Looking to shake things up on your holiday menu this year? Why not try infusing some festive flair from south of the border? Traditional Mexican recipes are a great way to add some excitement and warmth to your Christmas celebrations, thanks to their bold flavors and aromatic spices. To get you started, we’ve curated a selection of the most delicious and authentic Mexican Christmas recipes for you to make at home.
Pork & Sweet Corn Tamales
Tamales, with their soft, pliable wrappers and savory fillings, can be likened to soft tacos – but with a crucial twist: they’re steamed, which imbues them with an unparalleled moisture. In this recipe, the tamale itself is crafted from corn, while the filling is made rich with pork. This flavor combination is deeply rooted in traditional Mexican cuisine, specifically during Christmas celebrations.
Interestingly, it’s also a popular street food in Southern Mexico, where many vendors proudly peddle their wares.
Red Pozole
Pozole, a staple of Mexican cuisine, boasts a wide range of flavors to tantalize taste buds. This particular rendition, red pozole, combines tender pork in a rich, bold chili broth with an assortment of crunchy vegetables like cabbage and radishes. The finishing touches come in the form of fresh cilantro and creamy avocado, lending a comforting, satisfying quality to each bite.
Meanwhile, the pork itself is incredibly tender, practically melting in the mouth, while a squeeze of zesty lime juice adds a thrilling, citrusy dimension to the dish, elevating it to new heights.
Carne Asada
In Mexico, Carne Asada is a beloved culinary staple that’s taken to new heights in the form of a mouthwatering taqueria. This flavorful dish typically consists of tender and spicy steak, marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and herbs like garlic, chili, cumin, oregano, paprika, and lime. The result is a succulent patty that’s perfectly suited for sizzling in soft taco shells, rather than the more rigid hard shells.
When assembled, each taqueria is finished with a fresh homemade salad and a zesty onion relish that adds a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. For added indulgence, feel free to sprinkle some grated cheese of your choice on top – whether it’s creamy cheddar, melted mozzarella, or crumbly queso fresco, the possibilities are endless.
Conchas
Concha, a quintessential Mexican sweet bread, is a staple in many households, often served as a morning treat or mid-day snack. Its fluffy texture and variety of flavors are reminiscent of brioche, with the added bonus of being shaped into an array of creative forms. This festive bread is a beloved tradition at most Mexican Christmas celebrations, making it a must-know recipe to impress your loved ones. A hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the dough, perfect for the holiday season.
Chicken Pozole Verde
Savor the bold flavors of this chicken-based Mexican Pozole variation, characterized by its vibrant green chili broth and a slow-building heat courtesy of jalapenos. This comforting, nourishing dish requires only an hour’s preparation time, making it an ideal winter warmer. Feel free to customize with your preferred toppings, such as melted cheese, tangy sour cream, creamy avocado, or fresh herbs, to elevate this already satisfying meal.
Beef Tamales
Tamales in a rich beef flavor are a staple in many cultures, and their appeal lies in the harmonious balance of tender beef, crunchy corn dough, and savory spices. The beef filling, infused with bold peppers and pungent garlic, is elevated by the addition of carrots and potatoes, making for a satisfyingly filling treat.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture, it’s essential to use high-quality ground beef, preferably from grass-fed sources.
Aim for a mixture with some marbling – just enough fat to release juices during cooking and keep the meat moist, but not so much that the filling becomes too runny.
Champurrado
Champurrado, a rich and indulgent holiday treat, is a staple of Mexican Christmas celebrations. This velvety drink boasts a deep, complex flavor profile, achieved by combining Mexican chocolate, milk, water, masa harina, cinnamon, and vanilla. Masa harina, a thickening agent commonly used in Mexican recipes like corn dough, gives champurrado its signature thickness.
To replicate the authentic flavor of this beloved beverage, it’s essential to use piloncillo, a whole cane sugar that lends a distinctive caramelized taste.
Chipotle Crusted Tenderloin
A Mexican Christmas staple is the flavorful pork tenderloin, typically seasoned with chipotle for a sweet and spicy crust. This harmonious blend is the perfect accompaniment to the pork’s rich flavor. To allow the flavors to meld together, it’s recommended to let the chipotle seasoning sit on the pork for at least 20 minutes before cooking, but feel free to wait longer if you have the time. For an even spicier kick, simply add more chili powder to taste.
Horchata
In Mexico, horchata is a beloved beverage typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. This unique drink is crafted by blending together soaked rice, lime juice, almonds, and cinnamon, then sweetening it with sugar. The result is a creamy concoction that’s served over ice, boasting an intriguing flavor profile. The starch from the rice acts as a natural thickener, while the nuts contribute to its velvety texture.
For added depth of flavor, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick make for a delightful accompaniment.
Cinnamon Cookies
Indulge in the warm, comforting goodness of traditional Mexican cinnamon cookies, perfectly suited for the festive season. With a buttery and sweet flavor profile, these treats are elevated by the aromatic warmth of spices. Enjoy them on their own, paired with a rich coffee, or complemented by a refreshing cup of horchata or champurrado. The added crunch from the cinnamon sugar coating is the perfect finishing touch – and let’s be honest, who can resist licking those sweet fingers afterwards!
To create these delightful cookies, you’ll need just six essential ingredients.
Yucatan Style Roasted Pork Leg
Consider replacing traditional Christmas pork tenderloin with a slow-roasted pork leg instead. The marinade’s inspiration stems from Yucatan region traditions, with noticeable Caribbean influences. This method results in incredibly tender meat that falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. Once mastered, this recipe unlocks endless possibilities for using the pork meat – from tacos and tamales to pozoles, nachos, and beyond.
Christmas Ponche
Mexican Ponche is a delightful spiced fruit punch that embodies the spirit of Christmas. The unique blend of apples, pears, guavas, and oranges creates an extraordinary flavor profile that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. A medley of spices including cinnamon, hibiscus, tamarind, and cloves adds depth and warmth to the drink, making it a perfect accompaniment for cozying up by the fire or unwinding before bed.
Serve the Ponche in clear mugs garnished with a cinnamon stick to fully appreciate its lovely, warm hue. This festive drink is sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Bacalao A La Vizcaina
In this Mexican-inspired dish, dried and salted cod takes center stage. Despite its Basque Spanish roots, it’s become an integral part of Christmas celebrations in Mexico and other Latin American countries. The key to this stew is a 8-hour soaking process for the cod, after which the rest of the meal comes together quickly – just about an hour.
Alongside the fish, you’ll find a medley of ingredients including hard-boiled eggs, onions, bell peppers, golden raisins, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, capers, and white wine. The flavor profile is rounded out by the pungency of garlic and the subtle note of bay leaves.
Pork Posole
A hearty pork stew is the perfect way to warm up the family on a chilly winter day. This mouthwatering dish boasts tender pork, flavorful sausage, and a medley of savory ingredients like tomatoes, hominy, and spicy jalapeño peppers. The rich base is crafted with chicken stock, then infused with an aromatic blend of garlic, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin.
For an added touch of flair, consider topping it with crispy corn tortilla strips, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced onion, and wedges of zesty lime.
Mexican Wedding Cookies
Traditionally, these scrumptious cookies are a staple at celebrations like weddings, birthdays, and christenings. They’re also a popular treat during Christmas and other special occasions. When you take a bite, the buttery sweetness and subtle hint of cinnamon will transport you to a place of warmth and comfort.
Their signature crumbly texture and softness are achieved through a delicate balance of ingredients, which culminates in an irresistible cookie that’s impossible to stop at just one.
In fact, it’s common to find yourself indulging in seconds or even thirds before you know it.
As the festive season approaches, be sure to whip up a batch (or two) of these delightful cookies to share with friends and family. With their powdered sugar coating adding an extra layer of sweetness, they’re guaranteed to become a hit at any gathering.
Beef Birria
Beef birria, a beloved Mexican recipe, transcends seasonal celebrations, being enjoyed at various occasions such as Christenings, weddings, and baptismal gatherings. This hearty beef broth is not only satisfying on its own but also serves as an excellent filling for tacos and other dishes. Traditionally, it’s paired with white rice, salsa verde, and garnished with fresh cilantro, lime or avocado wedges.
To create this flavorful brew, you’ll need a combination of beef shank and chuck roast, along with a medley of aromatics including onions, two types of peppers, cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds, garlic, oregano, marjoram, salt, and pepper. A splash of white vinegar adds a crucial tanginess, countering the sweetness from the tomatoes and cinnamon. This well-balanced broth is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Bunuelos
In the midst of the festive Mexican Christmas season, bunuelos take center stage as a beloved traditional dessert. These crispy fried dough disks are generously sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, giving them a warm, inviting aroma that’s hard to resist. While they share some similarities with churros in terms of flavor profile, bunuelos have a certain charm all their own – and the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make!
As you work your way through this recipe, the sweet scent of fried dough will waft through your kitchen, transporting you to the merry atmosphere of a fair or carnival. And the fun doesn’t stop there – bunuelos can be paired with a variety of tasty sauces like dulce de leche and chili chocolate for an added layer of indulgence. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try serving them with fresh fruit for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
For many Mexican families, bunuelos are a cherished holiday tradition that’s just as likely to be found at family gatherings as it is on street vendor carts.
Marranitos
These festive pig-shaped cookies are a delightful twist on traditional Christmas treats. Though they may seem unusual in shape, they’re actually a beloved Mexican tradition.
Unlike gingerbread men, these sweet treats don’t contain any actual ginger or cinnamon. Instead, the caramelized color and rich flavor come from molasses sugar.
For a creative spin on this recipe, consider adding some ground ginger to give it an extra boost of warmth.
Alternatively, try substituting milk wash with another glazing method to achieve that signature glossy finish.
Mexican Tea Cookies
Mexican tea cookies, with their crumbly texture and buttery flavor, are sure to become a family favorite. The addition of dulce de leche buttercream takes these treats to the next level, providing a delightful combination of sweet and caramel flavors. The crunchy chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch, while the vanilla-infused dough provides a subtle sweetness. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, and the dulce de leche buttercream makes it feel even more special.
Mexican Flan
Indulge your guests this holiday season with a show-stopping Mexican dessert that’s sure to impress. Our flan recipe is a creamy, set custard masterpiece paired with a rich caramel sauce, requiring only 5 ingredients to prepare. Its elegant appearance and velvety texture make it perfect for serving at the table. For an added touch of festive flair, consider topping it with fresh fruit or experimenting with a twist by adding orange juice and zest to the custard mixture.
Whatever your choice, this dessert is sure to delight.
Pavo Relleno
Savoring the flavors of Mexico, this classic recipe for boneless stuffed turkey offers a delightful twist on traditional holiday fare. By combining ground beef, pork, smoked bacon, and an array of aromatics like almonds, raisins, prunes, wine, and vegetables, the savory stuffing adds depth and complexity to the tender, juicy turkey.
A crowd-pleaser that can be effortlessly sliced and served alongside a variety of complementary side dishes, this Mexican-inspired masterpiece is sure to become a staple at your Christmas gathering.
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
In Mexico, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the sweet indulgence of cookies. Among these festive treats, chocolate crinkle cookies stand out for their soft and chewy texture, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar. A refreshing departure from traditional cinnamon-spiced cookies, these treats are sure to delight chocoholics in your family. For an added twist, consider adding a pinch of chili pepper to the mixture – perfect for those who dare to try something new.
Rosca De Reyes
While this recipe may require a bit more time and effort than some others on this list, it’s well worth the investment for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s sure to be the star of your traditional Mexican Christmas celebration. The vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma of this bread will have your guests swooning as they gather around the table to tear off pieces at will. Its impressive presentation and satisfying texture make it the perfect addition to any holiday gathering.
Chicken Mole
The beloved Mexican dish, renowned for its perfect balance of warmth without overpowering heat, has earned its popularity. This versatility allows it to be paired with a multitude of side dishes, making it a staple at Christmas gatherings. For an even milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of chipotle chili used in the recipe.
Sopaipillas
Sopaipillas are a versatile fried dough delight that can be transformed from sweet to savory depending on the creative fillings and toppings used. While drizzled with honey or dusted with cinnamon sugar, they make for a delectable treat, or when filled with savory ingredients like meat and vegetables, they become a satisfying snack.
One of the most delightful sweet variations is a mixture of cream cheese and powdered sugar infused with a hint of vanilla extract, which surprisingly gives rise to a dessert that rivals the taste of a deep-fried cheesecake.
Salted Cod
In Mexico, salted fish is a beloved Christmas tradition that’s a hit with adults, but may not be suitable for young children due to its bold flavor profile. The dish’s complexity comes from the harmonious balance between the rich tomato flavors and the saltiness of the cod, making it a true delight for those who appreciate strong culinary statements.
Pumpkin Empanadas
Infusing traditional Mexican cuisine with a festive twist, this recipe brings together the warmth of pumpkin and the comfort of sweet, flaky pastry. The lightly spiced filling is enveloped in a tender, crumbly dough that’s perfect for snuggling up by the fireplace with loved ones. With its easy-to-eat, hand-held design, this treat is sure to become a new family tradition.
Summary
Elevate the festive atmosphere by infusing your holiday gatherings with the bold flavors and vibrant spirit of Mexico. These mouth-watering recipes offer a unique way to merge traditional Christmas fare with the zest and excitement of a Mexican fiesta, ensuring a truly unforgettable celebration.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.