Cinco de Mayo isn’t just about tequila shots and margaritas (though those are important too!). It’s a time to embrace vibrant flavors, festive food, and a celebration of Mexican culture. Whether you’re hosting a big fiesta or a cozy gathering, the right Cinco de Mayo recipes can elevate your event to the next level. From savory dishes like Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole to sweet treats like Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita, this list of 10 Cinco de Mayo recipes will ensure your celebration is flavorful and unforgettable.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into each of these mouthwatering recipes. Get ready to discover festive recipes that are perfect for any Cinco de Mayo party!
1. Zucchini Scarpaccia
If you want to add a unique, Italian twist to your Cinco de Mayo menu, Zucchini Scarpaccia is the way to go. This savory dish features thinly sliced zucchini, baked in a savory egg custard with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crispy, making it an ideal appetizer or side dish for your Cinco de Mayo spread.
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Zucchini Scarpaccia is wonderfully versatile, and you can easily adjust it to suit your guests’ tastes. Adding some garlic or crushed red pepper flakes can give it an extra kick, and serving it warm will bring out the dish’s flavors. It’s a delicious way to introduce new flavors to your Cinco de Mayo feast.
2. Layered Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits with Salted Honey Butter
Who can resist the rich, savory goodness of a freshly baked biscuit? Layered Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits with Salted Honey Butter are the perfect way to spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebration. The combination of cheddar and jalapeño creates a creamy, zesty biscuit, and when paired with salted honey butter, the result is a deliciously balanced treat that’s sure to please.
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The key to these biscuits is the layering technique that makes them flakey and tender. When you drizzle the salted honey butter over the warm biscuits, it creates a sweet and savory flavor profile that’s irresistible. These biscuits are perfect as an appetizer or paired with a hearty entrée like Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole.
3. Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby
If you’re looking for a showstopping brunch dish for your Cinco de Mayo celebration, look no further than the Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby. This giant pancake, baked in the oven, puffs up beautifully, forming a light and fluffy base for fresh blueberries and a tangy lemon glaze.
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The Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby is not only delicious but visually stunning, making it the perfect centerpiece for a brunch spread. The tangy lemon balances the sweetness of the blueberries, and the pancake’s soft texture contrasts perfectly with the crispy edges. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
4. Asparagus and Goat Cheese Breakfast Tart
Add a touch of elegance to your Cinco de Mayo brunch with an Asparagus and Goat Cheese Breakfast Tart. This dish combines flaky pastry with a creamy goat cheese filling, topped with tender asparagus. It’s savory, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal option for guests who enjoy light yet filling dishes.
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The Asparagus and Goat Cheese Breakfast Tart can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead option. The addition of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors, creating a sophisticated dish that pairs beautifully with a chilled Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita.
5. Lemon and Blueberry Sheet Pan Pancakes
For an easy yet delicious breakfast or brunch option, Lemon and Blueberry Sheet Pan Pancakes are a crowd-pleaser. With a quick prep time and minimal cleanup, this dish is perfect for a Cinco de Mayo gathering. The bright lemon zest and fresh blueberries add a burst of flavor that everyone will enjoy.
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These sheet pan pancakes are ideal for serving a large group, as they can be sliced into squares and served with syrup, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The lemon brings a refreshing citrus note that balances the sweetness of the blueberries. This is an easy, make-ahead recipe that will leave you with more time to enjoy your fiesta.
6. Breakfast Biscuit Bundt Cake
For a fun and unique twist on breakfast, try making a Breakfast Biscuit Bundt Cake. This recipe layers biscuits, sausage, cheese, and eggs, creating a savory, hearty dish that’s perfect for starting your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Think of it as a combination of a casserole and a cake—savory, cheesy, and totally delicious.
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The Breakfast Biscuit Bundt Cake is packed with flavor, and its presentation in a Bundt pan makes it look impressive on the table. It’s easy to customize with your favorite sausage or veggies, so feel free to get creative with the filling. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit to balance the richness of the cake.
7. Asparagus Pasta
For a light yet flavorful entrée, Asparagus Pasta is a perfect addition to your Cinco de Mayo menu. The combination of tender asparagus, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan creates a simple but elegant pasta dish that’s both satisfying and fresh. The lemon zest adds a touch of brightness that makes this pasta even more vibrant.
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Asparagus Pasta is great for a lighter option when you’re looking for something refreshing. You can add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a more substantial meal, or keep it vegetarian. It’s versatile, easy to make, and full of fresh spring flavors.
8. Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill
If you’re looking for a refreshing salad that pairs well with the other flavors on your Cinco de Mayo menu, Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill is the answer. The crisp snap peas are paired with a light lemon-dill vinaigrette, creating a crisp and tangy side dish that’s perfect for balancing out richer, heavier fare.
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The combination of crunchy snap peas, zesty lemon, and fragrant dill creates a refreshing salad that can be served alongside almost anything. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, leaving you with more time to enjoy the festivities. Plus, it adds a beautiful pop of green to your celebration.
9. Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole
For a cheesy, spicy, and totally comforting dish, Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole is a must-try. Loaded with crispy potatoes, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeños, this casserole brings the flavors of the classic jalapeño popper into a satisfying and hearty side dish.
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This casserole is perfect for a Cinco de Mayo feast, and it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. The creamy cheese and spicy jalapeños balance perfectly with the crispy potatoes. Serve it as a side dish alongside Grilled Chicken or Birria de Res Tacos for a memorable meal.
10. Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita
No Cinco de Mayo celebration would be complete without a refreshing cocktail. The Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita is a vibrant and spicy drink that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the heat of jalapeños, balanced out by the tartness of lime and tequila. It’s a perfect way to cool off and spice things up at the same time.
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The Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita is a cocktail that’s as fun to make as it is to drink. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño to make it as spicy as you like, and the fresh strawberries add a refreshing sweetness. Serve it on the rocks or blended for a cool, festive drink that pairs well with any Cinco de Mayo dish.
FAQs About Cinco de Mayo Recipes
What are some must-have recipes for Cinco de Mayo?
Must-have Cinco de Mayo recipes include Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole, Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita, and Zucchini Scarpaccia. These dishes offer a balance of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors, perfect for celebrating the day.
Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these Cinco de Mayo recipes can be made ahead, such as Lemon and Blueberry Sheet Pan Pancakes and Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon and Dill. Prepare these dishes the night before to save time on the day of your celebration.
Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?
Some of these Cinco de Mayo recipes, like Zucchini Scarpaccia and Sugar Snap Pea Salad, are vegetarian-friendly. You can easily customize others to fit dietary preferences by swapping ingredients.
Conclusion
From savory Jalapeño Popper Potato Casserole to sweet and tangy Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita, these 10 Cinco de Mayo recipes will make your celebration unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or a more intimate event, these recipes bring bold flavors, creative twists, and fresh ingredients to your table. So gather your friends, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in a fiesta of flavors that everyone will love!