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Mexican-themed Appetizers have something in common: Unique flavors and worldwide popularity. Whether you are hosting a Mexican-themed potluck, or making something special for Cinco de Mayo, game days, weekend dinner or a casual family gathering, Mexican appetizers are a must-have to complete the menu. For this purpose, I’ve listed some of the best appetizers ranging from traditional Sopes, Rajas con Crema, Tortillas Chips, dips and salsas to the options like Flautas. So, have a look at these variations and choose one that suits your menu.
Traditional Mexican Appetizers
Sopes
Looking for an elegant Mexican appetizer that everyone craves, try these classic Sopes, a perfect recipe that gets ready with just 4 ingredients, and taste heavenly delicious. This is must-have most popular antojitos mexicanos for every lunch, dinner, snack or for a family party, because you’ll feel crispy, crunchy, creamy. spicy and juicy flavors all-in-one recipe.
Rajas con Crema (Roasted Poblanos in Cream)
One of the easiest Mexican snacks that combines roasted poblano peppers, Onions, melted cheese and Mexican cream to deliver a satisfying flavor profile. Served with warm tortilla for a dinner or tortilla chips as an appetizer, this recipe gets ready under 30 minutes. Serve hot and make this recipe an all time hit party snack.
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
I love shrimp cocktail, but belive me, this Mexican Shrimp cocktail is a dam delicious, and jam packed with flavor you can’t resist. During summer, I love serving this cocktail when everyone craves for a cold and refreshing seafood dish. The shrimp in combination with tomato sauce, and cucumbers make this cocktail a perfect combination. In fact, every bite is unique and delicious making it a perfect addition for BBQ potluck as an appetizer, along with guacamole and margaritas.
Chicken Empanadas
This is the favorite recipe of my little kids, and why not. These empandas are so yummy and irresistible that everyone would crave for them. The best part is that you don’t need to speed hours in the kitchen to makes these little bites, making them a great choice for party dinners, snacks, or school lunchboxes.
Chiles Rellenos
The reason I like the chile relleno recipe is because of roasted poblano peppers stuffed with loads of melter ooey-gooeoy cheese. These dipped peppers are then covered with egg batter and fried to get a golden brown aromatic chile relleno that you can’t resist. I know when my mom used to make these peppers during the season of Lent. I am sure this can be your favorite too.
Enchiladas Verdes
Make this most delicious verde, when Cinco de Mayo is around the corner, and your friend ask for what to eat to celebrate. A pure combination of enchiladas and salsa that is heavenly yummu family feast and stays messy on the casserole. Made with native Mexican ingredient, tomatillo, this recipe is now fully adopted in the US restaurants and homes and expected to grow in future.
Dips and Salsas
Guacamole
When it comes to crowd-pleasing appetizer, the Avocado guacamole is the best recipe I’ve ever tasted. Both freshness and simple to make ingredients are the key factors to make a last-minute potluck dish that everyone appreciates. To make this dip, you’ll need Avocado, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice and garlic. You can serve it with any of your favorite snacks like Tortilla Chips, Zucchini Chips, Banana Chips or Carrot Chips
Pico de Gallo
One of the most popular Mexican tomato dip, or you can say say sauce, that is a perfect recipe for those who want to give a boost to their health, and low calorie diet. An easy to make dip, that needs five ingredients: ripe tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime and jalapeno. When I was in Mexico, this was a regular dip made in my nearby restaurants for dinner. This is super fresh and irresistible appetizer that you can serve with Beans, Eggs, Spaghetti, Tortillas and what not.
Queso Fundido
Whenever you are on a hunt for a steakhouse, this is a must have starter that you look forward to. Whenever I anticipate for this side dish, my mouth waters and craves for it. You’ll love its cheese coming out in a hot iron, bubbling, and steaming. This gooey cheese will be first to touch your tortilla scoops. This why is I love serving this dish in barbecue parties after grilling the meat.
Queso Blanco Dip
One thing is clear, this creamy white cheese dip is the best dip with all the richness and much better than the restaurant queso dip. I love serving this dip as a snack for Taco tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Super Bowl Sunday, or basketball watch parties. And the best part is that you can make this easy to make dip for any last-minute Mexican potluck. I recommend using real cheese instead of Velveeta, often used by restaurants. Trust me, it’s a must-try.
Salsa Verde
Once you make this salsa verde, you will never go back to store bought version of this salsa. This homemade verde is comparatively fresher, brighter and irresistible. You know what is unique about this recipe? Even though you use the same ingredients, it will taste a little different each time and you’ll feel freshness every time. With simple ingredients like tomatillo, jalapeño, onion and cilantro, you can make this dip at the last minutes of your party and make as many batches as you like. I can guarantee that they’re inevitably awesome.
Mango Salsa
For every Cinco de Mayo, Mango salsa is a must-have salsa at our family’s dinner table. It’s one of my favorite appetizers throughout the summer due to its refreshing, and mouth watering flavor. The best part is that you don’t have to memorize this recipe if you try it once or twice. Since this is fully customizable salsa, you can keep things simple, or you can mix in avocado, black beans and pickled jalapeños to take the recipe to the next level. So, let’s make this irresistibly sweet and spicy salsa that is super delicious.
Tomatillo Salsa
Since tomatillos are integral part of Mexican cuisine, you can make everything using them. This homemade tomatillo salsa is one of those Mexican classics that promises a heavenly flavor profile and will make you scoop up this salsa with chip after chip. Whether you’re serving it with tortilla chips, tacos, or using it as a topping for grilled meats, or enchiladas, this salsa is an essential part of any Mexican meal.
Black Bean Corn Salsa
This is an easy add-on you can have for every weeknight dinner, or to make a batch of dip with tortilla chips for coworkers. This salsa is packed with truly amazing flavors, full of freshness, creaminess and crunchiness. Apart from the black bean and corn this salsa features jalapeño chile, and a mix of herbs and spices. I am sure you would love to have this appetizer for summer dinners, or your can have it as a full meal as it is packed with all the nutritional value that you need from a filling and nutritious meal.
Pineapple Salsa
If you are looking for a fun packed fresh party appetizer, this sweet and a bit spicy pineapple salsa can be your best companion to make the party a big hit. Whether you are adding tomatillos, fruits, or chiles, this fresh and tangy salsa is always a must-have for every gathering. Since you’ll need around 6 ingredients (including spices), you can make it ahead of time and then refrigerate it for a few hours to make it more appealing. I am sure this can be the perfect topping for the grilled veggies you make at the Mexican barbecue party.
Strawberry Salsa
This sweet, savory and, again, spicy salsa is also Mexican inspired salsa for summer lunches as well as a summer appetizer for sunday dinners. Requiring only 5 ingredients, you can make this dish in less than 10 minutes. In fact, this can be the stand-alone appetizer to serve with any of your favorite chips or as a topping for grilled fish, chicken steak, or tacos. I am sure this will deliver a mesmerizing balance of sweet, spicy and tangy flavor you want from a healthy appetizer for your kids or guest. The best part is that it is gluten-free, dairy-free and low-calorie party appetzier.
Shrimp Guacamole
I love seafood, and I am sure you too will love this srimp guacamole, if you want to replace a traditional Avocado or mango guacamole. For a seafood party, this can be the hit appetizer, or your can also make it for lunch. You have the option to use pan-fried or pre-cooked shrimp. So, if you are looking for a summer special seafood appetizer this cool, creamy and chunky guac can be the perfect add on to your dinning table. The best part is that this is gluren-free and paleo option you can add for your regular diet.
Jalapeño Popper Dip
If you’ve tried deep fried Jalapeño Poppers, then I am sure you’ll live this Jalapeño Popper dip – a great Mexican party dip that is spicy, creamy and even addictive. The recipe features jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar and bacon. Add this dip to Mexican potlucks, game days or weekend party menus, and I bet everyone will love it. This is because the shredded cheddar cheese in combination with Jalapeno poppers makes the most delicious scoopable bite that is totally irresistible.
Tortilla-Based Appetizers
Chicken Quesadillas
The chicken quesadillas can be served as the standalone meal as well as an appetizer for any family gathering. These fajita-inspired quesadillas are incredibly delicious and taste much better than any restaurant made quesadillas. I love serving them for a weeknight meal as well as cheesy appetizer bite for an evening gathering.
Flautas
Nothing can beat these Flautas – rolled tortillas with chicken and cheese filling – one of the most popular and easy to make Mexican appetizers. The best part about these Flautas is that you have a lot of options to free, bake, pop or even air-fre them; and every time they will be crispy outside and cheesy inside. For the filling, you have the options like shredded chicken, beef, and beans. These rolled tortillas pair well with guacamole, pico de gallo, or sour cream. Serve them for game days, gatherings, or Mexican-themed dinner.
Chicken Taquitos
The Chicken Taquitos are one of my favorite rolles, you can prepare by rolling flour or corn tortillas with shredded chicken (or ground beef), cheese, and salsa of your choice, and then fried or baked to the perfection of crisp golden brown. I recommend serving these taquitos with Refried beans, veggies, Mexican rice or any of your favorite dip, if you want to make them for a Memorial day, Cinco de Mayo or game day.
Mini Tostadas
Mini Tostadas are the best Mexican appetizer; each bite filled with (the love of) beans, tender chicken, Pico de Gallo, and cheddar cheese. With just a bag of tortilla chips, you can make these toasdas to entertain your guests with a relaxed feeling. Every bites will fill your mouth with a combination of crunch, and creamy magic. These are my go-to appetizers for impromptu family gatherings during busy nights.
Shrimp Taco Bites
A famous say of sometimes, the best things in life come in small packages perfectly fits for these scrumptious bite-sized seafood appetizers. These shrimp taco bites are made with Mexican seasonings, wonton shell and a drizzle of lime to deliver the mesmerizing punch of flavor. I love serving these bites as game day snacks, or when I have a big crowd to entertain, while keeping a balance of flavor and nutritional profile.
Homemade Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips with salsa and dips? My undying love crush… These are in fact part and parcel of every American-Mexican parties with tortilla chips circled around different kinds of dips and (playing) salsas. Even though you can make pan fried, or baked tortilla chips, I love making them in air fryer to reduce oil content. Besides, these homemade tortillas are much better than the restaurant made (tortilla) chips. Besides, when making at home, you have to option to use the desired flour and to get the desired crunch, color, and flavor.
Specialty and Unique Appetizers
Taco Ranch Biscuit Bites
These ranch taco bites are a mouthwatering treat with a perfect combination of Tex-Mex flavor. Loaded with ground beef, creamy ranch dressing and tangy tomatoes, these bite-sized appetizer are sure to be the hit for Cinco de Mayo gathering. I’ve made these morsels, a lot of times, to surprise my loving husband and little kids; and every time they turn out better than the previous version. With just a few ingredients, you can also make these Mexican bites to enjoy the priceless happiness of your family.
Mexican Ceviche De Pescado (Fish Ceviche)
This is one of the healthiest version of Ceviche, you’ve ever tasted. In this recipe raw cooked fish is marinated in lime juice and combined with any of your favorite fresh vegetables including but not limited to avocado, cucumber, and tomato. This Mexican inspired fish ceviche is not only different from the Latin American, and Peruvian versions, but also a healthiest, flavor-loaded, and delicious.
Mexican Chicken Enchilada Dip
A perfect entree as well as an appetizer that you can make with leftover ground beef or shredded chicken, tortillas, and Mexican seasonings. If you have nothing to try for this weekend, try this enchilada dip and thank me later.
Taco Pizza
Pizza as an Appetizer? Yes! You heard that right. This pizza appetizer with a topping of cream cheese, taco, ground beef, and veggies, makes a great pizza party hit. This is my favorite crowd-please when I have to serve something unique and non-traditional to my guests for a adults party with no sandwiches. I also serve it as a dinner as it is the best fusion of both Italian and Mexican cuisines.
28 Delicious Mexican Appetizers For The Next Party
Ingredients
Traditional Mexican Appetizers
- Sopes
- Rajas con Crema Roasted Poblanos in Cream
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Chicken Empanadas
- Chiles Rellenos
- Enchiladas Verdes
Dips and Salsas
- Guacamole
- Pico de Gallo
- Queso Fundido
- Queso Blanco Dip
- Salsa Verde
- Mango Salsa
- Tomatillo Salsa
- Black Bean Corn Salsa
- Pineapple Salsa
- Strawberry Salsa
- Shrimp Guacamole
- Jalapeño Popper Dip
Tortilla-Based Appetizers
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Flautas
- Chicken Taquitos
- Mini Tostadas
- Shrimp Taco Bites
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
Specialty and Unique Appetizers
- Taco Ranch Biscuit Bites
- Mexican Ceviche De Pescado Fish Ceviche
- Mexican Chicken Enchilada Dip
- Taco Pizza
Instructions
- Select any of your favorite Mexican appetizer. (If you don’t know which one to choose, you can make my favorite tortillas chips and guacamole).
- Gather ingredients required to make the appetizer you’ve choosen.
- Make sure the ingredients are healthy and fresh.
- Start making the recipe and follow instructions carefully.
- I hope you’ve made the appetizer for the next Mexican-themed party.
