When it comes to hosting a potluck – a party that is filled with the bursts of flavors, colors, and excitement, Mexican foods stand out as one of my top choices. These foods are rich in tradition and highly diverse in ingredients to ultimately bring people all over the world. Thanks to their communal style of eating and beautiful presentation the Mexican party foods are most liked all over the world. So, whether you’re hosting a casual backyard gathering or an elegant soirée (evening/dinner party), adding these Mexican dishes into your menu are a must-have to ensure that your event is both memorable and delicious. In this guide, I’ve listed 10 of my most favorite and easy to make Mexican potluck dishes perfect for any kind of party.
Tools You’ll Need For Making Mexican Foods:
- Baking pan/skillet
- Best Infrared cooktop
- Baking oven
- Frying pan
1. Tacos
An iconic Mexican party dish that is loved all over the world, thanks to its simplicity and pantry ingredients for making. Featuring soft tortillas filled with ingredients like veggies and beef, these tacos are worth incorporating for every party. I always recommend this recipe, if you are planning to set up a taco station where your guests can customize their own tacos, from tortillas to their fillings and toppings. For fillings, I always recommend adding options like ground beef, shredded chicken, or sauteed veggies for vegetarian stuff. And for topping, you can add things like diced onions, fresh cilantro, shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole and cheese. I am sure you’d love them to add a fun, engaging activity for your guests.
2. Guacamole and Chips
No Mexican potluck is complete without guacamole. And that’s why I always love adding creamy avocado guacamole and pair them well with tortilla chips to serve a crowd. To make these guacamole, I recommend using ripe avocados for an extra layer. Mash avocados to a chunky consistency and mix them with fresh lime juice, red onions, diced tomatoes, and minced jalapenos. Add seasonings and herbs that you like to add for an added flavor and heat . Besides, you can also add roasted corn or pomegranate seeds. It is best to serve this dip with a large supply of tortilla chips.
3. Quesadillas
Quesadillas are my favorite side that I usually add for my guests. This easy to prepare yet satisfying side is served in large batches, and made by filling flour tortillas with cheese, and other ingredients. These quesadillas are folded in half and grilled until the cheese melts. Even though this recipe is served traditionally, you are free to customize the ingredients to suit your taste and flavor. However, my go to fillings include sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, bell peppers, spinach, or ground meat of chicken or steak. In Mexico, the quesadillas are served with a side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. These cheesy delights are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
4. Nachos
My ultimate go-to appetizer that is worth sharing, these nachos are perfect for any casual party or a family gathering. In this recipe, the base of tortilla chips is spreaded out on a platter or baking sheet, and then topped with layers of shredded cheese, cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, beans, jalapeñs, and tomatoes. The dish is baked until the cheese melts and is bubbly. After baking, I always garnish them with chopped onions, cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole. However, to add more twist, you can drizzle it with queso fresco or sprinkle it with cotija cheese.
5. Enchiladas
This is my weekend party dish that is so comforting that it can add substance to your party menu. Enchiladas usually feature corn tortillas rolled up, and covered with sauces and cheese before baking. For the filling part, you can go from shredded chicken, and beef, to beans and cheese for a vegetarian twist. However, the Mexican enchiladas sauce is a key component—made from dried chilies and tomatoes, although you can also use a green tomatillo-based sauce. Bake enchiladas for 40 minutes or until the cheese melts and the enchiladas are heated through. It is recommended to serve them hot, and garnish with chopped cilantro and sour cream.
6. Tamales
Tamales are a traditional dish from Mexican culture embodying the spirit of community and celebration. This dish often shows a group activity in which friends or family members are involved in the preparation which makes it a fun part. To make these tamales spread masa dough onto corn husks, then add a filling (such as shredded pork in red sauce, chicken in green sauce, or cheese and jalapeño), and then fold and steam the tamales for 10-20 minutes until cooked thoroughly. Even though you’ll need time to make them, tamales can be made in large batches ahead of time and reheated for the party. The individual portion of these appetizers makes them convenient for guests to enjoy.
7. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Here is the best Mexican appetizer from Mexican streets which brings the traditional flavors of Mexican street food to your party. Grilled corn on the cob also called Elote is slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, and lime juice, then rolled in crumbled cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili powder. I love this combination of corn, lime, and chili that creates an irresistible flavor in every bite. Consider serving esquites, which is essentially elote off the cob.
9. Churros
For a sweet ending to your party menu, serve churros. These long pastries are made from choux pastry dough that is fried until golden and crispy. Then they are rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate sauce or dulce de leche for dipping.
10. Empanadas
Empanadas are pastries filled with sweet fillings that are perfect for any party. Typically made from flour and butter. When baked, the dough results in a flaky crust. The fillings include ground beef, chicken, vegetables, or cheese. For a sweet option, fruit preserves or sweetened cream cheese are recommended. You can prepare empanadas in advance and bake just before serving, to enjoy the party without worrying about last-minute cooking.
Tip: Brush the empanadas with an egg wash before baking for a golden, glossy finish.