24 Easy Mexican Appetizers

These Mexican appetizers are easy, delicious, and also traditional!

From dips to mini-burritos, these recipes turn any party into a true fiesta.

These aren’t your average appetizers, folks. These Mexican dishes are rich, festive, and packed with flavor!

They’re so good, your guests will be talking about them for days.

I know hosting a party isn’t a walk in the park, so I hand-picked recipes that are quick and easy, but also mind-blowingly delectable.

You’ll spend less time in the kitchen, so there’s more time for entertaining!

So, what are you waiting for? Get the party started with these highly addictive Mexican appetizers!

1. Jalapeno Popper Dip

This is not just any ordinary dip. Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and jalapenos, and panko bread crumbs are mixed and baked to form a rich, creamy, and irresistible dip. 

Who needs jalapeno poppers when you can have it in dip form? The cheeses give it richness; the bread crumbs crispness, and the jalapenos a spicy kick. 

The best part is that you can whip up this dip up to 3 days in advance. That way, you’re all ready for the day of the party! 

2. Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

I know, I know. What’s the point of making tortilla chips from scratch when you can get it from the grocery easily?

But if you want to give your friends and family something special, you might want to go through the extra effort.

Don’t worry, there’s not much work involved in these homemade tortilla chips. In fact, they come together in just 15 minutes.

And the reward is super flavorful and addictive chips that also happen to be healthy.

Yep, these guys are baked, not fried, so they aren’t greasy and calorie-dense. You and your friends can snack on them all day without the guilt. Yay!

3. Nachos Supreme

Parties are always better with nachos supreme.

These nachos are loaded with crisp chips, savory beef, rich cheese, beans, colorful veggies, and everything you can ever ask for in nachos.

Here’s a fun fact about nachos.

The first nachos came to be in 1943 when Victory Club restaurant manager Ignacio “El Nacho” Anaya had to serve something for a group of guests right during closing time. 

He didn’t want to disappoint the guests, so he quickly put together everything he could find in the kitchen: cheese, tortillas (which he fried to a crisp), and pickled jalapenos.

He dubbed his creation “Nacho’s Especiales,” and the rest is history.

4. Salsa Verde 

If you’ve always counted on store-bought salsa verde to top your Mexican favorites, you’re missing out!

This homemade salsa verde is incredibly refreshing, flavorful, and addictive.

It’s also a breeze to make! It’s so easy, yet so packed with flavor. All you need are tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.

There are no fancy ingredients needed, but do be sure to use fresh produce. 

You’ll want to double the recipe because one batch might not last a day!

Whether it’s burritos, enchiladas, nachos, or even just a bag of chips, it doesn’t matter.

This dip will make any of them taste 10 times better.

5. Deep-Fried Guacamole

What in the world is deep-fried guacamole, you ask? Well, it’s only the richest, creamiest, most spectacular appetizer ever! 

Guacamole is already epic as it is, but this recipe takes it to a whole new level.

Bright guacamole is coated in crushed chips and deep-fried to golden perfection. 

I mean. How brilliant is this idea?! I would never have thought of it, so I’m grateful for this recipe. Trust me, it’s a must-try. 

6. Qdoba Queso

Move over Qdoba: this copycat dip tastes even better than the original. And it’s cheaper, to boot!

Looking for a classic cheesy dip to complete your chips? This Qdoba Queso copycat is all you need.

The combination of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and American cheeses is the perfect dip trifecta. 

The roasted poblano peppers and tomatoes add a nice kick and tanginess that balances out the richness of the cheeses well.

Best of all, this dip couldn’t be easier to make. You just throw in all the ingredients to a slow cooker, and voila.

7. Chicken Taquitos

Shredded chicken and cheese are wrapped in a soft tortilla and then baked or deep-fried into crisp perfection.

Chicken taquitos are a simple Mexican treat that will blow your taste buds away.

You can enjoy these taquitos as is, or kick things up a notch by topping them with your favorite Mexican ingredients.

I’m thinking guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Now, that’s what I call a Mexican feast!

These chicken taquitos are a snap to make and are ready in just 30 minutes.

8. Jicama Fries

Want your fries a little sweeter? Say no more! Jicama fries are just as crisp, but they add a sweetness you can’t get from a regular spud.

Jicama is a root crop common in Mexican cuisines. It has a crunchy white flesh that tastes a lot like water chestnuts or apples.

Unlike potatoes, they remain crisp all throughout, even when fried or baked.

Enjoy these fries on their own or dipped in a creamy ranch dressing.

Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes! This snack is highly addictive.

9. Refried Bean Dip

Refried beans make a classic dip that never disappoints.

The dip is also super easy to make. It’s done in a few minutes and makes a big batch. It’s the perfect formula for a party dip.

Serve it along with a bag of chips and the crowd will surely go nuts! 

10. Chicken Enchilada Dip

This next entry brings you the goodness of the classic chicken enchilada in dip form! 

You guys, this dip is insanely delicious.

Shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and green chilies are mixed and baked to make the perfect dip. 

This recipe makes 4 servings, but if I’m being honest, I can devour the entire thing myself. Don’t judge me!

This dip is just that amazing! It’s rich, savory, and cheesy. I’ll bet it won’t survive an hour.

11. Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are perhaps the most iconic Mexican appetizer, and it’s no wonder why.

It’s not a party without jalapeno poppers. They’re the kind of treat that even spice-intolerant folks can’t resist!

This recipe is even better. These jalapeno peppers are baked, not fried, which means they’re grease- and guilt-free. 

Jalapenos are stuffed with herbed cream cheese, topped with crushed barbeque potato chips, and baked to perfection.

The chips add not just a lovely crunch, but a smoky twist as well.

12. Peach Strawberry Salsa

This recipe adds a tart, fruity twist to your regular salsa. 

Peaches and strawberries are usually used to make desserts. Who would have thought you can use them in a savory salsa, too? 

The peaches and strawberries add refreshing, sweet, and tangy flavors to salsa, making it even more spectacular.

The contrast of sweet, savory, and spicy gives you a beautiful harmony of flavors in every bite.

This salsa is not just perfect with nachos and tacos, but with salads, too.

13. Chipotle Black Bean Soup

Looking for something to elevate your Mexican meal?

Amp up your burritos and quesadillas by pairing them with this black bean soup that’s so good, it rivals Chipotle!

Rich, hearty, and savory with a bit of a kick, Chipotle black bean soup is the ultimate comfort food.

It’s a meal in itself, but it’s also a perfect starter to any Mexican dish. It’s nutritious, to boot!

14. Elote

Elote is not your average grilled corn. Smothered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder, it has mind-blowing flavors like no other.

At first, you might think that mayo and corn make an absurd combination. But one bite of elote will change your mind.

Sweet, tangy, rich, and spiced with a bit of chili, it’s the most drool-worthy thing ever.

Plus, it’s also a breeze to make. All you have to do is smear mayo all over grilled corn on the cob, and sprinkle it with cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro.

Finish it off with a spritz of lemon juice and voila!

15. Jalapeno Corn Cakes

Man, these corn cakes are the ultimate Mexican snack! 

The combination of sweet corn and hot jalapenos creates a perfect balance of flavors, making the corn cakes ridiculously delicious.

Pan-fried until golden, these round cakes are super crisp and addictive.

Topped with sour cream or creme fraiche, these golden cakes are rich, buttery, and pure perfection.

16. Tamale Pie Dip

Chicken tamales in dip form? I’m sold!

It’s made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, corn, tomatoes, sour cream, garlic, and chili powder.

Imagine all those lip-smacking components in one dip! It’s the epitome of richness and creaminess.

You know what’s even better? The fact that it’s super easy to prepare! I know how complicated tamales are to make. 

This dip, on the other hand, is done in just under an hour. With this recipe, you’ll satisfy your tamales craving in no time!

17. Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas that only require four ingredients and 15 minutes? Yes, please!

Quesadillas are probably one of the most popular Mexican dishes there is. I mean, why wouldn’t they be? They’re rich, cheesy, and so hearty! 

Soft tortillas are filled with melted cheese and shredded chicken and pan-fried until golden.

This quesadilla recipe may be simple, but it will definitely knock your socks off. 

Enjoy it as is or top with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole! You’ll have a blast either way.

18. Flautas

Flautas are another popular Mexican treat that will make your party a guaranteed hit.

The recipe for flautas is very simple: place meat and cheese in a tortilla, wrap it, and fry it.

There’s nothing extraordinary about the recipe, but somehow, it works like magic! 

Frying not only crisps up the tortilla but also softens the cheese into melty perfection. It’s so perfect, it’s hard to limit yourself to one wrap.

19. Seven-Layer Taco Dip

Seven simple components combined to make a symphony of flavors and textures. That’s what this dip is all about.

The dip is made of refried beans topped with sour cream and cream cheese, then it’s topped with salsa.

After that, it layers tomatoes, peppers, and green onions, and it’s then topped with shredded cheese and black olives.

Forget the chips, just grab a spoon and eat as is!

20. Black Bean Dip

Black bean dip is nutritious and a breeze to make. It’s everything you can ask for in a party dip.

It may not look that awesome, but once you get past that unappetizing appearance, you’ll be hooked. One spoonful is all you’ll need.

Infused with onions, jalapenos, lime juice, and garlic, it’s incredibly rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! 

21. Mini-Chicken Chimichangas

What’s better than chimichangas? Chimichangas in bite-sized form! Let me explain why.

While there’s nothing wrong with regular-sized chimichangas, I love how this mini-version has more tortilla to filling ratio.

That way, you get more of that sweet, crisp, and chewy tortilla in every bite.

Stuffed with chicken and pepper jack cheese, these chimichangas are rich and creamy. The sweet tortilla balances out the flavors perfectly.

Enjoy as-is or top with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa to make them more extra.

22. Mexican Corn Dip

Elote in dip form: what a genius idea!

As delicious as elote is, it’s also messy to eat. Sure, it’s fun, but when you’re at a party, it’s not exactly ideal. 

Enter this Mexican corn dip!

Complete with juicy corn kernels, mayo, lime juice, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, it puts together everything you love in the classic Mexican street corn.

While it’s technically a dip, I definitely won’t judge if you devour it on its own.

23. Rajas con Crema

Rajas con Crema is a combination of Mexican cream, melted cheese, and onions.

It’s a rich and creamy concoction that pairs wonderfully with chips or tortilla!

Having an impromptu party with friends and don’t know what to serve them? This recipe is all you need.

It requires the most basic ingredients and calls for only 30 minutes! 

24. Mini-Burritos

These burritos may be smaller than regular, but they are just as delicious. They’re super charming, too!

Soft and sweet tortillas are stuffed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, cheese, beans, and salsa. They’re so simple, yet effective.