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.
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.
Salsa Verde
This salsa verde recipe is a tangy and flavorful Mexican green salsa that is easy to make with tomatillos, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, garlic and lime!
Black Bean Salsa. Loaded with black beans, tomatoes, corn, peppers and red onion then tossed with lime juice and cilantro. Perfect for scooping!
Black Bean Salsa
Fresh and colorful black bean salsa is easy to make with canned beans and simple, flavorful ingredients. It's a crowd-pleaser at parties, picnics or anytime you need a snack.
This is the best guacamole recipe that is easy to make with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, red onion, garlic, cilantro and salsa. Add to tacos or scoop it up with tortilla chips!
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.
Mango Salsa Recipe
The BEST mango salsa that's fresh, full of flavor and combines a little heat with a little sweet. This easy recipe makes the perfect snack, appetizer or topping!
Pico de Gallo. Chunky perfection and full of fresh tastes. This dip will disappear quickly!
Pico de Gallo
This pico de gallo is easy to make with fresh simple ingredients like tomatoes, onion, lime, jalapeno and cilantro! Serve with tortilla chips or any Mexican dish.
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.
7 Layer Dip Recipe
This 7 layer dip has layers of salsa, guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese, tomatoes and olives. The best party appetizer for game day or a holiday party.
Queso Dip with Chorizo. Chorizo adds fantastic texture and spice to this cheesy dip that is easy to make ahead!
Chorizo Queso Dip Recipe
This chorizo queso dipis creamy, cheesy and loaded with a flavor. It's the perfect party appetizer made in one skillet or make ahead of time and keep warm 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.
Ceviche
This ceviche recipe is so flavorful from shrimp, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, cilantro and fresh lime juice. Serve for a light summer meal or as an easy appetizer with tortilla chips!
This cream cheese bean dip is delicious, creamy and crowd-pleasing. Serve this easy hot appetizer with a side of tortilla chips on game days or with any Mexican spread!
Easy Taco Dip. Made with a cream cheese base and then topped how you like, this dip is ready in 15 minutes.
Taco Dip Recipe
This easy taco dip is a classic crowd pleasing appetizer. It's simple to make with a taco seasoned cream cheese and sour cream base topped with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes!
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.
Elote Dip Recipe
Indulge in this easy elote dip, a simple twist on Mexican street corn ready in 15 minutes! It's a creamy mixture of zesty spices and grilled corn perfect for dipping tortilla chips.
Cheesy Hot Corn Dip. Creamy with Mexican flavors, this cheesy dip will disappear fast!
Hot Corn Dip
Cheesyhot corn dipis packed with flavor from cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese then green chilies and jalapeno add the perfect kick to this appetizer!
This chicken enchilada dipis an irresistible game day favorite! It's creamy and cheesy with shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, enchilada sauce and Tex-Mex flavors.
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.
Oven Baked Nachos
These oven baked nachos are so easy to make with chips and cheese then loaded with toppings. A favorite party appetizer, simple snack or even enjoy it for a weeknight dinner!
Taco Cups. Perfect for when your party guests will be walking around and mingling!
Taco Cups
These mini taco cups are made with crunchy wonton wrappers, seasoned taco meat with chili beans, melted cheese and topped with salsa ranch dressing. A family favorite!
Beef Taquitos: Cheesy and beefy these are winners when it comes to Mexican finger foods.
Beef Taquitos
These beef taquitos are easy to make with seasoned shredded beef, cheese and corn tortillas. They can be baked or fried for a delicious Mexican dinner any night!
These chicken flautas are made with flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese and salsa then fried to crispy perfection. An easy recipe ready in less than 30 minutes!
These easy jalapeno poppersare simple to make with a cream cheese filling, wrapped in bacon then baked to crispy perfection. The perfect appetizer for game days and parties!
Sheet Pan Nachos. Cheesy with shredded chicken, these nachos are great to serve a crowd.
Sheet Pan Nachos
These sheet pan nachos are the perfect game day snack with layers of tortilla chips, cheese, chicken and all your favorite toppings! Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Quesadillas. Crispy tortillas folded over a cheesy, chicken filling are a favorite!
Shredded Chicken Quesadillas
This chicken quesadilla recipe is an easy dinner made with a crispy tortilla shell folded over shredded chicken, caramelized bell peppers, onions and melty cheese.
Vonda
Deliciousness!!!!
Noelle
These are all so perfect for a taco tuesday app, thank you!
Kate Hackworthy
So many awesome Mexican appetizers here! Great list!
Jamielyn Nye
Hope you enjoy! :)
Tania Shroder
Love how easy these were to make! My whole family loved them!
Jamielyn
I’m so glad they were a hit!
anukampa
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.
Shelley
Well this recipe is enough for me, (maybe!) but certainly not enough to share with my family! Looks yummy!