12 Creative Taco Ideas for Your Cinco de Mayo Party

Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to shake up your usual taco routine and try something a little more exciting. Whether you’re hosting a big backyard fiesta or just looking to spice up dinner at home, this collection of creative taco recipes is packed with bold flavors, unexpected twists, and fun toppings.

From smoky grilled fillings to fresh and zesty options, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to make your celebration deliciously memorable.

Street Corn Fried Chicken Tacos

Street Corn Fried Chicken Tacos with Green Chili Rice combine crispy, flavorful fried chicken with the tangy zest of street corn, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and served alongside aromatic green chili rice. This recipe is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Get the Street Corn Fried Chicken Tacos recipe.

Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos

Experience the mouthwatering delight of these quick and easy Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos. You really can’t go wrong with tender, smoky pulled pork nestled in warm tortillas, all accompanied by pico de gallo and a burst of fresh flavors.

Get the Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos recipe.

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Cucumber combine the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki-glazed chicken with the refreshing crunch of cucumber, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.

Get the Teriyaki Chicken Tacos recipe.

Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos

Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos are simple to make in the Instant Pot. You’ll get deliciously tender beef that can be quickly shredded and added to your tacos and burritos. It’s a budget-friendly way to cook.

Get the Instant Pot Shredded Beef Tacos recipe.

Smoked Chicken Tacos

Smoked Chicken Tacos are one of the tastiest things to make when you have leftover smoked chicken. Shredded and piled high on tortillas with all the fixings, these chicken tacos are always a hit. Say goodbye to boring chicken and hello to these amazing smoked chicken tacos with incredible smoky flavor and aroma.

Get the Smoked Chicken Tacos recipe.

Pork Belly Tacos with Crunchy Slaw

These Pork Belly Tacos are so addictive. The pork belly melts in your mouth, while the crunchy slaw adds just the right amount of crunch.

Get the Pork Belly Tacos recipe.

Mini Baked Chicken Tacos

When you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, Mini Baked Chicken Tacos are the way to go. These bite-sized tacos are crispy, cheesy, and filled with tender shredded chicken—making them the perfect snack for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. 

Get the Mini Baked Chicken Tacos recipe.

Instant Pot Birria Tacos

Instant Pot Birria Tacos are made with a rich & flavorful chuck roast that is infused with spices and Mexican chiles in the Instant Pot, then fried in a corn tortilla and served with the rich consommé.

Get the Instant Pot Birria Tacos recipe.

Crunchy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sriracha Sauce

Crispy Shrimp Tacos with Creamy Sriracha Sauce might just become your favorite for taco night, with the crunchy shrimp, avocado, tomato, cabbage and cilantro, topped with a drizzle of spicy sauce.

Get the Crispy Shrimp Tacos recipe.

Smoked Brisket Tacos

Smoked Brisket Tacos are a delicious way to repurpose leftover smoked beef brisket, creating a tasty taco that’s dressed up with quick pickled onions, pico de gallo, cilantro, and Cotija cheese. They’re easy to assemble so they make a perfect weeknight dinner option.

Get the Smoked Brisket Tacos recipe.

Mini Birria Tacos

These bite-sized tacos pack all the bold, savory flavors of traditional birria into a smaller, party-friendly form. With tender, slow-cooked beef, crispy corn tortillas, and a side of rich consommé for dipping, they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Get the Mini Birria Tacos recipe.

Carnitas Tacos

This Mexican Carnitas recipe is about as good as it gets. The tender pieces of pork are like little morsels of savory magic, and they can be used in so many different recipes, making this a very versatile recipe. You can pile the carnitas onto warmed corn tortillas, followed by diced onion or pico de gallo, cilantro and a spritz of lime.

Get the Carnitas Taco recipe.