Tantalize your taste buds with these irresistible Mexican appetizers for Cinco de Mayo. From spicy salsas to creamy guacamole, these bites are the perfect way to spice up your celebration.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican victory over the French on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla, a city only 70 miles from Mexico City.
The French, under the rule of Napoleon III, intended to take over the country – and given they were likely to have supported the Confederacy during the Civil War, such a move could have changed the course of USA history.
The battle wasn’t a significant strategic win, but it boosted the spirits of the resistance and helped them gain an alliance with the Americans. This alliance was later instrumental in making Napoleon’s forces withdraw (source).
Only three weeks later, the first Cinco de Mayo was held – and today this historic day is still celebrated with music, dancing, decorations and of course, food.
If you’re planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a party, you’ll want to check out these Mexican appetizers that, along with these taco recipes, Cinco de Mayo dinner recipes, and Cinco de Mayo desserts, make the ultimate Cinco de Mayo party food.
Mexican appetizers
These air fryer frozen chicken and cheese taquitos are are crispy and quick, making them a popular Mexican appetizer.
These air fryer tortilla chips are warm, crunchy, and taste just like restaurant-style tortilla chips, but without all the fuss and excess oil.
This Chili’s salsa copycat recipe answers the question, “Can I make this at home?” Yes, you can and it’s so easy!
This addictive chipotle corn salsa is a perfect accompaniment to any Mexican food. Sweet roasted corn makes a perfect pairing with smoky chipotle peppers. Such an amazing and fresh appetizer for Cinco de Mayo.
The beauty of chorizo street tacos is their simplicity - bold, ground chorizo nestled in a warmed corn tortilla and topped minimally with carefully chosen, complementary garnishes - the perfect appetizer.
Coctel de camarones, or Mexican shrimp cocktail, is an easy and refreshing appetizer that's incredibly yummy.
Full of a savory tomato, chili sauce and tender small shrimp, it's the best party dip around.
The creamy texture of the avocado perfectly complements the zesty flavors of the other ingredients, creating a taste explosion that will have everyone coming back for more. Avocado pico de gallo is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
This elote in a cup recipe is like Mexican street corn served in a handy-dandy cup! This fresh sweet corn salad is full of fresh flavor and topped with crunchy Fritos, cheese, and seasonings for the ultimate appetizer.
This super easy five layer Mexican dip is made with salsa, cream cheese, refried beans, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. You can include jalapeños and black olives for an extra kick!
Jalapeno salsa comes together in just five minutes in the food processor and tastes so much better and more fresh than anything you'd buy in a jar.
This recipe is topped with corn, cilantro, queso fresco and a homemade elote sauce that’s packed with chile-lime flavor. Try it for a twist on your traditional appetizer.
If you’re a fan of Mexican food, you’ve got to try this delicious chamoy dip.
This dip is savory, sweet and spicy, and is one of Mexico’s favorite condiments.
Mexican corn on the cob, also known as Mexican street corn or elote, is the best way to enjoy corn this summer. Once your corn is grilled, slather it in this authentic, Mexican-style crema and sprinkle spicy seasoning and cotija cheese on top.
If you love spinach dip and Mexican food, then you’ll love this Mexican spinach dip recipe.
Mexican street corn dip is a twist on classic street corn, served in a scoopable form. With cheesy goodness and a bubbly texture, it's perfect for fiestas.
This mango avocado salsa with pineapple is fresh, zingy and complements so many dishes. The salsa is so easy and quick to put together. It’s delicious, pretty, customizable and is filled with mango, pineapple and avocado and a secret ingredient - passionfruit.
This delicious recipe is a combination of fresh flavors, sweetness and spice.
This crowd pleaser is filled with corn, beans, and all sorts of cheesy, flavorful goodness. It's the perfect way to spice up any Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Spicy guacamole only takes 15 minutes to prepare and is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan making it the perfect appetizer.
This impressive and easy taco ring recipe comes together with flaky crescent roll dough, taco meat, cheese, black beans, corn, and all your favorite taco toppings.
Grab a plate, gather your friends, and let the flavors of these Mexican appetizers for Cinco de Mayo spice up your life.