Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture, filled with delicious food and festive flavors. If you’re hosting a Cinco de Mayo fiesta or simply craving some south-of-the-border flair, these five appetizers are sure to delight your taste buds and kick off the festivities with a bang. From cheesy empanadas to zesty taco hummus, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy!

1. Cheesy Chicken Empanadas

Empanadas are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, and these cheesy chicken empanadas are no exception. Filled with tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful spices, these handheld treats are perfect for snacking or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or extra queso for dipping, and watch them disappear before your eyes!

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INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • ½ cup Gordo’s Cheese Dip (any flavor)
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 1 (15 oz.) package refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 egg & water

HOW TO PREPARE:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F Line a Baking Sheet with parchment paper. Toss chicken in taco seasoning. Cook chicken in large skillet. Allow chicken to cool, shred. In a large bowl combine the chicken and cheese. Unroll 1 piecrust onto a lightly floured surface. Cut into rounds, using a 3-inch cookie cutter or cup. Re-roll dough as needed. Repeat with the remaining piecrust. Making as many circles as possible.

In a small bowl, whisk together egg and 1-2 TBSP water. Arrange 1 dough circle on a clean flat surface. Lightly brush the edges with the egg wash.Place 1 large TSP of chicken in the center of the round. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing the edges with a fork to seal completely. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining circles and chicken mixture. Lightly Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash. Bake in oven at for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

2. Party Layered Dip

No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without a party layered dip. This crowd-pleasing appetizer features layers of creamy refried beans, creamy queso, fresh avocado and, all topped off with fresh diced tomatoes, crispy lettuce, and sliced black olives. Scoop up a generous helping with your favorite tortilla chips and get ready to dive into flavor heaven!

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2-16 oz cans spicy refried beans
  • ½ pound lean ground chuck scrambled, drained; add ½ pack taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • 1 cup Gordo’s Cheese Dip (any flavor)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup scallions or green onions, sliced
  • 1 bag tortilla chips

HOW TO PREPARE:

First layer refried beans, next layer seasoned ground chuck, add third layer of sour cream, add fourth layer of guacamole. Drizzle with your favorite flavor of Gordo’s Cheese Dip. Top with lettuce, tomatoes and green onions. Dip with your favorite chip!

3. Taco Hummus

Put a tasty twist on traditional hummus with this flavorful taco hummus recipe. Made with chickpeas, queso, and a blend of Mexican-inspired spices, this creamy dip is packed with protein and bursting with flavor. Serve it alongside crispy tortilla chips or fresh veggie sticks for a healthy and satisfying appetizer that’s sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 package taco seasoning mix
  • 1 can (15 oz) chick peas (garbanzo beans), undrained
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Gordo’s Cheese Dip 
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, if desired

HOW TO PREPARE:

Drain chick peas, reserving liquid. In blender or food processor, place chick peas, oil, lemon juice, garlic, Gordo’s Cheese Dip and taco seasoning mix. Cover; blend until smooth. Add reserved chick pea liquid, 1 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency. Garnish hummus with cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips.

4. Queso Basted BBQ Street Corn

Take your taste buds on a flavor-packed journey with this mouthwatering queso-basted BBQ street corn. Grilled to perfection and slathered in a decadent layer of Gordo’s Cheese Dip, this smoky-sweet side dish is a must-have for any Cinco de Mayo celebration. Garnish with crumbled queso fresco or cotija, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lime for a festive finishing touch.

Makes 3 servings

INGREDIENTS:

  • 3 ears corn on the cob, husk removed
  • about 1 tablespoon BBQ spice
  • 1/2 cup Gordo’s Mild Cheese Dip, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup crumbled Queso Fresco, grated Cotija Cheese, or Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • about 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • about 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

HOW TO PREPARE:

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add corn on the cob and boil for 15 minutes or until corn is tender. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine cheese, parsley, and chives. Remove corn from water and sprinkle each cob with 1 teaspoon BBQ spice. Using a spoon or butter knife, quickly slather each cob with a few tablespoons Gordo’s Cheese Dip and sprinkle with cheese and herbs.

5. Refried Bean Dip

Last but certainly not least, we have a super simple refried bean dip that’s sure to be a crowd favorite! Made with creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and , this hearty dip is the ultimate comfort food. Serve it warm alongside tortilla chips or warm flour tortillas for an easy appetizer that’s sure to delight.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 can (16 ounces) refried beans
  • 1 container Gordo’s Cheese Dip (Any Flavor)  
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • Tortilla Chips

HOW TO PREPARE:

Melt and stir together the beans, Gordo’s Cheese Dip, and taco seasoning until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips.

These five Cinco de Mayo appetizers are guaranteed to make your celebration unforgettable! Whether you’re hosting a festive fiesta or simply enjoying a cozy night in, these delicious dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings for Mexican-inspired flavors. So gather your amigos, put on some mariachi music, and get ready to indulge in a culinary fiesta like no other! Ole!

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