Every school kid knows “April showers bring May flowers”. But what do May flowers bring? Margaritas! At least, in my house, and Cinco de Mayo recipes!
That’s right, it’s the beginning of May and I’m getting ready for a Cinco de Mayo bash. What makes the perfect party? Cinco de Mayo grilling recipes designed to soak up some of the tequila you’ll be drinking, of course. These Cinco de Mayo grill ideas are perfect for anyone hoping to impress with a little South of the Border flare at their next party.
Grab your margarita mix and glasses, and let me help you plan the perfect Cinco de Mayo menu.
Chicken Enchilada Sliders
If you’re looking for chicken recipes for Cinco de Mayo, this is one of my go to recipes for feeding a large crowd. The real game changer and what makes these sliders stick out in a crowded field of sliders, is the easy and simple homemade enchilada sauce. You seriously have to try it!
While these are for chicken, you can easily substitute the chicken for some left over pulled pork you’ve got in the freezer. Don’t like pork, or don’t have any?
Not to worry, I’ve also made these sliders with leftover slow smoked chuck roast and those are also fantastic.
Get the recipe for these Chicken Enchilada Sliders here.
Cilantro Lime Black Bean Soup
Start off your meal with a recipe that’s so good you can use it two ways. Omit the stock, and you’ve got a bean dip that will have everyone at your party reaching for the tortilla chips. Add the stock and you have a sophisticated and flavorful soup with just a hint of heat and southwest zest.
The other benefit of this recipe is the versatility. If you want your starter a little spicier, top this dish with some extra jalapeño.
Change the protein from ham to shrimp and you’ll still have a delicious dish. It’s a simple base just begging for customization. Serve it up to set the tone for a great party.
Get the recipe for Cilantro Lime Black Bean Soup.
San Diego Style Street Tacos
Nothing scream Cinco de Mayo like an authentic street taco. These tacos are inspired by the hundreds of street tacos I ate while stationed in San Diego.
I love making these with either flank steak or this out of this world skirt steak. But don’t be afraid to go with some mouthwatering juicy grilled chicken as well.
Get the recipe for San Diego Street Tacos here.
Smoked Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas
If you love chicken enchiladas, you’re really going to this smoked version of the classic dish. Similar to the sliders, I highly recommend making this simple homemade enchilada sauce, game changing.
Adding to the sauce is the hint of smoke these enchiladas take on when on the grill. This one is a crowd pleaser for sure.
Get the recipe for Smoked Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas here.
Pico de Gallo
This recipe serves double duty for our meal, so you may want to double it. In fact, if my family is anything to go by, you may want to triple it. Pico de Gallo is a staple of authentic Mexican cuisine. Why? Probably because it’s easy to make and so full of flavor.
My Pico de Gallo is an easy Cinco de Mayo recipe that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. And it’ll probably be gone just as quickly once you set it out next to some tortilla chips. You’ll be using it as part of our other appetizer option, Steak Quesadillas, so be sure to reserve some of the mixture. And by reserve I mean hide, because this stuff is always in high demand at any party.
Set out a bowl of Pico de Gallo, some chips and you’ll have happy revelers.
Get the recipe for Pico de Gallo.
Steak Quesadillas
Quesadillas aren’t just for kids anymore! Filled with cheese, tangy pico de gallo, and juicy steak, it’s hard to turn down this dish. It’s the perfect Cinco de Mayo party food, too, because it’s portable. Put a quesadilla in one hand and a margarita in the other, and you’ll have happy guests.
The best part? They’re budget friendly. There’s no need to run out and buy steak if you have some leftover steak in your fridge—the bold flavors will be perfect either way. These easy crowd-pleasing snacks can be cut into finger food and served as appetizers or grilled and given to the pickiest eater at your table. Everyone loves them.
Get the recipe for Steak Quesadillas.
Restaurant Style Salsa
You know the type of salsa you’re served when you sit down at your favorite Mexican restaurant? They kind you say you’re only going to have a little so as not to ruin your dinner?
Then you proceed to eat three bowls of it with warm chips and taking half of your dinner home. Yeah, that’s what this salsa is. I’m telling you it’s that good and a must for any Cinco de Mayo get together. If you make one thing from this blog, please let it be this salsa.
Fine the recipe for Restaurant Style Salsa here.
Grilled Mexican Street Corn
The ultimate authentic Mexican side dish, street corn is one of those recipes that looks difficult, but is actually pretty easy to do. While grilled corn might be a staple of your summer diet, if you’ve never tried this South of the Border upgrade, you’re missing out.
Covered in Cotija cheese, cilantro, mayo, and barbecue rub, this corn is bursting with flavor. The whole recipe takes about 40 minutes to do, which also means it’s a perfect easy side dish to whip up while you’re working on other food. Be sure to get more ears of corn than you think you’ll need—while technically a side dish, I’ve seen people go back for seconds and thirds. (Ok, the someone was me.)
As a bonus, corn is technically a vegetable, so I think we can count this recipe as health food!
Get the recipe for Grilled Mexican Street Corn.
Steak Fajitas
Is there anything better than the sound of sizzling meat? There isn’t. And that’s why this recipe will draw everyone around the grill as you whip up an easy, delicious main course. Fajitas are a perfect main course for any party because they’re crowd-pleasing, full of flavor, and customizable. That’s right, even the picky eaters will find something to love here.
This is a great budget-friendly Cinco de Mayo grill recipe since I recommend using flat iron or flap steak for your fajitas. If you’ve got leftover steak in the fridge, however, that will work just as well. The only make-or-break element in this recipe is the cheese, which you’ll have to shred yourself. Pre-packaged shredded cheese doesn’t melt well, so if you’re looking for that picture perfect cheese pull, you’re going to need to invest in a grater and do the work yourself. I promise, it’ll be worth it.
Want to change up the protein? Grab a copy of my book and find a Cinco de Mayo grilled chicken recipe for chicken fajitas that will knock your socks off.
Get the recipe for Steak Fajitas.
Now that you’ve got your menu, get cooking! If you decide to make any of my Cinco de Mayo grilling recipes, be sure to take a picture and tag me on Instagram. I’ll leave you with one last bit of advice: Start the grill before your start the margaritas!