This collection of delicious Mexican appetizer recipes are full of the best ways to start a meal or enjoy a festive snack. It’s the easiest way to turn any occasion into a fiesta.
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Easy Mexican Appetizers
I could eat Mexican food literally every day. My absolute favorite type of Mexican food are all of the delicious appetizers (especially dips!). Give me a big bowl of chips and salsa or a cheesy queso dip and I’m a happy girl.
If I had to name my favorite type of food, Mexican food would be at the top of the list. I love the flavors, spices and colorful presentation every Mexican appetizer and Mexican side dish has – they are like art, only edible (which is the best kind of art in my opinion).
Hang on to this post and the next time you need a great appetizer recipe, choose from these delicious salsas, dips and finger foods. They are all proven winners!
Mexican Appetizer Serving Tips
Whether you are serving these Mexican appetizers for Cinco de Mayo or just a weekend BBQ, here are some tips to determine the amount and type of appetizers you’ll need.
- Appetizers with dinner. If you are planning on serving dinner to your guests, plan on each guest having 3-5 appetizer pieces. Often, I just make a nacho bar!
- Appetizers only: If you will only be serving appetizers, plan on each guest having 10-12 appetizers at a two hour party and then plan for 5 additional pieces for every hour after the initial two hours.
- Number of guests: Depending on your party size, it can vary how many Mexican appetizers you will need to make. Rule of thumb is that for a party with up to 10 people, serve around 2-3 appetizers. Over 10 people, plan on making another appetizer for every 5 additional people.
- Variety: Plan on a variety of hot and cold dishes as well take into consideration any dietary preferences. Heavier dishes are great for an appetizer only party while lighter dishes make sense if you plan on serving dinner.
Mexican Starter Recipes
Chips and salsa are the best cold Mexican appetizer in my opinion! I often end up preparing one of the salsa recipes below as party starters.
Easy Salsa Verde Recipe. Also called green salsa or tomatillo salsa verde, it’s perfect to pair with tortilla chips with a hint of sweet and spicy taste.
Homemade Tortilla Chips. Once you make your own tortilla chips it will be hard to buy store bought again! Also try these cinnamon tortilla chips.
Restaurant Style Salsa. The perfect classic appetizer for any Mexican party!
Black Bean Salsa. Loaded with black beans, tomatoes, corn, peppers and red onion then tossed with lime juice and cilantro. Perfect for scooping!
Best Guacamole Recipe. A classic that is a must for any Mexican spread.
Mango Salsa Recipe. Perfect for any summertime gathering, everyone will love the hint of sweet mango paired with peppers, onions and jalapeno for a kick of heat.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa. Another warm weather favorite, this fruity salsa is a nice change from traditional salsas.
Pico de Gallo. Chunky perfection and full of fresh tastes. This dip will disappear quickly!
Must Have Mexican Dip Recipes
When it comes to Mexican dip appetizers, there are a variety of recipes to choose from that satisfy at any party!
Best 7 Layer Dip Recipe. It’s a classic dip at any Mexican party for good reason. It’s simple to put together and always crowd pleasing.
Queso Dip with Chorizo. Chorizo adds fantastic texture and spice to this cheesy dip that is easy to make ahead!
Homemade Queso Blanco Dip. This dip is simple with only 5 ingredients and hands off while it simmers in the crockpot.
Ceviche. Not just for ordering out at a restaurant, make this fresh dip to add a touch of class to your spread.
Bean Dip with Cream Cheese. Refried beans get an upgrade when combined with 3 kinds of cheese! Yum!
Easy Taco Dip. Made with a cream cheese base and then topped how you like, this dip is ready in 15 minutes.
Easy Elote Dip. All the flavors of Mexican street corn but in a Mexican corn dip! Grilled corn, tangy line and salty, savory cheese are perfect for dipping tortilla chips.
Cheesy Hot Corn Dip. Creamy with Mexican flavors, this cheesy dip will disappear fast!
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip. A hearty dip that is way easier than making enchiladas!
Mexican Finger Foods
I have an affinity for appetizers you can hold, especially these yummy Mexican hor d’oeuvres. finger foods. I love that these finger foods are easy to grab and enjoy!
Baked Nachos. The perfect snack for game day and customizable to your tastes.
Taco Cups. Perfect for when your party guests will be walking around and mingling!
Beef Taquitos: Cheesy and beefy these are winners when it comes to Mexican finger foods.
Easy Chicken Flautas Recipe. Party guests will love these handheld fried flautas!
Jalapeno Poppers. A must have appetizer for any party!
Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe. Handheld pastries filled with savory ground beef filling and baked until crispy! These always disappear at parties.
Sheet Pan Nachos. Cheesy with shredded chicken, these nachos are great to serve a crowd.
Chicken Quesadillas. Crispy tortillas folded over a cheesy, chicken filling are a favorite!
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Top Mexican Appetizers
Video
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 lime , zested and juiced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt , or 1/4 tsp salt
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder , more to taste
- 3-5 Tablespoons queso fresco , crumbled
For serving: Freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedge, Valentina hot sauce (or your favorite kind), tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat grill to medium high heat.
- Grill corn. Partially shuck 4 ears corn then place the corn on the hot grill and grill on all sides until husk is corn is tender and has a few dark brown spots (about 15 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, juice of one lime, lime lime zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon chili powder until incorporated. Add more seasoning to taste.
- Remove the kernels from each cob. Place the warm corn in the same bowl with the cream mixture and mix to combine.
- Place the corn dip in a serving bowl and top with cilantro, 3-5 Tablespoons queso fresco and hot sauce. Place in the fridge to chill if desired or serve warm. Serve with tortilla chips.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Appetizers, Cinco De Mayo, Mexican, Recipe Roundup
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
These are all so perfect for a taco tuesday app, thank you!
So many awesome Mexican appetizers here! Great list!
Hope you enjoy! :)
Love how easy these were to make! My whole family loved them!
I’m so glad they were a hit!
Wow, This looks amazing ans a simple finger food for parties and friends get together. I have tried something similar to this but with white bread.
This is sure;y in my Must try list.
Well this recipe is enough for me, (maybe!) but certainly not enough to share with my family! Looks yummy!