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27 Incredible Mexican Appetizers That Will Keep You Excited

27 Incredible Mexican Appetizers That Will Keep You Excited

Wondering what Mexican appetizers to serve? We have gathered 27 different Mexican appetizers you will absolutely get obsessed with!

There is so much more to Mexican appetizers than just chips and salsa.

While we love going to a Mexican restaurant and devouring the complimentary chips and salsa brought out before the meal, we should keep in mind that there are so many more options out there for appetizers.

If you’re looking for Southwest-style finger foods for a party or just want to try something new to go along with your next Taco Tuesday night, there is sure to be something on this list you’ll love!

Of these 27 recipes, some are authentic, Mexican-inspired, and some are considered Tex-Mex.

No list of Mexican appetizer ideas is complete without classics like White QuesoSalsa, and Mexican Guacamole, which we made sure to include.

But be sure to try out some other appetizers like SopesElote Dip, or Mexican Pigs in a Blanket.

Your friends and family will be so impressed by these Mexican dishes you serve them, especially if you choose to make #26!

It doesn’t need to be Cinco De Mayo for you to have a reason to sample some (or all) of these tasty appetizers.

Give them a try and add some extra flair to your next Mexican dinner night!

1. Mexican Spinach Dip

If you’re not familiar with Mexican apps, starting off with something that combines Mexican and American flavors may be a great place to start.

This is an excellent Mexican-American fusion dish to help you or your guests stay satisfied until the main meal comes around.

The recipe combines traditional spinach dip ingredients with some Mexican-tasting additions.

It’s so easy to put together this dip and takes no time at all!

2. Mexican Chicken Empanadas

There is so much to love about Mexican appetizer recipes, but this one deserves special recognition.

You already know you’re going to have a delicious snack when there’s cheese and chicken involved.

But the flaky dough that surrounds this filling is baked until it is golden brown, making this much tastier.

It may seem scary to make empanadas, but you save so much energy and reduce the risk of messing up the dough!

3. Flautas

Flautas are such a great way to turn tacos into a portable snack!

It’s essentially a flour tortilla full of taco fillings, rolled up, and cooked.

Restaurants tend to deep fry them, but if that’s not your taste, you can bake, or air fry them too!

Whichever cooking method you use, you will end up with crispy and easy Mexican appetizers that taste amazing!

4. Carne Asada Nachos

Nachos are already a favorite Tex-Mex appetizer.

But adding carne asada to your appetizers turns it into Mexican apps!

Would you be surprised to know that preparing the carne asada doesn’t take as long as you’d expect?

You can also save time by using store-bought queso but if you prefer to make it yourself, go for it!

5. Wonton Taco Cups

Wonton wrappers that have been baked in the oven make such a tasty and crunchy cup for your tacos.

This makes for a perfect personal taco to serve at your next party!

The best Mexican appetizer ideas don’t have to be time-consuming or complicated, as this recipe proves.

Just be ready; everyone will be grabbing for multiple of these taco cups, so be sure to make a bunch!

6. Mexican Street Corn Croquettes

This is one of the best fusion Mexican appetizer recipes!

This combines Mexican street corn with French croquettes into an even better handheld appetizer.

Top them with chili-lime crema, and you have a new favorite shareable recipe.

Be careful when cooking these, though!

If you freeze the croquettes before frying them, they’ll hold their shape much better and not fall apart.

7. Taco Pinwheels

If you’re looking for fresh or chilled Mexican appetizer ideas, pinwheels are the way to go!

In about 10 minutes, you will have put together a simple yet flavorful bite-sized snack that everyone will love.

This recipe is vegetarian, but you won’t feel like you’re missing out on any meat with the taco seasoning and bell peppers.

The kids will absolutely LOVE this recipe, so don’t feel like you have to stick to just using it as an appetizer.

Feel free to pack some in the kid’s lunchboxes, and they will be so excited for the lunchtime bell to ring.

8. Mexican Shrimp Guacamole Bites

These bite-sized shrimp appetizers are perfect for your next potluck.

This recipe makes incredibly easy Mexican appetizers that will have everyone begging to learn your recipe.

It’s a simple idea, but it works so well.

Just top some tortilla chips with guacamole, shrimp, and a sprinkle of queso fresco, and you’re done!

Be sure not to prepare these too far in advance, or your chips may get soggy.

But there’s no fear of them sitting out too long once guests arrive because everyone will be reaching for these.

9. Mexican Bruschetta

Bruschetta is traditionally an Italian appetizer, but don’t be fooled.

It can easily be adjusted to put a new twist on the Mexican appetizers you set the table with.

Toast whatever crusty bread you like and top it with cheese right on top so it can melt into the bread.

Then layer on salsa, avocado, and pickled jalapenos.

Enjoy these immediately while they’re hot and fresh!

10. Mexican Sausage Balls

Get ready to discover a new favorite addition to your easy Mexican appetizer recipes.

These sausage balls combine so many tasty flavors into each bite.

This is definitely not a complicated recipe, but it becomes way easier when you use a stand mixer to combine all of the ingredients.

Once you see how popular these sausage balls are, you’ll want to make a few batches to freeze!

11. White Queso Dip

Speaking for myself, I judge Mexican restaurants on the quality of their queso.

It just seems fitting to include a quick and easy queso recipe in this list of Mexican appetizers.

Now, you can enjoy your favorite appetizer without going to a restaurant or buying a jar of it at the store.

If you’re short on time, you can make this in a flash.

If you need to cut even more time, you can switch in some Rotel rather than dicing and sauteing vegetables.

And if you love ordering some meat in your queso, you can definitely top this off with some cooked beef!

12. Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers

If you are watching your carb intake, it may feel like there aren’t many Mexican appetizer ideas for you.

Fortunately, this recipe substitutes a taco shell for mini peppers making it more keto-friendly!

Even the lucky ones who don’t have to watch what they eat will love this switch from classic taco shells.

Using sweet peppers for this doesn’t make it too spicy, so it’s also a great choice for those who are more spice-sensitive.

13. Jalapeno Bottle Caps

Here’s a homemade take on one of many people’s favorite Mexican appetizer ideas.

If you love crunchy and spicy jalapenos, you’ll be hooked on these.

These don’t have to be limited to finger food before your dinner; this is a great addition to sandwiches and even a salad topper!

If you want to eat it straight as an appetizer, they go great dipped in ranch or blue cheese dressing.

14. Mexican Guacamole

Guacamole deserves a place on this list of Mexican appetizer recipes.

Easy, versatile, and so tasty, this should be a staple in all your Mexican meals.

It doesn’t need to be limited to an appetizer, either!

Add this to your dinner recipes, and you won’t ever turn back to store-bought guacamole again!

15. Cheese Quesadillas

Kids always go for cheese quesadillas when ordering at a Mexican restaurant, but can we blame them?

Melted cheese and diced chilies surrounded by a tortilla is not a bad combo!

But you can turn it into one of your family’s favorite Mexican appetizer ideas.

Use street taco tortillas, and you now have homemade bite-sized apps for your next party!

16. Easy Elote Dip

Elotes are such a typical street food in Mexico, probably because it is so delicious, and you can easily take it with you on the go.

But if you want an alternative way to enjoy traditional Mexican appetizers, turn it into a dip!

You can always use corn fresh from the cob, but there’s nothing wrong with using canned or frozen corn.

Whatever type of corn you use, it is recommended to roast it before assembling it, so it gets slightly caramelized.

Grab your tortilla chips, and this elote dip will be gone before the night is over!

17. Red Salsa

Whether you love salsa as an appetizer before your meal or smothered on top of your dinner, there are a few things that aren’t made better with salsa.

Finding a solid salsa recipe is key to making many Mexican meals and incorporating it into many Mexican appetizer ideas.

You can make this smoother or chunkier; however, you like it.

If you prefer salsa fresca, or pico de gallo, you can chop up fresh tomatoes instead of using canned tomatoes.

This is vegan, spicy, and healthier than most alternatives.

Plus, it tastes so good, you could pretty much drink it with a straw!

18. Mini Chicken Chimichangas

Deep fry a burrito, and you have my favorite Mexican meal- a chimichanga.

Turn it into bite-sized Mexican apps, and you’ll have a new appetizer that’ll keep you happy and satisfied!

Use soft taco or fajita tortilla to make these bite-sized snacks.

After you bake your chimichangas, top them off with all of your favorite toppings!

19. Mexican Pigs In A Blanket

Nearly every party will have pigs in a blanket offered out for guests.

But if you transform them using Mexican appetizer recipes, you’ll never go back to the traditional pigs in a blanket again!

You have the freedom to use any kind of salsa or cheese you like.

If you’re in a rush, you can make these ahead of time and refrigerate them before cooking, but they’ll still taste great.

20. Gorditas

Homemade Mexican gorditas are way easier to make than you might think.

Many Mexican households have memories of creating these as a family, and now you can start your own family traditions making these as well!

If you create flour gorditas, they tend to be sweeter, but if you create corn gorditas, they will be more savory.

After you create these, you can always freeze them, and they will last about 3-4 months, so whenever you have a craving, you can reach for easy Mexican appetizers.

21. Taco Ranch Biscuit Bites

You should expect not to have any leftovers when you make these taco-stuffed biscuit bites.

Split your biscuits into two rounds each, and stuff them with seasoned tacos, cheese, and ranch dressing.

You’ll have such tasty Mexican appetizers on your table that will not last all night.

Be sure to make a bunch so you can save them for next time!

22. Jalapeno Popper Bites

Mexican appetizer recipes that include bacon, cheese, and jalapenos are sure to be delicious.

You can make these bites kid-friendly by reducing the heat of the jalapenos by removing the seeds.

Or, if you like more heat in your bites, toss in more jalapenos and leave the seeds intact!

Bake these bites until the cheese has melted, which will take no time at all!

In fact, we don’t know what’s quicker- how long it takes to make these or how fast they will all be eaten!

23. Southwestern Egg Rolls

Everyone loves egg rolls!

Whether they are Asian style or Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, you can never go wrong with serving some up with your dinner.

But if you need Mexican appetizer ideas, just put a little twist on your egg rolls to make them Southwest style!

There are so many flavorful ingredients inside, including chicken, beans, corn, and cheese.

Don’t forget to include the avocado-ranch dipping sauce, which really takes these up another level!

24. Sopa Azteca

During the cold winter months, you might find yourself craving a warm and hearty soup to go along with your meals.

This is one of the best choices for traditional Mexican appetizers when you want something warm and filling to fill your tummy with before dinner.

This tortilla soup recipe tastes way more authentic than what you would try in Mexico than its tex-mex counterparts.

There are so many ways you can make this soup your own while keeping the delicious taste that has made it so popular in Mexico!

25. Mexican 7 Layer Dip

When you have guests over, you could make seven different Mexican appetizers to make sure everyone is pleased.

Or you can make just one dip with seven layers!

The layers include refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.

You could go a little crazy and add extra layers like salsa or ground beef if you want!

This recipe is great to serve cold, so if you create it earlier in the day, you can put it in the fridge until it is time to serve!

26. Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche

Although ceviche is found all throughout South America, you can make a style of it specific to Mexico.

Areas near the Gulf of Mexico have an abundance of seafood, so you know the shrimp will be fresh and tasty.

An exciting part of creating ceviche is that you don’t actually cook the shrimp but instead soak it in lemon juice.

After assembling this, don’t forget to top this off with your favorite hot sauce to add a little extra kick to it!

If you’re looking for Mexican appetizer ideas to impress your friends and family, you really need to give this recipe a try!

27. Sopes

Sopes go by many names like picaditas, panuchos, or garnachas, depending on what area of Mexico they are from.

Sopes are like a little Mexican pizza topped with beans, vegetables, meat, and salsas.

As long as you begin topping with refried beans, you can add on whatever else you like!

These are some of the most popular traditional Mexican appetizers, and once you have a taste, you’ll completely understand why!

The bottom line

Selecting only 27 of the many delicious Mexican appetizers out there is difficult to do when there is so much culture and flavor to explore.

This list gives you a great starting point for preparing for your next party of Mexican dinner night but just know that there is so much out there for you to try!

Whether you like authentic dishes or Mexican-inspired, you are bound to find a new go-to appetizer recipe in this list!

Searching for Mexican desserts? Try these delicious Mexican desserts now!

27 Mexican Appetizers

27 Mexican Appetizers

It’s time for appetizers! Check these 27 Mexican appetizers you can try now.

Ingredients

  • Mexican Spinach Dip
  • Mexican Chicken Empanadas
  • Flautas
  • Carne Asada Nachos
  • Wonton Taco Cups
  • Mexican Street Corn Croquettes
  • Taco Pinwheels
  • Mexican Shrimp Guacamole Bites
  • Mexican Bruschetta
  • Mexican Sausage Balls
  • White Queso Dip
  • Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers
  • Jalapeno Bottle Caps
  • Mexican Guacamole
  • Cheese Quesadillas
  • Easy Elote Dip
  • Red Salsa
  • Mini Chicken Chimichangas
  • Mexican Pigs in a Blanket
  • Gorditas
  • Taco Ranch Biscuit Bites
  • Jalapeno Popper Bites
  • Southwestern Egg Rolls
  • Sopa Azteca
  • Mexican 7 Layer Dip
  • Mexican-Style Shrimp Ceviche
  • Sopes

Instructions

  1. Check out our list of Mexican appetizers for your next recipe! 
  2. Gather the ingredients. 
  3. Start cooking your new dish! 
  4. Enjoy and share your insights on our Facebook page!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Liz

Friday 30th of September 2022

Too many ads and pop ups! It's almost impossible to actually read anything.

Karol

Wednesday 16th of November 2022

@Andi Reis, I used my laptop and had the same problem. Too many annoying ads.

Andi Reis

Sunday 2nd of October 2022

Hi, Liz. Thanks for stopping by. We are looking into reducing the number of ads on our site. I do recommend using a laptop or desktop computer, which may help. - Andi

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