25 Easy Mexican Appetizer Recipes You Need To Try 

When it comes to making delicious food with just the right kick of flavor, there’s no doubt Mexican food takes the cake especially Mexican Appetizers Recipes. Which explains why we all love to make and devour a wide range of Mexican delicacies.

However, knowing what Mexican appetizers to make can prove quite difficult as most people are unsure of the right appetizers to make or what even counts as a Mexican appetizer.

Well, the great news is that there are a slew of different options to choose from, from traditional Mexican delicacies to more popular American appetizers with a Mexican twist, the possibilities are endless.

So,l if you’re the type who’s always confused about what appetizers to serve at your tex-mex inspired dinners or you’re planning a Cinco de mayo party and need something to wow your guests, in this list, you’ll find some of the best Mexican appetizer recipes you can make with ease.

Quick Table: Mexican Appetizer Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per Serving	Preparation Time
Tater Tot Nachos	599	45 Min
Guacamole Cups	168	27 Min
Mexican Chicken Empanadas	192	50 Min
Cheesy Pulled Pork Taquitos	297	22 Min
Pineapple Salsa	41	10 Min
Spicy Chorizo Cheese Bites	315	40 Min
Bell Pepper Nachos	243	30 Min
Mexican Street Corn Fritters	335	30 Min
Stuffed Hatch Green Chile	299	25 Min
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail	377	1 Hour 15 Min
Mexican Deviled Eggs	104	27 Min
Easy Cold Taco Dip	228	1 Hour 10 Min
Mexican Street Corn Dip	244	50 Min
Easy Spicy Cornbread	382	35 Min
Chicken Tostadas	382	1 Hour 15 Min
Mexican Appetizer Cheesecake	195	55 Min
Queso Fundido	339	20 Min
Mexcian Fiesta Dip	335	5 Min
Easy Jalapeños Popper Bites	154	45 Min
Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs	437	45 Min
Taco Cups	165	40 Min
Mexican Shrimp Bites	66	10 Min
Layered Dip	209	20 Min
Mexican Pinwheels	155	20 Min
Shrimp Ceviche	178	25 Min

1. Tater Tot Nachos

A crispy appetizer with all the nacho toppings you know and love, these tater tot nachos are the perfect dish to wow any crowd.

Also known as totchos, these delightful starters consist of golden-baked tater tots loaded with sauteed ground beef, onions, cubed velveeta and melty shredded cheese.

They can be served with a wide variety of toppings like tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and even avocados for an added freshness.

Calories Per Serving: 599

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

2. Guacamole Cups

Guacamole is a classic Mexican dip you can never go wrong with, and with these guacamole cups, you get to elevate your guac game by serving them in crispy wonton cups.

All you’ll need are baked wonton wrappers and a guacamole filling made from avocados, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, cumin and chipotle chili powder. 

If you intend to serve these at a party and need them to last long, a great way to prevent the guacamole from turning an unpleasant shade of brown is to ensure you add lime juice or cover the guacamole cups with a saran wrap until they’re ready to be served.

Calories Per Serving: 168

Preparation Time: 27 Minutes

3. Mexican Chicken Empanadas

These Mexican chicken empanadas are delightful and flaky pastries that fill the mouth with a host of juicy flavors with each bite.

They are made from puff pastry sheets filled with black beans, bell peppers, cooked chicken, taco seasoning, and a mild enchilada sauce and baked till golden brown.

Serve them with cheese sauce, sour cream, or even avocado dip, and they’ll taste even better.

These empanadas can be made ahead and frozen until they are ready to be baked, so don’t hesitate to make a large batch and store it in the freezer for the future.

Calories Per Serving: 192

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes 

4. Cheesy Pulled Pork Taquitos

If you’re a fan of crunchy tacos shells, you’ll love these cheesy pulled pork taquitos.

With their crunchy corn tortilla shells and cheesy filling of cheddar cheese, pulled pork, and tasty salsa, these baked rolls are the perfect appetizer to serve if you’re looking for something simple and delicious.

Feel free to serve them with guacamole, ranch dressing, or any of your favorite dipping sauces.

Calories Per Serving: 297

Preparation Time: 22 Minutes 

5. Pineapple Salsa

A fruity and refreshing appetizer you can whip up in less than 10 minutes, this pineapple salsa is a versatile dish that you can serve with different things.

It features a mix of juicy pineapple chunks, red pepper, cilantro, red onions, jalapeno pepper and lime juice.

It is a colorful dish with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that will be devoured by any crowd within minutes.

Calories Per Serving: 41

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

6. Spicy Chorizo Cheese Bites 

These spicy chorizo cheese bites are a meaty appetizer with a flavor-filled kick that is sure to impress meat lovers.

Classic sausage balls are given a Mexican twist with the addition of shredded Mexican Sargento cheese, cumin, chili powder, and paper flakes and then baked until lightly browned.

These can be enjoyed on their own, but if you prefer a dipping sauce, then chipotle ranch sauce is a great option.

Calories Per Serving: 315

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes 

7. Bell Pepper Nachos

A low-carb appetizer that doesn’t compromise on taste or flavor, these bell peper nachos are tasty starters you can enjoy without worrying about calories.

A multicolored base of hollowed bell peppers is filled with ground beef, jalapenos, Mexican cheese, yellow corn, and canned black beans and baked to perfection.

On a vegan diet? You can also make these nachos vegan by skipping the ground beef and cheese and using more black beans.

Calories Per Serving: 243

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

8. Mexican Street Corn Fritters

Corn is a classic staple of Mexican cuisine, and if you’re looking for a way to turn them into bite-sized delicacies, these Mexican street corn fritters are the way to go.

Brown and crisp on the outside while remaining cheesy and moist on the inside, these fritters are made from a deep-fried batter that consists of corn, jalapenos, cheese, flour, chili powder, lime juice and mayonnaise.

If you’re trying to reduce your oil intake, you can also shallow fry these fritters in a small quantity of oil in a pancake-like disk.

Calories Per Serving: 335

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes 

RELATED: 15 Stunning Mexican Ground Beef Recipes

9. Stuffed Hatch Green Chile

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A quick and easy appetizer you can make without much hassle, this stuffed hatch green chile is a simple yet tasty dish that will satisfy all your spicy cravings.

Hatch chile peppers are stuffed with a spicy filling consisting of corn, tomatoes, cayenne pepper, yogurt, cilantro and lime juice, and queso cheese.

Hatch green chiles are more easily found and harvested between August and September so this is a seasonal appetizer that’s great to make just as fall rolls in.

Calories Per Serving: 229

Preparation Time: 25Minutes 

10. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Also known as coctel de camarones, this is a traditional Mexican take on shrimp cocktail that delights the palate with every bite.

It features a refreshing mix of boiled shrimp, cucumbers, jalapenos, onions, and a rich tomato sauce with the right balance of spicy and sweet flavors.

Be sure to use deveined shrimp when making this recipe to save you the hassle of  removing and cleaning off the digestive tract of the shrimp before cooking.

Calories Per Serving: 337

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes 

11. Mexican Deviled Eggs With Chorizo

Creamy devilled eggs with a Mexican twist? Who could say no to that?

This deviled egg appetizer features the classic base of mayonnaise and boiled egg yolks but is elevated with the addition of cilantro,  sherry vinegar, dijon mustard, cumin and chorizo sausage.

The egg filling for this recipe might be a little too thick to pipe so feel free to embrace the rustic vibe and simply scoop the yolk filling into the egg whites

Calories Per Serving: 104

Preparation Time: 27 Minutes 

12. Easy Cold Taco Dip

If you’re looking for a gluten-free appetizer that everyone will love, this easy cold taco dip is a great option.

It features a smooth and creamy base of cream cheese combined with salsa, green onions, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, and sour cream for just the right amount of tanginess.

It’s quite easy to whip up, and since it’s served cold, it requires no baking or additional cooking.

Calories Per Serving: 228

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes 

13. Mexican Street Corn Dip

Another dip that is sure to wow any crowd, this Mexican street corn dip has everything you love about Mexican street corn but with an added cheesy dip texture.

It features a cheesy baked mix of corn, feta, jalapenos, red onions, sour cream, cream cheese and shredded pepper jack cheese.

Served with chips, this dip has all the gooey deliciousness to make you want to devour a whole bowl of it.

Calories Per Serving: 244

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

14. Chicken Tostadas

A tasty appetizer with a crispy base and layers of flavorful toppings, these chicken tostadas are seriously going to become a favorite with any crowd.

All you’ll need are crispy baked corn tortillas and a delicious topping of shredded chicken, guacamole, refried beans, sour cream, and sour cream.

You can use any cut of chicken to make the shredded chicken topping, so feel free to use rotisserie chicken or chicken breasts for these tasty appetizers.

Calories Per Serving: 38

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes 

15. Easy Spicy Cornbread

Looking for cornbread that is both flavorful and perfectly moist? Try this easy spicy cornbread.

It’s quite easy to make and only requires a baking combo of cornbread mix, milk, unsalted butter, eggs, shredded cheese and jalapenos.

This cornbread is a tender bite-sized dish that will have you wondering why cornbread isn’t served as an appetizer at every party.

Calories Per Serving: 382

Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 

16. Mexican Appetizer Cheesecake

If you love cheesecake for dessert, then you’ll surely adore this savory appetizer version.

With a crisp crust of Fritos corn chips and a decadent filling of cream cheese, taco seasoning, green chiles, Monterey jack cheese and eggs, this savory cake will transform the way you think about cheesecake.

Garnish with black olives or salsa , and you’ve got an appetizer that’s perfect for parties and celebrations.

Calories Per Serving: 195

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes 

17. Queso Fundido

As you can probably tell by now, gooey cheese flavors are a staple with Mexican appetizers and this queso fundido is another cheesy dish you’ll love.

It is a Mexican variation of fondue with chorizo sausage, shredded cheese, and roasted poblano peppers.

Don’t hesitate to be heavy handed with the cheese portions when making this as the melty flavors will only make for a better dipping companion when served with chips.

Calories Per Serving: 339

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes  

18. Mexican Fiesta Dip

This Mexican fiesta dip is an amazing appetizer that’s so easy to make and perfect for game day or parties.

It consists of a fresh and flavorful mix of black beans, corn, feta, avocado, salsa and mayonnaise.

It is a refreshing cold dip that’s perfect to bring to a potluck or serve on a hot summer day.

Calories Per Serving: 335

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes 

19. Easy Jalapeños Popper Bites

A spicy and creamy bite-sized popper, these jalapenos popper bites are so delicious you’ll be surprised at how quickly they disappear when served.

They feature a crispy base of tortilla scoop chips and a mouth-watering filling made of cream cheese, bacon, jalapenos, green onions, and cheese.

These popper bites will also be loved by kids, just ensure to reduce the heat by removing the seeds from the jalapenos before filling.

Calories Per Serving: 154

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

20. Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs

These easy-baked Mexican meatballs are delicious meaty appetizers you can also enjoy with rice and beans for a filling dinner.

They are baked and packed with poblano peppers, milk, onions, sugar, black pepper, chicken broth, and red enchilada sauce.

To add a kick of spiciness to these meatballs, feel free to use spicy enchilada sauce if  you prefer a little more heat with your appetizers

Calories Per Serving: 437

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes 

21. Taco Cups

Want all the flavors of a taco in a bite-sized appetizer? These taco cups are perfect for you.

All you need are baked wonton wrappers filled with ground beef, taco seasoning, refried beans, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

These taco cups are pretty versatile, so feel free to include any additional filling you prefer.

Calories Per Serving: 165

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

22. Mexican Shrimp Bites

A crisp and savory appetizer that’s super easy to put together, these Mexican shrimp bites will fast become a favorite.

Seasoned and seared shrimp are piled onto crisp potato chips along with guacamole and cilantro.

Use store-bought guacamole or make your own at home if you prefer the taste of homemade guac.

Calories Per Serving: 66

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes 

23. Layered Dip

An easy appetizer that’s sure to satisfy any picky crowd, this layered dip is an appetizer you can easily make ahead.

It features layers of beans, guacamole, sour cream, cheddar cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions.

If you’re making this dip ahead, simply store the ingredients in separate containers and assemble the dip before serving.

Calories Per Serving: 209

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes 

24. Mexican Pinwheels

An easy and delightful bite-seized appetizer, these Mexican pinwheels will add some fun to any party.

They are easy-to-make tortilla rollups with a filling of chorizo sausage, cream cheese, picante sauce, green onions, green chiles, olives and sour cream.

They’re great when served chilled. Pair with salsa, and they’re sure to become a crowd-favorite

Calories Per Serving: 155

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

RELATED: 17 Traditional Mexican Drinks

25. Shrimp Ceviche

Looking for an easy appetizer that requires no cooking? This shrimp ceviche is a classic Mexican appetizer you’ll love.

With a combination of cooked shrimp, cilantro, red onions, cucumbers, avocados, lime and lemon juice, it is both refreshing and full of flavor.

If you’re making the ceviche ahead of time, toss in the avocados right before serving to keep them fresh for longer.

Calories Per Serving: 178

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring To A Mexican Party?

There are many options of food you can bring to a Mexican party. You can opt for a variety of enchiladas, fruity or spicy salsas that can be enjoyed with chips, or dipping sauces.

Guacamole is a Mexican classic you can never go wrong with as it would be well appreciated at any Mexican party.

What Is A Popular Mexican Drink?

The most popular Mexican drink is tequila. This drink is not only commonly found in bars and made into cocktails enjoyed during festivities in the country, but it is also well-loved and easily found in many parts of the world as well.

However, other popular Mexican drinks include fruit agua frescas, horchata, and Mexican sangria.

What Is Mexico Most Known For?

Mexico is most known for its rich culture and ancient ruins.

From Mayan temples and Aztec buildings to colorful clothing, incredible cuisine, and beautiful beaches, Mexico is well known around the world for its many cultural and physical landscape properties.