May 5 is here, and for many people, it is a day to honor the Mexican history and culture. If you have children, you might be looking for some kid-friendly Cinco de Mayo recipes to serve up this year.
The good news is that Mexican and Mexican-inspired dishes have become commonplace in school cafeterias and in restaurant kid's menus all across the country. American children are as familiar with tacos and quesadillas as they are with hamburgers and hot dogs. Chefs are also infusing flavors and ingredients from many different cultures into more mainstream dishes, which makes introducing your kids to traditional meals a lot easier than in the past.
Of course, if you're going to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your kids, you need to explain Cinco de Mayo. And that might mean educating yourself as well. Despite the popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexica's independence from Spain. Rather, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French forces of Napoleon III on May 5, 1862, at the Battle of Puebla. The holiday is primarily observed in Puebla, Mexico where locals gathered for a parade and war reenactment and celebrated with song and dance. Eventually, the holiday made its way to the U.S., and many Americans now use Cinco de Mayo as a day to celebrate Mexican culture in their home.
If you are getting ready to commemorate Cinco de Mayo in your home, here are some kid-friendly, Mexican-inspired recipes you can serve your family this May 5 and year-round.
1
Easy Mexican Tortilla Pinwheels
Kids love finger foods, and A Pretty Life's Mexican tortilla pinwheels will be no exception. These make great appetizers, and they are an easy lunchbox recipe, too.
2
Breakfast Tacos
Who says you can't have tacos for breakfast? Not me. Shake up your kids' sunny-side eggs on Cinco de Mayo with this breakfast taco recipe by A Cozy Kitchen.
3
Puffy Tortillas
You kids will love this easy puffy tortilla recipe from A Spicy Perspective. The flaky tortillas will totally update any dish this Cinco de Mayo.
4
Blueberry Mole With Chicken
Mole is a Mexican sauce that is made from chili peppers, broth, dark chocolate, and spice and Adventures in Cooking has added an ingredient kids and adults alike with love: blueberries. Try this blueberry mole recipe over all of your favorite Mexican dishes.
5
Easy Loaded Chicken Tostada
Tostadas are great for kids because it's a fusion of pizza and tacos. With this loaded chicken tostada recipe from Averie Cooks, your kids can make their own tostadas by adding and subtracting ingredients.
6
Chicken Enchilada Pizza
If your kids are in the mood for an actual pizza on Cinco de Mayo, try Baked By Rachel's chicken enchilada pizza recipe This recipe even outlines how to make the pizza dough.
7
Cilantro Lime Rice
If your kids are anything like mine, they could live on white rice alone. This Cinco de Mayo, change it up a little with this cilantro lime rice recipe from Budget Bytes. It makes a great side dish year-round, too.
8
Sweet Potato, Black Bean & Kale Quesadillas
How do you get your kid to eat veggies and greens? Put it in a quesadilla. This sweet potato, black bean and kale quesadilla recipe by Cook Nourish Bliss is so tasty, they won't even realize they're eating healthy foods this Cinco de Mayo.
9
Creamy Jalapeño Chicken Empanadas
Handheld meals always win kids over like Cooking For Keeps' creamy jalapeño chicken empanadas. If your little one doesn't like spice, leave out the jalapeños.
10
Chili Relleno Dip
This chili relleno dip recipe by Family Fresh Meals will be your go-to appetizer not only for Cinco de Mayo, but for game days and holidays as well. It only has five ingredients and your kids will love to eat it with tortilla chips.
