What do you do when you’re hosting a party and only have an hour to prepare? Just one little hour? Well, you could do what I did, which was panic slightly, even though you know people are really just coming to see you.
Which leads to the real question: what do you make that’s quick but still wows a crowd? The answer is: these appetizers! Because zesty lime, creamy avocado, and a little bit of spice makes for one heck of a fiesta.
1. Nachos Supreme
Let’s be honest, a party just hits different with a massive tray of nachos supreme. These are piled high with crispy chips, savory beef, pools of melty cheese, beans, and tons of colorful veggies.
It’s pretty much everything you could ever want in nachos. Fun fact time! The very first nachos happened back in 1943. A restaurant manager named Ignacio “El Nacho” Anaya had some guests show up right as he was closing.
He didn’t want to send them away hungry, so he quickly threw together what he had in the kitchen: cheese, tortillas that he fried up until they were crisp, and some pickled jalapenos. He called his creation “Nacho’s Especiales,” and a legend was born.
2. Chicken Enchilada Dip
This dip brings all the goodness of a classic chicken enchilada into one scoopable bowl of heaven! You guys, this stuff is insanely delicious.
Shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and green chilies all get mixed together and baked into the most perfect dip.
This recipe says it makes four servings, but if I’m being completely honest, I could probably take down the whole thing myself. No judgment, please! It’s just that good.
We’re talking rich, savory, and so, so cheesy. I’d bet money it won’t last an hour at your party.
3. Mini-Burritos
These burritos might be on the smaller side, but they pack just as much delicious flavor. Plus, they’re super charming!
Soft, sweet tortillas are stuffed with perfectly seasoned ground beef, cheese, beans, and salsa. It’s such a simple idea, but it totally works. They’re so simple, yet so effective.
4. Elote
Elote is not your everyday grilled corn. It gets smothered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder, creating mind-blowing flavors that are just on another level.
At first, you might think mayo on corn is a weird combo. But trust me, one bite of elote will completely change your mind. It’s sweet, tangy, rich, and spiced with a little bit of chili. It’s the most drool-worthy thing ever.
Plus, it’s a total breeze to make. All you do is smear mayo all over grilled corn on the cob, sprinkle it with cotija cheese, chili powder, and cilantro. A little spritz of lemon juice at the end and, voilà!
5. Black Bean Dip
This black bean dip is packed with nutrition and is so easy to whip up. It’s basically everything you could ask for in a party dip.
It might not be the prettiest dish on the table, but once you get past its looks, you’ll be totally hooked. One spoonful is all it takes! Infused with onions, jalapenos, lime juice, and garlic, it’s unbelievably rich, creamy, and just loaded with flavor!
6. Deep-Fried Guacamole
What in the world is deep-fried guacamole? Well, it’s only the richest, creamiest, most spectacular appetizer to ever exist!
Guacamole is already epic on its own, but this recipe just takes it to a whole other dimension. Bright guacamole gets a coating of crushed chips and is then deep-fried until it’s golden and perfect.
I mean, how brilliant is this idea?! I never would have thought of it, so I am so grateful this recipe exists. You have to try this one.
7. Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips
I know what you’re thinking. Why would I make tortilla chips from scratch when I can just grab a bag from the store?
But if you want to give your friends and family something really special, this is worth the tiny bit of extra effort. And don’t worry, there’s not a lot of work involved here. In fact, these come together in just 15 minutes.
The payoff is super flavorful and addictive chips that also happen to be healthy. That’s right, these guys are baked, not fried, so they aren’t greasy or loaded with calories. You and your friends can snack on them all day guilt-free. Yay!
8. Chicken Taquitos
Shredded chicken and cheese get wrapped up in a soft tortilla and then baked or deep-fried to crispy perfection. Chicken taquitos are a simple Mexican treat that will absolutely blow your taste buds away.
You can enjoy these as they are, or kick things up a notch by piling on your favorite toppings. I’m thinking guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Now that’s a feast! These chicken taquitos are a total snap to make and are ready in just 30 minutes.
9. Jalapeno Popper Dip
This is not just some run-of-the-mill dip. Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and panko breadcrumbs are all mixed together and baked to create a rich, creamy, and completely irresistible dip.
Who needs to stuff individual jalapeno poppers when you can have it all in a dip? The cheeses make it so rich, the breadcrumbs give it a great crispness, and the jalapenos add that perfect spicy kick.
The best part? You can whip this up to 3 days ahead of time. That way, you’re all set for party day!
10. Salsa Verde
If you’ve always just grabbed a jar of salsa verde from the store to top your favorite Mexican dishes, you are seriously missing out! This homemade version is unbelievably refreshing, flavorful, and so addictive.
It’s also a breeze to put together! It’s so easy, but it tastes like it’s packed with a million flavors. All you’ll need are tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
No fancy ingredients required, but you’ll definitely want to use the freshest produce you can find. You should probably double the recipe, because one batch might not even last the day!
Whether you’re having burritos, enchiladas, nachos, or just a bag of chips, it doesn’t matter. This dip will make any of them taste 10 times better.
11. Jicama Fries
Want your fries to have a little sweetness? Say no more! Jicama fries are just as crispy as regular fries, but they have a sweetness you just can’t get from a potato.
Jicama is a root vegetable that’s common in Mexican cooking. It has a crunchy white flesh that tastes a lot like water chestnuts or apples. Unlike potatoes, jicama stays crisp the whole time, even when you fry or bake it.
Enjoy these fries by themselves or dipped in a creamy ranch dressing. Don’t be surprised when they disappear in just a few minutes! This snack is highly addictive.
12. Flautas
Flautas are another super popular Mexican treat that will make your party a guaranteed hit. The recipe is so simple: just place some meat and cheese in a tortilla, wrap it up, and fry it.
There’s nothing complicated about it, but somehow, it works like magic! Frying not only gets the tortilla super crispy but also melts the cheese into gooey perfection.
It’s so good, it’s hard to stop at just one.
13. Peach Strawberry Salsa
This recipe gives your regular salsa a tart, fruity twist. Peaches and strawberries are usually for desserts, right? Who would have thought you could use them in a savory salsa?
The peaches and strawberries bring refreshing, sweet, and tangy flavors to the salsa, making it even more spectacular. The contrast of sweet, savory, and spicy creates a beautiful harmony of flavors in every single bite.
This salsa is perfect with nachos and tacos, but it’s also amazing on salads.
14. Rajas con Crema
Rajas con Crema is a mix of Mexican cream, melted cheese, and onions. It’s a rich and creamy concoction that goes wonderfully with chips or a tortilla!
If you have friends coming over for an impromptu party and have no idea what to serve, this recipe is all you need. It uses the most basic ingredients and only takes 30 minutes!
15. Mini-Chicken Chimichangas
What’s even better than chimichangas? Chimichangas in a bite-sized version! Let me tell you why. While there’s nothing wrong with a regular-sized chimichanga, I just love how this mini-version gives you more tortilla in every bite.
That way, you get more of that sweet, crisp, and chewy tortilla goodness. Stuffed with chicken and pepper jack cheese, these chimichangas are rich and creamy. The sweet tortilla balances out all the flavors perfectly.
Enjoy them as-is or top them with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa to make them a little extra.
16. Chicken Quesadillas
Chicken quesadillas that only need four ingredients and 15 minutes? Yes, please! Quesadillas are probably one of the most popular Mexican dishes out there. I mean, why wouldn’t they be?
They’re rich, cheesy, and so hearty! Soft tortillas are filled with melted cheese and shredded chicken, then pan-fried until they’re golden. This quesadilla recipe might be simple, but it will definitely knock your socks off.
Enjoy it on its own or top it with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole! You’ll have a blast either way.
17. Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno poppers are maybe the most iconic Mexican appetizer, and it’s really no wonder why. A party just isn’t a party without them.
They’re the kind of treat that even people who can’t handle spice can’t resist! This recipe is even better because these jalapeno peppers are baked, not fried, which means they’re free of grease and guilt.
Jalapenos are stuffed with herbed cream cheese, topped with crushed barbeque potato chips, and baked until they are perfect. The chips add a lovely crunch and a smoky twist, too.
18. Mexican Corn Dip
Elote in dip form is such a genius idea! As delicious as elote is, it can be pretty messy to eat. Sure, it’s fun, but it’s not exactly ideal when you’re at a party. So, enter this Mexican corn dip!
It has everything you love about the classic Mexican street corn: juicy corn kernels, mayo, lime juice, cotija cheese, and chili powder. While it’s technically a dip, I definitely won’t judge you if you just eat it with a spoon.
19. Refried Bean Dip
Refried beans make a classic dip that will never let you down. This dip is also super easy to make.
It’s ready in just a few minutes and makes a big batch, which is the perfect formula for a party dip. Serve it with a bag of chips and your guests will go absolutely nuts!
20. Tamale Pie Dip
Chicken tamales in dip form? I’m totally sold! It’s made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, corn, tomatoes, sour cream, garlic, and chili powder.
Just imagine all those amazing components in one dip! It’s the ultimate rich and creamy experience. And you know what’s even better? The fact that it’s so easy to prepare!
I know how complicated tamales can be to make. This dip, on the other hand, is done in under an hour. With this recipe, you can satisfy your tamale cravings in no time!
21. Jalapeno Corn Cakes
Oh man, these corn cakes are the ultimate Mexican snack! The combination of sweet corn and hot jalapenos creates such a perfect balance of flavors, making these corn cakes ridiculously delicious.
They’re pan-fried until golden, which makes these round cakes super crisp and totally addictive. Topped with sour cream or creme fraiche, these golden cakes are rich, buttery, and just pure perfection.