These are the Best 35 Mexican Appetizer Recipes for Cinco De Mayo or for any party or holiday. Included are easy recipes that make great party appetizers for your Mexican fiesta!
Since Cinco De Mayo is right around the corner, I thought it was a great time to share these favorite easy Mexican appetizers because each one is such an easy recipe, yet loaded with so much delicious flavor! You can’t go wrong with Mexican Food!
Table of Contents
- Party Starter Recipes
- Dip Recipes
- Salsa Recipes
- Mango Habanero Salsa
- Empanada Recipes
- Nacho Recipes
- Slider Recipes
- Soup Recipes
- Quesadilla Recipes
- Reviews
Whether you love the creamy, sour cream or cream cheese-based dips, black beans and corn salsa, or cheesy nachos loaded with refried beans, you are bound to find your favorite Mexican Food Appetizer Recipes on this list!
These appetizers make a delicious prelude to your Mexican Food main course. So whether you are having a party or a weeknight dinner, these Mexican recipes will wow your family and friends, and everyone will be asking you for the recipe.
Party Starter Recipes
Some recipes scream “let the fiesta begin” when you look at them. Others are foundational recipes necessary to enjoy other recipes, like tortilla chips, which act as our dippers.
Shrimp co*cktail
Pair this fancy Shrimp co*cktail with a tropical drink with a tiny umbrella and you’ll feel like you’re on a tropical Mexican vacation!
This zesty Shrimp co*cktail is great for parties because it can be made ahead and refrigerated. Be sure to serve it in fun, pretty margarita glasses!
Mexican Shrimp co*cktail Recipe
Mexican Shrimp co*cktail, AKA Coctel De Camarones, is a zesty Mexican appetizer with shrimp, Clamato, jalapeno, tomatoes, and vegetables, that makes a perfect start to your summer Mexican Dinner!
Check out this recipe
Homemade Tortilla Chips
With so many dips and salsa that require “dippers”, I’m including a recipe for Homemade Tortilla Chips because they are an absolute necessity to serve with dips and salsas, and they are so darn easy to make!
Pair these tortilla chips with any of the dips and salsas below for a crispy crunchy contract to cheesy or creamy dips!
Homemade Tortilla Chips
These easy Homemade Tortilla Chips are baked instead of fried yet are ready in 10 minutes and are crispy and flavorful, especially with your favorite dip!
Check out this recipe
Dip Recipes
Dips are a requirement at parties. They are casual, meant to be shared, and can be conversation starters! You’ll love these delicious dips because we have everything covered from queso to guacamole and more.
Skillet Queso
Come on! It’s not a party without queso! That glorious spicy, melty cheese dip that goes oh so good with the crispy tortilla chips, and can be a meal unto itself.
Be sure to make lots of it because often this Velvet Skillet Queso is the first appetizer guests dip into and the first one to reach the bottom of the bowl or skillet.
Velveeta Skillet Queso Recipe
This is the Best Velveeta Skillet Queso ever! It has sausage, jalapeño, 3 cheeses, Rotel, and beer to give it an amazing flavor and smoothness. Eat it with your favorite dip chip for a nice appetizer or game day snack.
Check out this recipe
Chorizo Jalapeno Mexican Dip
Another type of queso, this one had chorizo and jalapeños added to the creamy, cheesy dip. It gives it that extra meaty flavor boost that everyone will love!
Friends and family have reached out to me and thanked me for this recipe because it is so good.
Cheesy Chorizo Jalapeno Mexican Dip
Cheesy Chorizo Jalapeno Mexican Dip is a spicy queso dip made with chorizo, onions, jalapenos, and Mexican cheese that is perfect for parties and holiday entertaining!
Check out this recipe
Homemade Guacamole
Creamy, slightly spicy made with fresh avocados, tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and more, this homemade guacamole will be one of the favorite party appetizers.
It is one of the handfuls of appetizers that are healthy yet still delicious and full of flavor. It is certain to be a favorite of your guests.
Spicy Cilantro Game Day Guacamole Recipe
Always popular Game Day Guacamole, made with fresh avocados, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and jalapenos is creamy, spicy, and perfect for a party!
Check out this recipe
Spicy Shrimp Dip Recipe
Cool, creamy, and spicy, this delicious make-ahead Spicy Shrimp Dip is super easy to make, especially when you can make it a day ahead of the party and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. It is oh so good!
Easy Shrimp Dip Recipe
This easy, creamy Shrimp Dip Recipe, made with tiny shrimp, cream cheese, mayonnaise, chives, or green onions, and a dash of hot sauce, makes a great make-ahead game day party appetizer retro recipe.
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Dip
Who doesn’t love a hearty, beefy, cheesy dip? Get out those Frito or Dorito dippers and dig in!
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Dip
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Dip makes a quick and easy hearty appetizer or main dish that is readyin only 20 minutes and perfect for dinner or a party.
Check out this recipe
Salsa Recipes
I’ve included numerous freshly made salsas that are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo or other summer parties. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or side dish, or as a taco topping, you will certainly find several that you will love!
Pico de Gallo Salsa
A true Tex-Mex salsa. This is one that I always keep on hand to serve with everything! I think you will love this fresh salsa too!
Pico de Gallo Salsa
Pico de Gallo Salsa is a delicious, colorful, spicy, healthy Mexican appetizer dip that is perfect forany party or dinner.
Check out this recipe
Fresh Peach Salsa
Using fresh peaches, tomatoes, and jalapeños, this refreshing peach salsa recipe adds a fruity zip to chicken, shrimp, fish, or your favorite grilled recipes.
Fresh Peach Salsa Recipe
Fresh Peach Salsais a refreshing summer salsa, with fresh peaches, tomatoes and jalapeños, that is used as a dip or topping for grilled chicken or pork.
Check out this recipe
Mexican Corn and Black Bean Salad / Salsa
Colorful, fresh, and vibrant, this salad or dip makes a mouthwatering appetizer that everyone is sure to love!
Mexican Corn And Black Bean Salad Recipe
Mexican Black Bean and Corn Salad makes a cool and crisp salsa appetizer or a Mexican side dish that contains black beans, corn, onions, peppers, avocado, and a honey, lime vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
Watermelon Salsa
Sweet and refreshing, perfect on seafood, such as salmon or Mahi Mahi. This fresh fruit salsa will rock your world!
Watermelon Salsa Recipe
Light and refreshing Watermelon Salsa, with watermelon, strawberries, herbs, honey, and jalapeño, offers a sweet and spicy summer appetizer for Cinco De Mayo, or a picnic, party, or potluck!
Check out this recipe
Pineapple Salsa
How about giving your salsa a tropical Hawaiian flare? This lovely Pineapple Salsa can be a delicious fruit salsa or a topping to your fresh fish summer main dish or your fish tacos.
Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Pineapple Salsa, made with pineapple, peppers, red onions, and more, makes a sweet and refreshing salsa that makes a fun Mexican Appetizer and goes with tacos, salads, fish, and chicken!
Check out this recipe
Mango Habanero Salsa
This sweet and spicy fresh fruit Pico De Gallo is made with fresh sweet mangoes and very spicy habanero peppers. This salsa is not for the faint of heart, but if you love the sweet and spicy flavors, then you will love this Mango Habanero Salsa.
Mango Habanero Salsa Recipe
Mango Habanero Salsacombines sweet mangoes with spicy habanero peppers for a fresh, healthy no-bake, sweet and spicy salsa!
Check out this recipe
Corn and Zucchini Salsa
A true summer salsa because it takes advantage of summer produce, including, corn, zucchini, and tomatoes. A super healthy and zesty summer salsa. Be sure to try this one.
Corn and Zucchini Salsa
Corn and Zucchini Salsa is a perfect summer recipe to use up those tomatoes, zucchinis and corn. It is delicious on everything, especially salads, chicken, or fajita tacos.
Check out this recipe
Empanada Recipes
This lovely handheld, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, hand pies called empanadas can be stuffed with any of your favorite fillings. I’m sharing several of our favorite empanada recipes. I hope you find several that you like.
Chicken Empanadas
Stuffed with shredded chicken, corn, and cream cheese, these savory appetizers are perfect for a party!
Empanadas De Pollo (Chicken Empanadas) Recipe
Empanadas De Pollo, or Chicken Empanadas, are savory hand pies filled with Mexican seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and corn that make great appetizers or a delicious weeknight dinner!
Check out this recipe
Potato and Chorizo Empanadas
Probably my favorite savory handheld empanada recipe. The spicy chorizo gives it so much flavor and goes perfectly with the potatoes. A hearty, filling empanada that everyone will love.
Potato and Chorizo Empanadas Recipe
Stuffed with a spicy chorizo and potato filling, and wrapped in a buttery, golden, flaky pastry, thesePotato and Chorizo Empanadasmake awesome Mexican appetizers or a main dish.
Check out this recipe
Baked Green Chile Chicken Empanadas
Stuffed with spicy green chile-flavored chicken, cheese, and sour cream, these Green Chile Chicken Empanadas are a taste-tingling delight!
Baked Green Chile Chicken Empanadas
These BakedGreen Chile Chicken Empanadas, made with Mission® Carb Balance Soft Flour Tortillas, are stuffed with spicy chicken, cheese, sour cream, and green chiles, and are perfect when I crave Mexican Food but don’t want to blow out my carbs.
Check out this recipe
Crab Cake Mac and Cheese Empanadas
Loaded with crab filling and macaroni and cheese, and then rolled up in a flaky crust, these Crab Cake Mac and Cheese Empanadas are delicious inside and out!
Crab Cake Mac and Cheese Empanadas
TheseCrab Cake Mac and Cheese Empanadasare loaded with a crab filling, like Maryland Crab Cakes, and then combined with tmac and cheese, and rolled up in a flaky golden Pillsbury™ Refrigerated Pie Crust.
Check out this recipe
Vegetarian Empanadas
Loaded with a variety of vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, as well as beans, and spices, make for delicious vegetarian empanadas!
Vegetarian Empanadas Recipe (Vegan Too)
Vegetarian Empanadas are loaded with a colorful array of vegetables, including sweet corn, red and green bell peppers, protein-packed beans, and aromatic spices, all wrapped in an irresistible flaky, golden-brown crust!
Check out this recipe
Mexican Caramel Stuffed Empanadas
Filled with sweet, creamy Mexican caramel, all tucked inside a sweet, cinnamon-sugar-covered crispy crust, these Caramel Empanadas make a delicious sweet treat!
Cajeta (Caramel) Empanadas Recipe
These creamy, delicious Mexican caramel-filled empanadas make sweet, hand-held treats. The Mexican Caramel is sweet and sticky on the inside and then the empanada crust is covered with cinnamon sugar for extra goodness.
Check out this recipe
Nacho Recipes
We learned with the dips and salsas above that everything is better on a tortilla chip! Do you know what really takes it over the top? Heat ’em up and get that melty cheese on top! Nachos have the toppings with gooey melted cheese and luscious toppings! What’s not to love?
Barbecue Chicken Nachos
Barbecue Chicken Nachos, made with Farm Rich Boneless BBQ Chicken Bites, make an easy yet delicious appetizer for the Big Game.
Check out this recipe
Pulled Pork Nachos
Pulled Pork Nachos are cheesy appetizers that are easy to make, and can even make a quick weeknight Mexican dinner.
Check out this recipe
Tijuana Shrimp Dip Nachos Recipe
Tijuana Shrimp Dip Nachos make a cheesy, creamy, spicy, and crunchy appetizer that is perfect for game day.
Check out this recipe
Chicken Nachos Stuffed Poblanos
These delicious Chicken Nachos Stuffed Poblanos are similar to Chiles Rellenos, and are easy, cheesy and slightly spicy and make a delicious Mexican dinner.
Check out this recipe
Slider Recipes
Sandwich lovers, we have you covered too with these amazing miniaturized slider recipes with delicious fillings between two halves of a Hawaiian roll!
Chipotle Lime Chicken Fajita Sliders
Chipotle Lime Chicken Fajita Sliders are super flavorful, spicy, cheesy little sandwiches that are perfect game day food for your tailgating or "homegating" party!
Check out this recipe
Jalapeno Popper Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Jalapeno Popper Philly Cheesesteak Sliders combine your favorite game day appetizers into one delicious cheesy, savory and spicy mini sandwich slider that is perfect for any party.
Check out this recipe
Smokehouse BBQ Salsa Sliders
For this year’s Halloween get together I am serving these easy and delicious Smokehouse BBQ Salsa Sliders with pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, and pico de gallo salsa.
Check out this recipe
Ham and Swiss Sliders
These hot Ham and Swiss Sliders, made with sliced ham, Swiss Cheese, and Hawaiian rolls, smothered with a garlic Dijon butter sauce, are a perfect game-day or party appetizer.
Check out this recipe
Soup Recipes
Soup makes an excellent meal starter. Warm and cozy to light and appetizing, these soups, or sopas in Spanish, will impress your guests with their warm, earthy flavors.
Sopa Tarasca (Pinto Bean Soup)
Hearty pinto bean soup, or Sopa Tarasca, is full of flavor and a bit of spice. Made with onions, garlic, spices, chili powder, tomatoes and beans, then topped with cream, queso fresco, tortilla strips and cilantro.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Enchilada Soup Recipe
All your favorite flavors of chicken enchiladas are deconstructed and added to this wonderfully Mexican spiced chicken broth for a delicious Mexican chicken soup made in an Instant Pot.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is a simple homemade Mexican soup with a zesty flavorful chicken broth and tender juicy chicken topped with cilantro, cheese, and tortilla strips.
Check out this recipe
Turkey Taco Soup Recipe
This Taco Soup recipe is the perfect easy healthy dinner recipe! It’s made with ground turkey, Mexican spices, corn and topped with cheese.
Check out this recipe
Instant Pot Taco Soup
This easy Instant Pot Taco Soup, made with ground beef, chicken, or turkey, and loaded with Mexican taco flavors like chipotle, and can be ready in 30 minutes, and topped with your favorite taco toppings!
Check out this recipe
Lentil Soup with Mexican Chorizo
Lentil Soup with Mexican Chorizo adds a kick of spicy chorizo, taco seasoning and jalapeños to traditional lentil soup for a hearty, bold and flavorful one pot meal.
Check out this recipe
Quesadilla Recipes
Chicken Fajita Quesadillas
Got leftover chicken fajita meat? This recipe is perfect for use for that. Maybe you want that cheesy gooey taste of the quesadilla instead of tacos. Either way, it is delicious.
Chicken Fajita Quesadillas with Pico De Gallo Salsa
Chicken Fajita Quesadillas with Pico De Gallo Salsa are oohey gooey cheesy, spicy, colorful and amazing! They are kind of like a Mexican or Tex-Mex version of a grilled cheese sandwich.
Check out this recipe
Shrimp Quesadillas
This Shrimp Quesadillas Recipe is a low-carb appetizer option that is made with low-carb tortillas, shrimp, onions, peppers, and cheese!
Shrimp Quesadillas – Low Carb Recipe
Shrimp Quesadillas Recipe made with low carb tortillas, shrimp, peppers, onions and cheese make a filling lunch with 9 net carbs per serving.
