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19 Irresistible Cinco de Mayo Party Appetizers and Dips That Will Steal the Show

19 Irresistible Cinco de Mayo Party Appetizers and Dips That Will Steal the Show

When it’s time to throw the best bash de Cinco, appetizers set the stage for the fiesta. Whether you’re scooping up creamy guacamole, savoring the bold flavors of taco soup, or indulging in other Mexican-inspired snacks, this roundup of 19 party-ready Cinco de Mayo appetizers will make your gathering unforgettable. 

But wait—this isn’t just about traditional tex-mex! We’re laying down fun twists like Avocado Deviled Eggs, positively poppable Ranch Oyster Crackers, bite-sized BLT sandwiches, and a Beer Cheese Dip that will pair perfectly with your favorite cerveza. From classic to creative, these appetizers are the life of the party—because Cinco de Mayo deserves nothing less than a table full of flavor and flair!

A platter of Mexican-inspired appetizers served at a Cinco de Mayo party.

19 Cinco de Mayo Appetizers

1. Taco Cups

Crisp handheld bites of taco goodness that combine all the classic flavors in one perfect package. These miniature marvels are perfect for parties and guaranteed to disappear quickly from any snack table.

Bite-sized taco cups made with ground beef and tortillas, garnished with toppings and served on a platter.

2. Renee’s Mild, Chunky Guacamole

A creamy, vibrant dip that celebrates the rich, buttery essence of ripe avocados. This classic Mexican favorite brings fresh herbs and a zesty kick to any gathering.

A vibrant bowl of chunky guacamole with fresh ingredients like avocados, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, ready to serve with tortilla chips.

3. Homemade Raw Salsa

This uncooked “blender” salsa delivers maximum flavor with fresh product, and you can add a little more of this or that (More garlic? More lime? You got it!) to suit your tastes. And of course, it’s imperative that you taste-test as you go. Good room temp or chilled.

A bowl of fresh tomato salsa garnished with cilantro, served alongside crispy tortilla chips on a wooden table.

4. Slow Cooker Queso Dip

Molten, cheesy perfection that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum Cinco vibe. This crowd-pleasing dip stays warm and inviting throughout your entire event. Make it as spicy or mild as you like.

A slow cooker filled with creamy cheese dip garnished with diced tomatoes and green onions, served with tortilla chips on the side.

5. Mini BLT Sandwiches

Who doesn’t love bacon? Bite-sized versions of the classic sandwich that pack all the smoky, crispy bacon goodies into one adorable package. Crisp and classy, these are easy to make and serve in a flash.

A plate of mini BLT baguette sandwiches with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and tomatoes, served on golden baguette slices, perfect for party appetizers.

6. Stuffed Mini Peppers

Colorful, bite-sized peppers filled with creamy, flavorful goodness that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These little gems are the perfect balance of color and taste.

Colorful mini peppers stuffed with a cheesy filling, baked golden and served as an appetizer on a plate, perfect for healthy party snacks.

7. Avocado Deviled Eggs

A modern twist on the classic deviled egg that adds rich, creamy avocado to the traditional recipe. These elegant bites are both nutritious and indulgent.

A plate of creamy avocado deviled eggs, garnished with paprika and fresh herbs, offering a fresh and healthy twist on a classic appetizer.

8. Goat Cheese-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Tiny, jewel-like tomatoes transformed into elegant, flavor-packed appetizers. Each bite delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant taste. They a take a little time to core and stuff but wow, just watch these gems disappear.

Fresh cherry tomatoes filled with creamy goat cheese, perfect for a healthy, flavorful appetizer or snack.

9. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Spicy, creamy, and utterly addictive, this dip brings the bold flavors of buffalo wings to your snack table. It’s a hands-off recipe that always steals the show.

Creamy, spicy Buffalo chicken dip made in a crockpot for a perfect party appetizer.

10. Taco Dip

A simple, layered cold dip that captures all the bold, zesty flavors of tacos to serve and share or tote to your next fiesta potluck. Each scoop promises a perfect combination of textures and tastes.

Easy taco dip made with just 7 ingredients, perfect for parties and gatherings.

11. Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe

A sophisticated appetizer that elevates simple cream cheese with complex, smoky depth. Perfect for impressing guests without the time in the outdoor smoker.

Smoky and creamy homemade smoked cream cheese made without a smoker.

12. Fresh Mango Salsa

A tropical explosion of sweet, tangy flavors that brings sunshine to your snack table. This salsa is as bright and refreshing as a Caribbean breeze.

Fresh and flavorful homemade mango salsa with cilantro and lime.

13. 7 Layer Dip Cups

Individual servings of a party classic that ensure everyone gets the perfect ratio of layers. These portable cups are as fun as they are delicious. Ensures no double-dipping into the party faves. 

Delicious mini 7 layer dip cups, a perfect no-cook party snack.

14. Cowboy Caviar

A Southwestern-style bean-forward salsa that’s hearty, colorful, and packed with protein-rich black-eyed peas and pinto beans. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a flavor-packed sensation. Serve with homemade tortilla chips (#18 below) for something unexpectedly yummy!

Fresh and healthy cowboy caviar with corn and beans, perfect for dipping.

15. Dill Pickle Dip

So on trend right now, you’re probably seeing pickles on every snack board and folded into every main and side. This recipe is a tangy, unexpected Cinco-worthy app that celebrates the beloved flavor of crisp dill pickles. Perfect for those who love a bold, zesty twist—a feisty fiesta, if you will.

Creamy, tangy dill pickle dip perfect for snacks and parties, made in just 5 minutes

16. Ranch Oyster Crackers

A crunchy, seasoned snack that transforms simple crackers into an irresistible nibble. These are perfect for munching alongside other dips and appetizers.

Savory homemade ranch oyster crackers, the perfect party snack made in no time.

17. Beer Cheese Dip

A rich, indulgent dip that combines the hoppy complexity of beer with sharp, melted cheese. It’s a grown-up appetizer that never fails to impress.

Creamy and spicy beer cheese dip, perfect for parties and snacking.

18. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Crispy, golden chips that are just a skosh healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. These homemade chips elevate any dip from good to extraordinary.

Crispy and golden homemade tortilla chips made in the air fryer, perfect for any dip.

19. Pico de Gallo Recipe

The trick to making the best pico de gallo is making sure you core and deseed the tomatoes, even patting them dry, before adding them. Pico is chunky without being too juicy like salsa is. You want fresh and ripe produce, but you can also riff on this with peppers of your choice and even fruits like diced mango or pineapple.

Fresh, vibrant Pico de Gallo salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, perfect for dipping or topping tacos.

The bottom line

Looking for even more Cinco de Mayo party foods? We have everything from mains to desserts to help you create quite the feisty fiesta: