30 Recipes for Mexican Christmas Food

Chicken Tamales

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

Pozole

This spicy stew-like soup is traditionally served in New Mexico at holiday time to celebrate life’s blessings, but pozole is good any time of year. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Farmers Market Enchiladas

These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand: yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn—all taste great! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These buttery, powdered sugar-coated, nutty Mexican wedding cookies are a must-bake holiday treat.

Sopapillas

A quick dough for sopapillas can be made with very few ingredients. The light, crispy pastry puffs are wonderful served with honey.

Slow-Cooker Carne Asada

Homemade carne asada is a breeze to make in the slow cooker, which renders tender steak in a flavorful sauce, ready to fill tortillas. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Homemade Churros

These fried cinnamon-sugar homemade churros are best when fresh and hot. Try them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people start dunking...and then go back for more.

Mexican Pork

The first time I made this dish, it was a hit with everyone in my family, both young and old. Serve with black beans and white rice, or use as meat for tacos, enchiladas or tamales! —Amy Vazquez, Brandon, Mississippi

Conchas

Concha (Mexican sweet bread) is a breakfast or snack pastry found all over Mexico. It has a fluffy brioche-like dough with a crispy streusel topping, scored to resemble a shell. The pastry can come in a variety of colors and other shapes, but I prefer the plain and chocolate streusel. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Horchata

In this Horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Dairy Freed

Mexican Cinnamon Cookies

My extended family shares a meal every Sunday. The aunts and uncles take turns bringing everything from main dishes to desserts like this traditional Mexican cinnamon cookie called reganadas. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you’re looking for more recipes, then try making Mexican buñuelos.

Tea Cakes

When you're ready for a tea or coffee break, have these tea cakes ready. You won't be able to forget their soft centers and buttery vanilla flavor.

Flan de Queso

A creamy, cheesy dessert with homemade caramel sauce on top? Count us in! This Puerto Rican specialty offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors and is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Mexican Buñuelos

Bunuelos are a delicious and tasty fried Mexican treat. They are popular during the holidays but are good to eat any time of the year. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Beef Birria

Served in bowls with a scoop of its own red chile broth, this delicacy from Jalisco is considered a celebratory dish. —Ericka Sanchez, Los Angeles, California

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Cold winter days beg for a sweet, warming and creamy beverage, but this Mexican hot chocolate recipe does even better. You’ll love the spicy aromas and touch of dark chocolate bitterness in every frothy cup.

Chicken Mole

If you’re not familiar with chicken mole (pronounced mo-LAY), don’t be afraid of this versatile Mexican sauce. I love sharing this chicken mole recipe because it’s a great one to experiment with. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana

Easy Tres Leches Cake

When we come across a cake recipe described as “easy” that's also a contest-winner, you know we'll be running out to get the ingredients! Thankfully, this easy tres leches cake cuts down on a few ingredients by starting with a simple box of cake mix.

Mini Chicken Empanadas

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

Slow-Cooked Beef Enchiladas

Enchiladas get a beefy boost of goodness from slow-cooked roast. When the meat is done, assemble with tortillas and bake. Top with lettuce and tomatoes if desired. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Chipotle Carnitas

These chipotle carnitas are a great way to feed a crowd with minimal effort. Though the cooking time is long, the hands-on prep time is brief, and clean-up is a breeze. The tender, slow-cooked pulled pork can be used for tostadas, tacos, burritos and more.

Chicken Chalupa

Forget everything you've learned from Taco Bell. Our chicken chalupa recipe is a lighter version of the traditional Mexican dish, with seasoned shredded chicken baked on top of a crispy corn tortilla shell.

Green Chile Ribs

I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos. —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado

Mole Poblano

You’ll love this rich, thick mole sauce with it’s authentic flavor. The result is well worth the prep. mdash; Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fresh Lime Margaritas

This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Quick Tacos al Pastor

We loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas

Mexican Chocolate Sugar Crisps

My grandma loved these so much, she would hide them from my grandpa! I think of her every time I make a batch. Like Mexican spice? Try stirring in a little chili powder. —Michele Lovio, Thousand Oaks, California

Baked Beans Mole

My son and husband love this hearty side dish. It's quick and easy to prepare but yet so flavorful. Chocolate, chili and honey mingle to create a rich, savory flavor that's not too spicy and not too sweet. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Arroz con Leche

Sweet and simple, this arroz con leche recipe is real comfort food in any language. You’ll love the warm raisin and cinnamon flavors. It’s great served cold, too. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

Baked Chicken Fajitas

These baked chicken fajitas are one of our top-rated chicken dinners for a reason. Cooks rave about the easy prep, robust flavor and effortless cleanup—everything we want in a weeknight dinner!

Mexican Christmas Food FAQ

How is Christmas celebrated in Mexico?

In Mexico, drinks like atole, ponche and rompope are common and constantly flowing during the Christmas season. The food is more regional. In central Mexico, people celebrate with romeritos (seasoned greens) and bacalao (codfish stew). In southern states like Puebla and Oaxaca, mole is a popular dish. There’s also pavo relleno (stuffed turkey), mole, pozole and tamales, all of which change slightly in preparation and ingredients across the country.

Rosca de Reyes is another culinary tradition, celebrated 12 days after Christmas. Families make (or buy) a ring-shaped cake that hides away a baby Jesus figurine. Whoever is served the slice containing the baby Jesus is charged with the task of making tamales for the whole family on la fiesta de Candelaria, celebrated on February 2.

What is the most traditional Christmas dessert?

A handful of desserts commonly pop up during this season: buñuelos, roasted marshmallows covered in chocolate, caramelized pumpkin, flan and apple salad. Mexican-style buñuelos are a kind of fritter, typically dusted in sugar and cinnamon. Apple salad is very popular; it’s made with nuts and assorted fresh and dry fruits. A velvety sauce made with condensed milk and sour cream tops it all off.