MEXICAN RECIPE MENU PLANNING

Like any dinner party you’ll want to plan your menu beforehand. 

  • Decide which dishes you want to make fresh and which dishes can be made ahead of time. (See the individual recipes for more storage and reheating information.)
  • Mix in traditional favorites with a couple new dishes. Be sure to try out the new dishes beforehand to work out any recipe kinks.
  • Use dishes with different flavors and textures.

Typically, for a meal with guests we like to have the following:

  • APPETIZERS – 1-2 (Salsas + Dips can be made ahead of time.)
  • SIDES – 1 (Rice is a great one that can be made ahead and kept WARM in the slow cooker or chafing dish)
  • MAIN DISHES – 1-2 (That can be made ahead of time). Anything Fried is usually made right before serving.
  • DESSERTS – 1 (Usually made ahead of time and extended with ice cream) 😉
MOST POPULAR

MEXICAN DISHES

TIPS FOR PICKING OUT SIDES

Once you have selected your main dishes you can start choosing the side dishes.

  • Use seasonal ingredients if you can. They’re often fresh and cost effective. 
  • Find side dishes that  can be prepped and/or made ahead of time.
  • Be sure to test out new recipes before serving so you can work out any kinks.
  • For 6 or fewer guests have 3-4 different sides, then add one more side for every 5 guests. 
READER FAVORITE

MEXICAN SIDES

Mexican Recipes

What Mexican entrees go well with Mexican desserts? I love all my entrees and all my desserts. I think many of my traditional Mexican entrees like EnchiladasTacos, or Burritos are perfect for serving with these traditional Mexican desserts.

When considering what dessert to make, I tend to factor in how much time I have, what kind of balance I can add, and what kind of atmosphere I’m trying to create.

  • Time. If I’m making a more involved entrée, I will choose a dessert that is easier or can be made ahead of time.
  • Balance. I may want to balance out a heavy meal with a light dessert. If it’s cold outside, I may decide to serve a warm entrée and a warm dessert. Or vice versa to both. If I’m serving more than one dessert, I’ll choose two desserts with different tastes and textures.
  • Atmosphere. I decide if I want to be able to provide a formal sit-down dessert or one I can set out and can be eaten at leisure. 
THE BEST

MEXICAN DESSERTS

For more Desserts

Don’t Forget theSE

We have SO many amazing Mexican recipes here on the site. We’ve organized them for you into different collections to help you find the perfect recipe. Be sure to check them out:

And these:

KRISTYN'S FAVORITES

MEXICAN RECIPES

Naan

1 hr 26 mins

Recipe Video

All Mexican Recipes