40 Best Cinco de Mayo Appetizers Ever

I’m not trying to toot my own horn, but this might just be one of the most comprehensive lists of Cinco de Mayo appetizers ever.

And each easy and delicious recipe is better than the last!

Cinco de Mayo is such a fun and festive holiday, and once I started pulling together recipes, I couldn’t stop!  

Maybe you have Mexican heritage, or perhaps you’re looking for a dish to take to someone else’s party. 

Either way, you’ll find 40 Cinco de Mayo appetizers here to delight your tastebuds.

Make one or make them all – just be sure to celebrate!

1. 5-Ingredient Chipotle Chicken Taquitos

In my opinion, a great appetizer should be quick and easy to make.

Luckily, these chicken taquitos are both. They use just five ingredients and take 25 minutes to whip up. 

They’re crunchy, cheesy, and have the perfect amount of heat. Lay them out with a variety of toppings and call it a day! 

2. Southwestern Black Bean Salad

If you want a chunky, hearty dip that’s not salsa, give this recipe a try.

Black bean salad is an excellent salsa alternative that’s cool, refreshing, and features plenty of garden-fresh flavors.

Between the corn, black beans, scallions, tomatoes, and more, it’s also loaded with vitamins!

It’s healthy, it’s hearty, and it tastes fantastic to boot. Sounds like a winner to me. 

3. Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potato Skins – Vegan + Gluten-free

These are like loaded potato skins, only better because you’ll use sweet potatoes instead of russet, plus a whole bunch of fresh veggies.

They’re vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and loaded with flavor thanks to the bright aioli, spicy chili, and rich vegan cheese.

But if you don’t tell anyone, nobody will ever know these are so healthy.

4. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

You may know this salsa by its more common name – salsa verde.

It’s robust, smoky, earthy, and generally milder than traditional red salsas. The flavor is also more fresh and herby.

Best of all, you can make it in less than 30 minutes with fewer than ten ingredients!

It’s a great option if you need an easy appetizer in a hurry.

5. Mexican Street Corn Dip – Hot Corn Dip

Picture the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors of Mexican street corn. Now, imagine all of that deliciousness in a warm, cheesy dip.

Oh yes, this stuff is pure heaven in a bowl. 

Serve it with chips, warm tortillas, or veggies. It doesn’t matter; people will love it no matter what.

6. Mini Green Chile Cheesy Bean Taquitos

These taquitos are crunchy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside.

You’ll need fewer than ten ingredients to make them, and they’re vegetarian-friendly.

Lay out toppings or serve them with dipping sauces. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit.

7. Easy Avocado Egg Rolls

Traditionally, egg rolls are more Asian than Mexican.

That is, unless you fill them with avocados and serve them with cilantro dipping sauce!

In that case, you can definitely call them Mexican egg rolls.

These bright, tangy treats take 15 minutes to make and taste ah-mazing. Plus, everyone loves that distinctive egg roll crunch.

8. Mexican Spice Cheese Crackers

How do you transform Cheez-Its into a Cinco de Mayo appetizer? By baking them in taco seasoning and cilantro, of course! 

That’s all it takes to turn these plain Jane Cheez-Its into something scrumptious – not to mention addictive. 

You don’t have to wait for Cinco de Mayo to serve them either. These taste great all year round.

9. Pepperoni Pizza Pockets

I know, I know: strictly speaking, pizza pockets aren’t Mexican appetizers.

Still, who doesn’t love a warm pocket of dough filled with gooey cheese, pepperoni, and sausage?

I know I do! And with a side of avocado crema or chunky guacamole, I think they’ll fit right in.

Also, since you’re making them from scratch, you can go ahead and add any fillings you like! How about some jalapeños for a touch of heat?

10. Loaded Taco Nachos

These loaded nachos will be a hit at your Cinco de Mayo party.

Topped with well-seasoned, juicy beef, cheese, onions, lettuce, and more, they’ll be gobbled up before you know it.

And you can change up the toppings however you like. Basically, if you enjoy it on a taco, you can add it to these nachos.

They can be a bit messy, though, so bring plenty of napkins!

11. Layered Taco Dip

You’ll find plenty of layered taco dip recipes online.

But if you want a vegetarian-friendly one, look no further because this one is for you. 

It features layer upon layer of refried beans, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and more.

It’s spicy (but not too spicy) and overflowing with fun fiesta flavors. 

12. Layered Nacho Dip

This dip doesn’t have as many layers as the one above. It does have a lot more cheese, though.

So, if you’re on the hunt for something creamy, cheesy, totally indulgent, you’ve just found it. 

13. Queso-Filled Mini Peppers

You’re not alone if you find chips and dip too messy for large crowds. Lots of people prefer finger-food-friendly appetizers that they can mingle with. 

But what Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without queso?!

Luckily, you can enjoy creamy queso in a simple, easy-to-eat package with this recipe. 

Instead of dipping things into the queso, you’ll put the queso inside crunchy peppers.

You still get the same great flavor and crunchiness, just without all the mess. How’s that for a win-win?!

14. Easy Beef Empanadas

Do you love beef empanadas but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then you need to try these incredible, easy beef empanadas.

They’re delicious and straightforward to make – all you need are a few ingredients and about 40 minutes.

When they’re baked, they’ll turn a gorgeous, golden-brown color and will melt in your mouth at first bite. 

Serve them as appetizers or on-the-go lunches. Either way, they won’t disappoint. 

15. Pico De Gallo Salsa

We all love pico de gallo, but we don’t all know how to make it.

Luckily, you can whip up the freshest, zestiest pico in just 15 minutes with this recipe.

Just be sure to let it sit for an hour before serving it. That gives all the flavors time to reach their peak yumminess.

16. Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers

These 30-minute jalapeño poppers are cheesy, garlicky, and devilishly spicy.

The panko breadcrumb topping is divine, and the cilantro adds a terrific freshness. 

Plus, the green onion cream cheese mixture is superb.

I could almost eat it by itself…okay, you caught me; I have eaten it by itself.

Still, that’s a testament to just how good these poppers are.

17. Jalapeno Popper Dip

Use this recipe if you prefer dips to poppers. It uses many of the same ingredients as the one above and features the same great taste.

The only difference is that this one comes in dip form. Oh, and it’s a tiny bit hotter. It’s still just as yummy, though!

18. Pineapple Salsa

Fruit-based salsas can be easy to dismiss if you’ve never tried them.

Many people assume they’ll be too sweet to pair with cheese, chicken, or fish. But believe it or not, they’re pretty terrific. 

This one is crisp, refreshing, and a bit tropical. It’s a mild salsa without much heat, but the flavor is on point.

Use it as a dip or slather it over fish tacos. Yum!

19. Chunky Peach Salsa

Peach salsa is a little sweeter than pineapple salsa, but it retains that beautiful freshness. 

It’s chunky, cool, and has an almost minty aftertaste that’s hard to describe. If you’re a fan of sweeter salsas, you’ll love it. 

That said, if you’re new to the world of sweet salsas, you might want to start with something a little less fruity.

20. Roasted Poblano Queso Fundido

This appetizer isn’t the prettiest one on the list. It tastes outrageously good, though.

Cheesy, peppery, and fresh, it’s hard not to love.

It’s somehow smoky, rich, warm, and zesty all at once. And if you’ve never tried poblanos, it’s the ideal intro to these insanely tasty peppers.

Don’t ask me how it crams so much flavor into such a small package. I have no idea; I just know that these are addictive.

21. Chile Relleno Dip

Do you love the contrast between crunchy toppings and creamy centers? Are you a fan of cheese, peppers, and corn?

If your answer to both was yes, you’ll love chile Relleno dip. 

In fact, it’s so good that you’ll love it even if you answered no. So give it a try; you’ll be glad you did. 

22. Mexican Street Corn Wonton Salad Cups

Pizza cups and taco cups have nothing on these Mexican street corn cups!

Easy to make and perfect for parties, they’re also vegetarian-friendly if that’s your thing. 

The super crunchy wonton shell is terrific against the creamy filling. So get ready to wow your guests with this fun and delicious appetizer!

23. Mexican Street Corn Salsa

Of course, if wonton cups aren’t your thing, you can serve chips and salsa instead.

Mexican street corn salsa is sweet, spicy, and tangy in all the best ways.

It perfectly combines elote’s spicy sweetness with salsa’s freshness. Serve it with fresh tortillas, and your guests will love it.

24. Healthy Mexican Street Corn Recipe (Off the Cob)

This off-the-cob Mexican corn recipe is pretty similar to the salsa above. It’s creamy and cool, not to mention effortless to make.

Unsurprisingly, you won’t find many folks who don’t love it. 

It features fewer fresh veggies than salsa, focusing more on the corn instead. That makes it a little sweeter.

Still, if you’re a fan of corn, you’ll love it. 

25. Watermelon Salsa

Here’s another sweet and spicy salsa that takes 10 minutes to make.

It’s sweet and fruity with strawberries, watermelon, honey, and lime. 

But don’t worry, it’s not all sweet! The jalapeño, cilantro, onions, and basil help to balance it all out.

There’s also some fresh mint on top that pulls all the flavors together for a refreshing finish.

26. Mexican Pinwheels

Mexican pinwheels are soft, creamy, and full of cheese, chicken, and spices. 

The fresh taste of cilantro pairs nicely with the richness of the other ingredients.

Plus, there’s no cooking involved, so you can have these ready in 15 minutes without turning on a kitchen appliance.

Note: You can serve these immediately if you like, but I think they taste best when refrigerated overnight. 

27. Avocado Scallop Ceviche

Ceviche is a popular dish that originated in Peru. It typically consists of raw seafood marinated in citrus juices.

This ceviche is no exception, though it has a few more ingredients.

You’ll add avocados to give it a creamy texture and grape tomatoes for extra juiciness.

The overall dish is light, healthy, and perfect for summer. 

28. Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche with Avocado

If you prefer shrimp to scallops, you might want to use this ceviche recipe instead.

It calls for many of the same ingredients and has the same bright, zesty flavor. 

Honestly, I can’t tell much difference between the two. They’re both refreshing, cool, and umami-packed.

However, I usually go with this one because shrimp has more iron and is more readily available.

29. Grilled Chicken Fajitas on a Stick

Warm, delicious food on skewers is ideal for parties. They’re easy to make, take minimal time, and don’t leave much mess. 

These fajitas are an excellent idea for Cinco de Mayo. They’re festive, and they taste phenomenal. 

The chicken is spicy, smoky, and savory, and the veggies are yummy, too.

Serve them with the cilantro dipping sauce if you like. Honestly, though, I’m not sure they even need it.

30. Sweet Potato Sausage Cheese Balls with Chorizo

These are a sweeter, more cinnamony take on traditional sausage balls. They’re thick, succulent, and cheesy. 

Furthermore, the sweet and sour marmalade sauce complements them perfectly.

It has just enough kick to be noticeable and is incredibly flavorful. 

31. Cowboy Caviar

This recipe for cowboy caviar will make you tip your hat and yell “Yee Haw!” It’s that good. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re a true vaquero or a Billy Crystal City Slicker. This tangy, veggie-packed dip will have you ready to lasso a bull. 

It’s fresh, invigorating, and spectacularly flavorful. Plus, it takes just 20 minutes to whip up!

32. Shrimp Tostadas

Don’t you just love a good food mashup? (If you don’t, this may not be the recipe for you.)

Shrimp tostadas are a fun and easy twist on the classic Mexican dish. 

You’ll start with a golden, baked tortilla cup, which you’ll load up with cooling guacamole and spicy shrimp.

Each one is a refreshing, umami-packed delight to the senses.

These may not be the most traditional Mexican appetizers, but I don’t think anyone will complain.

33. Crock-Pot Margarita Chicken Dip

This thick, creamy dip combines cream cheese, Monterey Jack, chicken, and more.

You’ll add all your favorite parts of Mexican cuisine into a Crock-Pot for this one. And yes, that includes tequila! 

The result is a rich, savory, garlicky dip that’s hard to describe but easy to enjoy.

Make it for Cinco de Mayo or your next summer barbecue. Just don’t expect to take home leftovers.

34. Individual Seven-Layer Dips

Seven-layer dip is a pretty standard appetizer for any occasion. So why mess with a classic?

That said, why not make the dip in individual servings instead of one large bowl? 

After the last couple of years, I think plenty of people would be grateful for the effort.

It’s more sanitary and less messy; plus, it eliminates the inevitable hold-up at the food table.

35. Sweet Churro Chex Mix Party Snack

It’s an appetizer! It’s a dessert! No, wait! It’s… Churro Chex!

Sorry guys, I’m a big Superman fan! The description fits, though, because this is a super snack. 

It’s crunchy, cinnamony, salty, and sweet. It’s a hellaciously addictive appetizer that everyone keeps going back for.

Eventually, not even crumbs remain. 

In other words, it’s insanely good, and it takes practically no effort to make. If you love sweet snack mixes (and churros), you won’t be able to get enough. 

36. Chicken Enchilada Roll-Ups

Call them pinwheels, roll-ups, or wraps. Either way, these Cinco de Mayo appetizers are perfect for any occasion. 

You’ll stuff them with cheese, chicken, garlic, and more, making them soft, creamy, and fantastically flavorful.

Did I mention you can whip up 80 of these bad boys in just 15 minutes?

It’s true! These are at the top of my appetizer options for sheer convenience alone. 

37. Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos 

You’ll only need five ingredients for the core of these nachos. Everything else (the toppings) is up to your discretion. 

Feel free to go as simple or elaborate as you like. After all, that’s the beauty of nachos; they’re entirely customizable! 

Top Tip: Assemble only the necessary ingredients. Then, spread out all the possible toppings along a table to make a nacho bar. 

That way, your guests can make their own custom nachos!

38. Chili Lime Shrimp Tacos With Cabbage Slaw

Looking for a shrimp taco recipe that’s out of this world? How about these chili-lime and shrimp tacos with cabbage slaw?

They’re a delicious and easy upgrade to fish tacos. 

The zesty chili lime sauce pairs perfectly with the shrimp and cabbage. And they’re pretty stunning to boot.

39. Strawberry Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is usually a spicy, salsa-like dish with tomatoes, onions, and peppers. I like it on tacos, nachos, and even over salad. 

But have you ever tried a sweet version? This delicious condiment with fresh strawberries, for example!

It’s still savory and spicy, but it’s also sweet. Oh, and it looks incredible.

There’s such a beautiful combination of colors in the bowl, and yes, it looks almost as good as it tastes.

40. Loaded Veggie Nachos

Let’s finish off our list with another one for my vegetarian pals because these loaded veggie nachos have it all.

You’ll load those crunchy chips up with salsa, avocado dip, feta cheese, veggies, and more.

As with all nachos recipes, there’s no limit to the things you can add. So, start throwing stuff on – whatever feels right!

Who knows? You may end up with a culinary masterpiece!