Planning a Tex-Mex fiesta at home? Let’s spice things up with this list of 15 Tex-Mex favorites that’ll make your guests think you’ve stolen a chef from their favorite restaurant. It’s all about bold flavors and good company. Just make sure your friends bring their appetites — and maybe a sombrero. There’s no such thing as too much guacamole, right?

Chicken Tinga

Discover the rich and smoky flavors of Chicken Tinga, a dish that brings together tender shredded chicken in a tomato-based chipotle sauce that’s packed with depth and character. This dish is a masterclass in balance, offering just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering the palate. It’s versatile enough to be the star in tacos, tostadas, or even as a hearty filling for burritos.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Arroz Verde

Step up your side dish game with Arroz Verde, a vibrant green rice that brings a lively splash of color to your dinner spread. Whether it’s served alongside smoky grilled meat or as the base for a vegetable medley, its subtle flavors and eye-catching appearance make it a favorite. It’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes, ensuring it’s always a hit at any fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Texas Corn Succotash

Embrace the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine with Texas Corn Succotash, a robust blend of sweet corn and vibrant vegetables that promises to steal the spotlight at your next gathering. Each spoonful is a celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for complementing a barbecue or standing proud as a vegetarian main. Let it show off its Southern roots and contemporary flair at your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Mango Habanero Salsa

Dig into the bold and vibrant world of Mango Habanero Salsa, where sweet mangoes meet the fiery kick of habanero peppers in a dance of intense flavors. This salsa is not for the faint-hearted but perfect for those who wish to bring a bit of excitement to their table. It pairs splendidly with crunchy tortilla chips or as a daring complement to grilled fish or chicken. Each scoop is a burst of flavor that promises to make your fiesta memorable and lively.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Experience the lighter side of Tex-Mex with Mexican Cauliflower Rice, a flavorful alternative to traditional rice that doesn’t skimp on taste. It’s packed with a medley of spices and herbs that infuse each bite with an unmistakable kick, making it a perfect fit for those looking for a healthy yet hearty option. It’s a clever way to sneak more veggies into your fiesta without anyone being the wiser.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Upgrade your casual dining with Chicken Tinga Tostadas, where the spicy, smoky flavor of chicken tinga meets the crisp snap of freshly fried tostadas. This dish is a textural wonder, perfect for layering with refried beans, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a full-on flavor explosion that promises to keep your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas

Birria Tacos

Sink your teeth into Birria Tacos, where slow-cooked, tender meat is lovingly stuffed into soft, warm tortillas. Dipped into its rich consommé, each taco is a juicy, flavor-packed experience that transcends typical taco fare. Ideal for chilly evenings or hearty lunches, these tacos offer a comforting embrace with every bite. Bring a stack to your next party, and watch them disappear before the first round of drinks is even served.
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos

Cheez-Its Tostada

Who says you can’t play with your food? Cheez-Its Tostada combines the beloved cheesy crunch of Cheez-Its with the classic elements of a traditional tostada. This playful dish is perfect for those looking to add a quirky twist to their menu, guaranteeing smiles and surprise bliss. It’s a fun, inventive way to merge snack-time favorites with dinner-time classics, ensuring your fiesta remains memorable and unique.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada

Pico de Gallo

Freshen up your feast with Pico de Gallo, a vibrant salsa that boasts a fresh, crisp bite with every spoonful. This simple yet powerful dish can awaken any meal, adding a splash of color and a burst of flavor that enhances everything from grilled meats to nachos. It’s a staple at any Tex-Mex table, ready to mingle with any dish that could use a fresh, vibrant lift. Easy to whip up, it’s always a hit, ensuring there’s never a dull bite at your fiesta.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Unleash the potential of your air fryer with Air Fryer Beef Empanadas, a dish that delivers the deep-fried taste you love with fewer calories. These pockets of joy are crispy on the outside, and stuffed with tangy, spiced beef on the inside, providing the perfect hand-held treat for your guests. They’re a great way to kick off any gathering, combining convenience with the traditional flavors of a beloved classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Fire up the grill for some Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo, a dish that promises to bring sizzle to your soiree. The skewers are marinated to perfection, each bite tender and bursting with flavor, complemented by the spicy, garlicky kick of Mojo Rojo sauce. They’re not just food; they’re conversation starters, perfect for nibbling while you mingle. These skewers are the ultimate handheld bliss, ensuring no guest leaves hungry.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Mexican Street Corn Soup

Dig into a bowl of Mexican Street Corn Soup, a creamy, comforting blend that captures the essence of its namesake elote. This soup marries the sweet taste of corn with a creamy texture, making it a heartwarming addition to any meal. It’s perfect for those nights when you need a little comfort food, offering a taste of the streets in a more spoon-friendly form. Whether as a starter or a main, this soup is sure to warm up the conversation and the appetite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Soup

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Reinvent the classic Caesar with a Tex-Mex twist in Tex-Mex Caesar Salad, where traditional romaine meets bold, fresh dressing and a sprinkle of tortilla strips for added crunch. This salad shakes up the norm with its lively flavors and textures, proving that salads can be the centerpiece of a meal. It’s perfect for those looking to keep things light without sacrificing flavor. Serve it as a starter or a side, and it’ll change the way you think about Caesar salad.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Warm up with a Cream of Jalapeno Soup, a creamy concoction that perfectly balances the heat of jalapenos with a smooth, velvety base. This soup is a bold starter that can stand alone or complement a larger meal, adding a touch of warmth to any occasion. It’s ideal for those cooler nights when you want a bit of spice to heat things up. Serve it up in small bowls, and watch it become the comforting highlight of your evening.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Jalapeno Soup

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad transforms classic street food into a bowlful of joy that’s both nourishing and exciting. Infused with the kick of lime and the tang of cotija cheese, this salad is a textural bliss, offering both the creamy and the crunchy in each bite. It’s an ideal side for those who love their flavors bold and their salads far from mundane. Perfect for any outdoor fiesta or as a fresh addition to a more formal meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad