want to bust out the big bottle of oil. Instead, brush them with a little oil, then bake them at 450° for around 15 minutes.

Get the Bean & Cheese Taquitos recipe.

One of the greatest pleasures of Mexican street food are sopes: round bundles of masa lightly fried and piled with refried beans, shredded chicken, salsa roja or salsa verde, and cotija cheese. These little antojitos, or snacks, can be eaten throughout the day, and make for perfect anytime party apps.

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Empanadas come in many different forms with many different fillings. This version is a flavor bomb, with tender chicken thighs, peppers, and olives, bolstered by tomato paste and paprika. Yum!

Get the Chicken Empanadas recipe.

Though not a traditionally Mexican flavor combo, Buffalo chicken is one of our faves, and this creamy, spicy technique is one of our favorite ways to serve it. It's also the best, most impressive way to make quesadillas for a crowd, so feel free to get creative with your fillings!

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We’re happy to report that esquites, the irresistible and less-messy version of everyone’s favorite cotija-coated snack, elote, were the perfect inspiration for these bite-sized fritters. Paired with a lime- and garlic-spiked sour cream sauce, these crisp patties are guaranteed to disappear in a crowd in minutes.

Get the Esquites Fritters recipe.

Whether you serve it as a simple dip, load it on top of your tacos, or smear it on a bun as a burger topping, we can all agree—it’s not a party without Mexico’s most famous dip. Keep it simple, like we did, or go wild with your mix-ins—just be sure to make extra, this'll go fast.

Get the Best-Ever Guacamole recipe.

Chalupas are a classic Mexican street food snack that are crispy, savory, and fun to eat. Usually chalupas are served like a tostada, but because we know you might be looking for the fluffy fry bread-like taco shell, we decided to create a version that was the best of both chalupa worlds.

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Flautas are our new favorite obsession. Made with shredded chicken wrapped in flour tortillas and then pan-fried, they’re somewhere between taquitos and chimichangas. 🤤 They also come together quickly, making them perfect party appetizers.

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Elote is an unbelievably popular antojito (little craving) that you can find sold on the street in Mexico. It's often served on a stick, though you could skip the skewer and make it the same way you'd boil or oven bake regular corn on the cob.

Get the Elote: Mexican Street Corn recipe.

If you can't get enough of Chipotle's corn salsa (and find yourself asking for a second scoop), this is the copycat recipe for you. Loaded with sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and citrus juice, it’s delicious served completely on its own with some chips (or paired with some chicken and turned into a bowl!).

Get the Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa recipe.

We love all foods that are described as pockets... Hot Pockets, pita, arepas, you name it! Our absolute favorite might have to be these gorditas, for 2 reasons: 1) They are infinitely customizable, and 2) they’re super-simple to make at home, all thanks to masa harina.

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Bright and acidic with a kick of heat, this just might be the easiest side to prepare (and devour). All it takes to make is chopping your ingredients and tossing them together—that's it! In 15 minutes, you'll have an easy, satisfying side on your hands that will boost any and every meal it's served with.

Get the Pico De Gallo recipe.

Concha bread is probably the most recognizable of all Mexican pan dulce. Pan dulce means sweet bread in Spanish—think of these little breads as the brioche of Mexico. While not quite a Mexican dessert, conchas have a delicious sugary topping, making them the perfect slightly sweet addition to any party spread.

Get the Concha Bread recipe.

Tostadas might just be the perfect meal—these fried corn tortillas are easy to buy at the supermarket, AND they have all the delicious crunch of a tortilla chip, but can act as a vehicle for whatever toppings you like. Here, that means creamy refried beans and a chile-spiked shredded chicken topping, but feel free to get creative.

Get the Chicken Tostadas recipe.

This filling is loosely based on a very traditional Mexican (top-secret!) recipe. It’s delicious as is, but if you want to give it even more pizzaz, we highly recommend adding a splash of red wine vinegar, finely chopped capers and green olives, and a good squeeze yellow mustard. Once you've got the pastry down, you can pretty much stuff them with anything!

Get the Cheesy Beef Empanadas recipe.