Attending a potluck and looking for some amazing Mexican food ideas? Potlucks are a great way to try an assortment of delicious dishes from different cooks. Mexican cuisine is always a crowd-pleaser, with its bold flavors, variety of ingredients, and shareable formats.
In this article, we’ll explore some fantastic Mexican options to make for your next potluck that are sure to be a hit.
Hearty Main Dishes
When it comes to potlucks, hearty main dishes are a must-have. These filling Mexican recipes will leave your friends wanting seconds!
Easy Slow Cooker Carnitas
Juicy, tender pulled pork lightly seasoned with oregano and citrus. Serve carnitas in tortillas or over rice.
- Ingredients: Pork shoulder, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, oregano, cumin
- Cook pork in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours
- Shred pork with two forks and mix in cooking juices
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
A layered casserole with corn tortillas, spiced chicken, beans, and melted cheese.
- Ingredients: Cooked chicken, tortillas, enchilada sauce, black beans, cheese
- Layer tortillas, chicken mixture, and cheese in a baking dish
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes
Chile Verde with Pork
Tender pork in a flavorful, mildly spicy green salsa.
- Ingredients: Pork shoulder, tomatillos, poblano peppers, onion, garlic, cilantro
- Cook pork in instant pot or slow cooker until fall-apart tender
- Shred pork and mix with salsa verde
Crowd-Pleasing Sides
No potluck meal is complete without some delicious sides to complement the main dishes. These Mexican-inspired recipes will be the perfect additions.
Easy Mexican Rice
Fluffy rice flavored with tomato sauce, garlic, and onion.
- Ingredients: White rice, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, chicken broth
- Cook rice with seasonings until liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Grilled corn on the cob slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce and Cotija cheese.
- Ingredients: Corn on the cob, mayonnaise, Mexican crema, Cotija cheese, chili powder
- Grill corn, coat with sauce, and sprinkle with crumbled cheese
Frijoles Charros (Mexican Cowboy Beans)
Hearty pinto beans cooked with bacon, chiles, and beer.
- Ingredients: Pinto beans, bacon, onion, jalapeño, beer
- Simmer beans and seasonings until thick and creamy
Appetizers and Dips
You can’t forget about appetizers and dips! Here are some Mexican-inspired options that will be snapped up quickly.
Guacamole
Creamy avocado dip with lime, cilantro, and onion. Make it mild or spicy!
- Ingredients: Avocados, lime juice, cilantro, onion, jalapeño (optional)
- Mash ingredients together with a fork or blender
Queso Fundido
Ooey-gooey cheese dip with veggies and chorizo.
- Ingredients: Monterey jack and chihuahua cheese, chorizo, poblano peppers
- Melt cheese and mix in chorizo and veggies
Chicken Taquitos
Baked taquitos with shredded chicken, cheese, and chiles.
- Ingredients: Flour tortillas, shredded chicken, pepper jack cheese, green chiles
- Roll up tortillas with filling and bake until crispy
Sweet Endings
Finish off your Mexican feast with something sweet! These desserts will leave your friends wanting more.
Cinnamon Churros
Fried dough tossed in cinnamon sugar.
- Ingredients: Flour, water, butter, eggs, cinnamon sugar
- Pipe dough into hot oil and fry until crispy
Mexican Chocolate Pudding
Rich chocolate pudding spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and chiles.
- Ingredients: Cocoa powder, brown sugar, corn starch, spices
- Heat ingredients together until thickened
Tres Leches Cake
Sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk for maximum moistness.
- Make sponge cake and soak in mixture of evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream
Tips for Serving Your Dishes
- Transport dishes in disposable foil pans or storage containers
- Add serving utensils, napkins, plates, etc.
- Label ingredients for people with allergies
- Keep cold foods chilled on ice or in a cooler
- Reheat hot foods before serving if needed
- Provide a serving spoon or fork for each dish
With these fantastic Mexican food ideas, you’ll have the perfect potluck contribution! From satisfying mains to crowd-pleasing apps and sweets, these recipes check all the boxes. Whip up one or more of these delicious dishes and get ready for the compliments to come rolling in. ¡Buen provecho!
