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This collection of Mexican appetizers contains all the best dips, salsas, and quick and easy appetizers that will perfectly complement your entrees at your next fiesta!

More Collections: Mexican Chicken Recipes, Mexican Desserts, Mexican Soups

Perfect for Fiestas!

I’ve mentioned before that I’m part Mexican so my family loves to have Mexican-themed meals and especially appetizers when we get together!

Sometimes it’s for holidays like a Cinco de Mayo party or Christmas, but other times it’s just for a regular old Sunday dinner. Either way, we love a good fiesta with appetizers. 😉

Why we love them:

  • Fiesta ready. These are some of our favorite Mexican bites that we frequently use for our fiestas!
  • Complete the spread. Whenever we have a Mexican meal, we go ALL out with appetizers, entrees, desserts, and even drinks!
  • All easy, all shareable. This list includes quick and easy recipes that take less than 30 minutes, dips, and salsas.
Beef Flautas on a white plate topped with guacamole and diced tomatoes.

Adjusting Spice Levels

  • Jalapenos and peppers are often used in Mexican food. They can also be quite hot.
    • Make it mild. Reduce the amount used, or remove the seed and inner rib.
    • Make it spicier. Leave in the seeds and rib section.
  • Provide options for guests to add heat to their dishes to their taste, such as hot sauce, hot salsa, red chili flakes, sliced jalapenos, chipotle pepper flakes, or chili powder.
  • Reduce the heat of a hot dish.

Go to Mexican Appetizer Recipes

Let’s start with our favorites! These bite-size snacks pair perfectly with our favorite Mexican dishes. All are packed with flavor and use simple ingredients!

Have your favorite taco toppings on hand! We love cilantro, onions, black olives, lettuce, tomato, Guacamole, and Salsa. But you can round up your favorites!

1 Flautas

Appetizer, Main Course Flautas
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 61 votes
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2 Taquitos Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Taquitos Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 923 votes
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3 Nachos Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Nachos Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 1 vote
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4 Cheese Crisp

Main Course, Snack Cheese Crisp
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 34 votes
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5 Bean Dip Recipe

Appetizer Bean Dip Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 378 votes
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6 Cheese Quesadilla

Main Course, Snack Cheese Quesadilla
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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7 Queso Blanco Recipe

Appetizer Queso Blanco Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

4.97 from 93 votes
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8 Jalapeno Poppers Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 54 votes
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9 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe

Appetizer 7 Layer Bean Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 45 votes
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10 Tortilla Chip Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Tortilla Chip Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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11 Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 112 votes
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More Easy Mexican Appetizers

While some of these don’t make as frequent of an appearance, some are just as loved. Shredded chicken quesadillas are on repeat at our house! Try something new or stick to a classic, either way, make sure you have enough!

12 Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe

Appetizer Sausage Stuffed Jalapeños Recipe
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 54 votes
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13 Avocado Taquitos Recipe

Main Course Avocado Taquitos Recipe
Total Time: 11 minutes
4.75 from 12 votes
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14 Quesadilla Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Quesadilla Recipe
Total Time: 12 minutes

Recipe Video

4.96 from 306 votes
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15 Mexican Pinwheels Recipe

Appetizer Mexican Pinwheels Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 230 votes
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16 Mexican Wontons Recipe

Appetizer Mexican Wontons Recipe
Total Time: 18 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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17 Mexican Corn Salad Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 4 votes
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18 Chicken Flautas Recipe

Appetizer, Main Course Chicken Flautas Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 78 votes
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Mexican Dip Recipes

Salsa and dips are a favorite. The trick is keeping them hot or cold.

  • Hot. Use a crock pot or chafing dishes. Serve in a ceramic or glass dish to better retain heat.
  • Cold. Serve on top of a bowl or tray of ice.

For all dips, set out as much as will be eaten in 30 minutes and refill as needed.

19 How to Make Guacamole

Appetizer How to Make Guacamole
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
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20 Hot Corn Dip

Appetizer Hot Corn Dip
Total Time: 30 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 17 votes
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21 Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe

Appetizer Jalapeno Popper Dip Recipe
Total Time: 25 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 9 votes
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22 Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Appetizer Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 14 votes
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23 Taco Dip Recipe

Appetizer Taco Dip Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 13 votes
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24 Mexican Bean Dip

Appetizer, Side Dish Mexican Bean Dip
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 7 votes
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25 Chili’s Skillet Queso Recipe

Appetizer Chili’s Skillet Queso Recipe
Total Time: 12 minutes
5 from 23 votes
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26 Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish Chicken Enchilada Dip Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 10 votes
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27 Tamale Dip Recipe

Appetizer Tamale Dip Recipe
Total Time: 50 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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28 Crock Pot Bean Dip Recipe

Appetizer Crock Pot Bean Dip Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
5 from 40 votes
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29 Hamburger Dip Recipe

Appetizer Hamburger Dip Recipe
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
5 from 52 votes
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30 Black Bean Dip Recipe

Appetizer Black Bean Dip Recipe
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 5 votes
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31 Avocado Lime Ranch Dip Recipe

Appetizer Avocado Lime Ranch Dip Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.93 from 13 votes
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32 Avocado Cream Sauce

Appetizer Avocado Cream Sauce
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 9 votes
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favorite salsas

Chips and salsa make an appearance at almost every family gathering, and we often enjoy them at home during the week. From Pico de Gallo and beyond, enjoy our favorites!

33 Black Bean Corn Salsa

Appetizer Black Bean Corn Salsa
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 17 votes
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34 Corn Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Corn Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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35 Strawberry Salsa

Appetizer Strawberry Salsa
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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36 Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Tomatillo Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 11 votes
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37 Mango Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Mango Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 15 minutes
5 from 12 votes
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38 Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes
5 from 13 votes
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39 Peach Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Peach Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 10 minutes

Recipe Video

5 from 21 votes
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40 Chili’s Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Chili’s Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 3 minutes
4.92 from 46 votes
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41 Salsa Verde Recipe

Appetizer Salsa Verde Recipe
Total Time: 5 minutes

Recipe Video

4.98 from 49 votes
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42 Pineapple Salsa Recipe

Appetizer Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Total Time: 40 minutes
5 from 8 votes
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Mexican Egg Roll, Yum!

Just when you think egg rolls couldn’t get any better, here is a Southwest Egg Roll recipe that will knock your socks off :).

And if you don’t enjoy deep-fried food, no worries. The oven “fries” these southwest egg rolls beautifully. No oil to clean up, no splatters all over your range, no burns, no mess!! Either way you make them, these Southwest egg rolls are a favorite!

Here is the recipe:

5 from 3 votes

40+ Mexican Appetizers

By: Lil’ Luna
This collection of Mexican appetizers contains all the best dips, salsas, and quick and easy appetizers that will perfectly complement your entrees at your next fiesta!
Servings: 8
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 40 minutes

Ingredients 

For the filling:

  • 2 teaspoons canola, avocado or grapeseed oil
  • 1 chicken breast cut into ¼-inch cubes
  • cup frozen or fresh corn
  • 2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons minced green onion
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups loosely packed fresh spinach, chopped into roughly 1 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
  • ¾ cup grated cheddar, colby jack, or pepper jack cheese

For rolling and frying:

  • 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas whole wheat work well too
  • canola oil for frying or baking

Instructions 

For the filling:

  • Add oil to a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and corn once the oil is hot and cook the mixture for about 5 minutes or until it starts to brown.
  • Incorporate the bell pepper, onion, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and cumin into the mixture and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  • Add beans, spinach, and cilantro. Cook just until the spinach has wilted, then remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.

Assembling and frying:

  • Evenly divide the cooked mixture between the tortillas. Carefully roll the tortilla while tucking in the edges to avoid the mixture from coming out into the oil.
  • For pan frying: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add about 1/2 cup of oil to the skillet, and let the oil get hot. Add 4 rolls at a time (seam side down) and fry until all sides are golden brown. Remove and let rest on a paper towel-lined plate before serving. Repeat with the remaining rolls.
  • For oven frying: Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Lightly spray (or brush) all sides of the egg rolls with oil and place seam side down on the prepared sheet. Spray (or brush) the tops of the egg rolls with an extra layer of oil. Place in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. 
  • Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Video

Notes

STORE. Leftover southwest chicken egg rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FREEZE. Wrap each Mexican egg roll with plastic wrap and place them in a Freezer Ziploc. Store them in the freezer for 1- Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 17g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 22mg, Sodium: 613mg, Potassium: 630mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 6305IU, Vitamin C: 24.3mg, Calcium: 198mg, Iron: 3.6mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican
Making this recipe? Tag us!
Share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #lilluna, so we can see what you’re creating in the kitchen!

Appetizers to start the perfect fiesta

We hope you enjoy this list of tasty Mexican appetizers – they are some of our family favorites! Be sure to check out all of our Appetizer Recipes they really help get any party started off right!

More Collections: Mexican Side Dishes, Mexican Beef Recipes, Mexican Casserole Recipes

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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7 Comments

  1. I always make you chicken tacos which are similar to taquitos. I venture out and tried the cream cheese taquitos and the buffalo chicken taquitos, both were so good! in fact as write this I think next time I throw a party ill provide a variety plate that offers each type.

  2. Some of my most favorite food is right here. It’s just so yummy and truly perfect for any occasion. Great for cinco de mayo!

  3. Mexican appetizers are seriously the best!! I make your black bean & corn salsa all the time! It’s always a hit wherever I take it. We make Mexican food quite a bit & your recipes never disappoint!

  4. 5 stars
    I want to thank you so much for the delicious recipes and Ideas. I really enjoy your blog. Virginia