The Ultimate Cinco de Mayo Menu Planner

We are one week out from Cinco de Mayo, so you know what that means:  it's time to fiesta!  Aside from southern food, Mexican food is my favorite cuisine, so naturally Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays.  I'm not typically one to post a round-up for every holiday and occasion.  However, I have so many Mexican-inspired recipes here that I just love so much, and I want to help you plan the ultimate menu for the holiday.  So whether you are throwing a big blowout or just enjoying some Mexican food at home, I've got you covered.

Start with some booze:

Frozen Mango Margaritas
Sangria Slushies
Blackberry-Thyme Margaritas
Classic Margaritas (Confections of a Foodie Bride)


Next, pick your salsa, cheese dip, and/or guacamole:

Rustic Roasted Salsa
Crab & Shrimp Campechana (Mexican crab and shrimp cocktail)
Tomatillo Salsa
Baked Tex-Mex Pimento Cheese Dip - this is my party staple, no matter what the occasion!
Restaurant Style Queso
Bacon-Chipotle Guacamole
Peach Salsa

Now on to the Main Event!

The Best Ever Chicken Enchiladas
Tequila-Braised Short Rib Enchiladas
Corn Risotto-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Shrimp Quesadillas with Mango Salsa
Baked Burritos with Creamy Poblano Sauce
Classic Ground Beef Tacos
Beer-Battered Fish Tacos
Spicy Cilantro-Grilled Chicken
Chipotle-Grilled Pork Tacos
Chipotle Bean Burritos
Chorizo, Potato, and Mushroom Tacos
Mexican-Style Steak Sandwiches
Foil-Baked Fish with Black Beans and Corn
Bean and Cheese Burritos
Vegetable Enchiladas
Baked Chicken Taquitos


Add a few sides...

Avocado, Strawberry, and Mango Salad
Cheesy Creamed Corn
Guacamole Salad
Cilantro-Lime Rice
Mexican Cherry Tomato Salad
Mexican Corn Salad
Fresh Watermelon Slices
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Refried Beans

And now for dessert:

Strawberry Margarita Cupcakes
Gooey Cinnamon Squares
Texas Pecan Pie Bars
Aztec "Hot" Chocolate Ice Cream

Here are a few sample menus that I put together.  I think would be fabulously festive for the holiday, whether you are planning a big blowout or a quiet dinner at home.  So plan one of these and then invite me over, por favor!

Menu #1.  Bring on the Booze!

Mango Margaritas

Tequila-Infused Queso Fundido (recipe coming tomorrow!)

Tequila-Braised Short Rib Enchiladas

Fresh Watermelon Slices (I won't judge if you soak them in tequila....)

Mexican Grilled Corn Salad

Margarita Popsicles (Confections of a Foodie Bride)

Menu #2.  Taco Extravaganza!

Summer Margaritas (recipe coming soon!)

Rustic Roasted Salsa

Tomatillo Salsa

Restaurant Style Queso Dip

Potato, Mushroom, and Chorizo Tacos

Classic Ground Beef Tacos

Beer-Battered Fish Tacos

Cilantro-Lime Rice

Mexican-Style Cherry Tomato Salad

All Veggies for Vegetarians

Sangria Slushies

Baked Tex-Mex Pimento Cheese Dip

Vegetable Enchiladas

Cheesy Creamed Corn

Fresh Watermelon Slices

Gooey Cinnamon Squares

Classic Mexican Fare

Classic Margaritas

Chicken Enchiladas

Cilantro-Lime Rice

Refried Beans (Elly Says Opa)

Churros (Annie's Eats)

A Light and Healthy Celebration

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Spicy Cilantro-Grilled Chicken

Strawberry, Mango, and Avocado Salad

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Fresh Watermelon Slices

Think Outside the Box - Mexican Food with a Twist

Blackberry-Thyme Margaritas

Crab & Shrimp Campechana

Corn Risotto-Stuffed Poblanos

Guacamole Salad

Aztec "Hot" Chocolate Ice Cream

I hope you found this menu planner helpful, and be sure to check back throughout the week - I have a few more Cinco de Mayo recipes to share!