27 Latin Appetizers for Your Next Party

Updated on Aug. 15, 2024

From classic plantain snacks to authentic Mexican soups, these Latin appetizers are perfect for any fiesta.

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1/27

Pork Taquitos

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These taquitos freeze very well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them anytime. Microwave the tortillas before filling for easier rolling. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 taquito: 155 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
2/27

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Chunks of cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro and avocado combined with shrimp in a tomato base sauce create this refreshing shrimp cocktail that’s bursting with flavors. You’ll even get a little heat from the Tobasco sauce. Serve it with saltine crackers to compliment the sweet tomato flavors. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 105 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
3/27

Nena’s Papas Rellenas

Total Time 50 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: A Cuban classic, these satisfying, crispy-coated potato balls are filled with a savory ground beef mixture known as picadillo. —Nena Linares, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts: 3 potato balls: 224 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 615mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
4/27

Chickaritos

Total Time 50 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: After our son grew fond of a fast-food restaurant’s fried burritos, I created this recipe by substituting beef with chicken and skipping the frying. It’s been a hit with our family ever since! —Nancy Coates, Oro Valley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 213 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
5/27

Southwestern Nachos

Total Time 7 hours 55 min
Servings 30 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
6/27

Chiles Rellenos Squares

Total Time 35 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family requests this chiles rellenos dish regularly—it's easy to prepare and makes a nice hors d'oeuvre or complement to a Mexican or Spanish meal. A friend I worked with shared the recipe with me several years ago. —Fran Carll, Long Beach, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 130 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
7/27

Chicken Tamales

Total Time 3 hours 15 min
Servings 20 tamales
From the Recipe Creator: I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 2 tamales: 564 calories, 35g fat (7g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
8/27

Cuban Sliders

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
9/27

Grilled Guacamole

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 85 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
10/27

Avocado Quesadillas

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Avocados give quesadillas some nutritional value and, fortunately, my son likes them. Thinly slice the avocado, and add chicken or beef for extra protein. —Debbie Limas, North Andover, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 2 quesadillas (calculated without additional pico de gallo): 611 calories, 37g fat (15g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 455mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 12g fiber), 20g protein.
11/27

Shrimp Ceviche

Total Time 25 min
Servings 10 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Ceviche is a seafood recipe of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, which cooks it without heat. This version starts with cooked shrimp and adds tomatoes, cucumbers and serrano peppers. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup (calculated without chips): 61 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
12/27

Mini Phyllo Tacos

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
13/27

Mini Chicken Empanadas

Total Time 45 min
Servings about 2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Refrigerated pie crust makes quick work of assembling these bite-sized appetizers loaded with chicken and cheese. I've made them several times since receiving the recipe from a friend. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 empanada: 81 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 108mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/27

Sopapillas

Total Time 40 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Light, crispy pastry puffs, sopaipillas are a sweet way to round out a spicy meal. We love to serve them warm and to top them off with honey or sugar. —Mary Anne McWhirter, Pearland, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 sopaipilla: 57 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
15/27

Queso Fundido

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Dig in to this one-skillet dip and enjoy the gooey cheese and the spicy kicks from chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 161 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
16/27

Tomatillo Salsa

Total Time 20 min
Servings 2-1/4 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Dare to deviate from tomato salsa and try this tomatillo-based version for a deliciously addictive change of pace. It’s fantastic on its own with tortilla chips or served as a condiment alongside a variety of meats. —Lori Kostecki, Wausau, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 19 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 133mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: free food.
17/27

Grilled Street Corn

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mexican food is my grandmother’s favorite. I wanted a perfect side for her legendary tacos, and this chile-lime grilled corn turned out to be just right. —Ashley Crainshaw, Shawnee, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 ear of corn with about 1 tablespoon sour cream mixture: 143 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
18/27

Chipotle Carnitas

Total Time 10 hours 28 min
Servings 16 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 tostada: 269 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
19/27

Enchilada Meatballs

Total Time 40 min
Servings about 4-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Before I retired, these tasty little treats were popular during snack time at work. They're a good way to use up leftover cornbread. —Mearl Harris, West Plains, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 3 meatballs: 46 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 103mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
20/27

Margarita Granita with Spicy Shrimp

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: While tinkering and tuning up recipes for my spring menu, I came up with a snazzy little appetizer that’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo. It features two favorites: shrimp and margaritas! —Nancy Buchanan, Costa Mesa, California
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup granita with 2 shrimp: 110 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.

21/27

Deviled Eggs

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab.—Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.

22/27

Mexican Chicken Wings

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 2 dozen (3-2/3 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator: I make these spicy appetizers for parties and football games and never have any leftovers. The hot wings contrast nicely with the cool but zippy dip. When the wings run out, we use the extra cilantro dip on tortilla chips. —Barbara McConaughey, Houlton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3 each: 360 calories, 24g fat (12g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1416mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
23/27

Chili-Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: While exploring Mexican restaurants, I tasted chiles rellenos and wanted to make them at home. My husband and I teamed up to create this new favorite recipe, stuffed poblano peppers. —Lorrie Grabczynski, Commerce Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 2 stuffed pepper halves: 496 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 134mg cholesterol, 913mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 40g protein.
24/27

Tangy Turkey Tostadas

Total Time 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I'm a health fitness specialist and personal trainer, so I know how important it is to make smart food choices to fuel my day. These fast and filling tostadas are packed with lean protein, fiber and a good dose of veggies. Have them any night of the week. —Julie Huntington, Memphis, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 2 tostadas: 356 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 25g protein.
25/27

Sweet & Smoky Salsa

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 4 pints
From the Recipe Creator: I love the roasted flavor that grilling gives food, so I decided to make a salsa from grilled vegetables. I think this recipe would also taste great using plum tomatoes. Also, if you can't use wood chip charcoal, you might try adding a little liquid smoke to the salsa while it cooks. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 49 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.
26/27

Rollo de Queso

Total Time 45 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The Bolivian Rollo de Queso is a delightful snack of a light fluffy cheese filling rolled up inside a deliciously rich and slightly crumbly crust. Glazed with an egg wash spiked with aji chili pepper, it was a mainstay for our midafternoon snacks. —Eric Villegas, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
27/27

Restaurant-Style Salsa

Total Time 15 min
Servings 7 cups
From the Recipe Creator: With the help of my food processor, I can have fresh homemade salsa ready in just 15 minutes. The lime juice works wonders in bringing out all the flavors, and you can really taste the cilantro. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 42 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.

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