Best Mexican menu ideas for a supper

Looking for some delicious Mexican menu ideas for your next supper? Look no further! Our article has compiled the best recipes for a mouth-watering Mexican feast, from classic tacos to flavorful enchiladas.

March 28, 2023

Planning a Mexican-themed supper can be an exciting way to explore the flavors, textures, and aromas of this vibrant cuisine. From appetizers to desserts, this guide will provide you with everything you need to create an unforgettable dining experience for your guests.

Setting the scene for a Mexican supper

Creating the perfect atmosphere for your Mexican supper is an essential part of ensuring your guests have an unforgettable experience. From décor to music, there are several ways to immerse your guests in the rich culture of Mexico and set the stage for a memorable meal.

Choosing the right ambiance and décor

When it comes to creating the perfect ambiance for your Mexican supper, think bright colors, lively patterns, and festive decorations. Set the table with colorful tablecloths, traditional Mexican pottery or Talavera plates, and add some vibrantly hued napkins to complete the look.

For an extra touch of authenticity, consider incorporating some traditional Mexican elements into your décor. For example, you could place a few cacti or succulents on the table or around the room, or hang some sombreros on the wall. You could even create a DIY piñata centerpiece for the table that your guests can take turns breaking open later in the evening.

Decorate the space with papel picado banners, mini piñatas, and strings of Mexican-themed fairy lights to give your supper the lively atmosphere it deserves. You could also scatter some maracas or other percussion instruments around the room for guests to grab and play with throughout the night.

Creating a Mexican-inspired playlist

No Mexican supper is complete without a soundtrack to accompany the festivities. Curate a playlist of traditional Mexican music and popular contemporary songs that will keep your guests entertained and set the mood for the evening.

From mariachi to cumbia and reggaeton, there's a wealth of music to choose from that will have everyone up and dancing between courses. You could even consider hiring a live mariachi band to perform during the meal for an even more immersive experience.

Don't forget to include some classic Mexican songs that everyone will recognize, like "La Bamba" or "Cielito Lindo." And if you're feeling adventurous, throw in some Spanish-language pop hits or remixes of popular songs that have a Latin flair.

With the right ambiance, décor, and music, your Mexican supper is sure to be a hit. So break out the tequila and get ready to fiesta!

Appetizers to kick off the evening

Starting the evening off with some delicious appetizers is a great way to get your guests excited for the meal ahead. Here are a few crowd-pleasing Mexican starters that are sure to delight the taste buds and set the tone for the courses to follow.

Classic guacamole and chips

Guacamole is a staple at any Mexican gathering, and for good reason. Made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and a blend of spices, this flavorful dip pairs beautifully with crispy tortilla chips. For an extra kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or serranos to the mix. And if you want to get really fancy, try topping the guacamole with some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese.

Spicy shrimp ceviche

A zesty seafood dish, ceviche combines fresh shrimp, lime and lemon juice, tomato, onion, cilantro, and avocado for a light and refreshing starter. Served chilled, this delicacy will awaken the palate and prepare your guests for the main course. To make it even more interesting, you can experiment with different types of seafood, such as scallops or octopus, or add some diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.

Cheesy queso fundido

This warm, gooey cheese dip is perfect for sharing among friends. Made with a blend of Mexican cheeses, such as Oaxaca or Chihuahua, and often served with chorizo or roasted poblano peppers, queso fundido is a decadent appetizer best enjoyed with warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips. You can also customize the dip by adding some diced tomatoes, onions, or jalapenos, or by using different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or queso blanco.

Chips and salsa

No Mexican meal is complete without a bowl of fresh, homemade salsa. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, chunky or smooth, there are countless variations of this classic dip. Some popular ingredients include tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and of course, chili peppers. You can also experiment with different types of salsa, such as salsa roja, salsa negra, or salsa de arbol, to add some variety to your appetizer spread.

Empanadas

These savory pastries are a staple of Latin American cuisine, and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetables. They are typically baked or fried until golden brown and crispy, and can be served with a side of salsa or guacamole. For a fun twist, you can even make mini empanadas and serve them as a finger food.

Main course options for a satisfying meal

Your main course should be the star of the show, offering a variety of flavors and textures to please everyone's palate. Here are some delicious Mexican entrées that will leave your guests craving more.

Chicken enchiladas with green sauce

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat and smothered in a flavorful sauce. In this version, tender shredded chicken is wrapped in tortillas and covered with a tangy green tomatillo salsa, then baked to perfection with a generous layer of melted cheese on top. Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro for a satisfying entrée.

Slow-cooked beef barbacoa tacos

Tacos are a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any Mexican supper. Slow-cooked beef barbacoa, made with juicy and tender shredded beef in a savory sauce, is a perfect filling for soft corn tortillas. Provide toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and lime wedges for a customizable taco experience.

Vegetarian stuffed poblano peppers

For a vegetarian-friendly main course, consider these delicious stuffed poblano peppers filled with a mixture of quinoa, black beans, corn, and cheese. Drizzled with a spicy tomato-based sauce, these stuffed peppers are baked until tender and are a comforting and satisfying choice for your guests.

Grilled fish with mango salsa

For a lighter option, serve marinated grilled fish, such as mahi-mahi or tilapia, topped with a refreshing mango salsa. This fruity condiment, made with ripe mangoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, adds a tropical flair to your meal and perfectly complements the tender, flaky fish.

Sides to complement your main dishes

No Mexican supper is complete without an array of scrumptious sides to round out the meal. These options will provide a balance of flavors and textures to enhance your main courses.

Mexican rice and beans

Mexican rice, a zesty and flavorful dish made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth, pairs beautifully with tender black or pinto beans simmered with aromatic spices. These staples are not only delicious, but also provide a comforting and filling accompaniment to any entrée.

Esquites (Mexican street corn salad)

This bright and tangy corn salad is packed with flavor from roasted corn, lime juice, chili powder, mayonnaise, cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Esquites is a unique and delicious side dish that will add a pop of color and fresh taste to your Mexican supper.

Jicama and orange salad

For a refreshing and palate-cleansing side, serve a jicama and orange salad. This light and crisp dish features thin slices of jicama and oranges dressed with lime juice, jalapeño, and a touch of honey, then garnished with fresh mint. It's the perfect contrast to some of the heavier, spicier dishes on your menu.

Delectable desserts to end the night

A sweet and satisfying dessert is the perfect way to end your Mexican supper on a high note. Here are a few irresistible options that will have your guests raving about the meal from start to finish.

Churros with chocolate dipping sauce

Churros are a classic Mexican dessert that will delight your guests. These light and crispy fried dough pastries are sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served alongside a rich and velvety chocolate dipping sauce, making for a delightful and indulgent treat.

Tres leches cake

This moist and delicious sponge cake is soaked in a mixture of three types of milk – evaporated milk, condensed milk, and heavy cream – giving it a mouthwatering, creamy texture. Topped with a light whipped cream frosting and fresh fruit, tres leches cake is a luscious and satisfying dessert that's perfect for any Mexican supper.

Sopapillas with honey

Another delightful dessert option is sopapillas, fried pastry pillows that are light, airy, and perfect for drizzling with honey or dusting with powdered sugar. These sweet treats offer a comforting way to end your meal and can be enhanced with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for an extra decadent touch.

With these thoughtfully curated Mexican menu ideas, your supper is sure to be a memorable and flavorful experience for all. Buen provecho!

Hire a local private chef for your special occasion. They buy the ingredients, cook and do the washing up.
Prices start at £30/head. Search here.

Win a dinner party

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
🎉 Win a dinner party for you and 5 friends. Join our news letter to enter the draw