The Best Recipes for the Day of the Dead Celebration
Dia de los Muertos, or as we call it in English, The Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday that takes place on the first and second days of November. It is held in honour of loved ones who have passed away. However, instead of being a time for mourning, this two day occasion is a true celebration. Altars decorated in momentos, photos, and candles are created for those who have departed, as well as a feast full of some of their favourite dishes. The idea is to encourage the return of the deceased for a reunion with drinks, food, and celebration. These are our favourite recipes to host a Day of the Dead celebration, however, feel free to replace any with what your loved ones enjoyed the most.
If Dia de los Muertos is a celebration that's new to you, this collection of recipes is here to provide some inspiration to help you appreciate and pay respect to this vibrant and valued part of Mexican culture.
This Mexican dish originated in the city of Puebla, and consists of char-grilled chilis with melted cheese inside and a golden, deep-fried batter on the outside. They can be served alone or like this this recipe, with a spicy tomato sauce.
This hearty soup is packed with flavour from the spices, stock, and a medley of vegetables. With two added chicken breasts, it's a Mexican favourite that envelopes the body with a warm, nourished feeling.
3. Guacamole
While there's no denying that guacamole has certainly gone international, it originated with the Aztecs, and to this day is a beloved part of Mexican culture. A dish shared at parties, holidays, and celebrations, guacamole comes in many varieties, whether that be with added mango, spicy bacon, or even pear and pistachio! For the original flavour, try this chunky guacamole or go back to basics with the classic.
This limeade is inspired by a recipe from the Baja California state in Northern Mexico. With zesty, citrusy notes and a sweet hit from agave, this drink is alcohol-free so can be enjoyed by everyone at the table!
5. Margaritas
Margaritas are typically made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, and served in a glass with a salted rim. This is yet another Mexican recipe that has taken the world by storm, and today, they come in every flavour under the sun. For the original taste, try this classic recipe. However, to spice (or sweeten) things up, why not try a mango, strawberry, melon, or our personal favourite: the frozen cactus pear margarita.
This sweet, creamy concoction is a staple at Mexican celebrations and parties. This recipe is made with rice, cinnamon, condensed milk, water, vanilla, and sugar, and is taken from Palapa Joe's restaurant.
'Elote', or in English, 'corn on the cob', is is a very popular street food in Mexico, hence the name. Stick some sweetcorn on the grill and ramp up the flavour with a spicy, cheesy Mexican sauce! For more inspiration (you can never have enough elote), try a version with chilli lime butter or cilantro pesto with cotija cheese!
8. Tamales
Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of corn husks or plantain leaves stuffed with a tasty filling- from meats and cheeses to vegetables and chiles. We love this vegetarian version filled with butternut squash, but for a choice of roasted poblano or guajillo chicken, give this tamales recipe a go.
9. Churros
While this sweet, fried pastry originated in Spain, they're widely enjoyed in Mexico! This recipe is served with a luxurious Mexican chocolate sauce for dipping.
10. Tres Leche Cake
'Tres leches', translating to 'three milks' is a traditional Mexican dessert of an airy sponge cake soaked in, you guessed it, three types of milk. This version is drizzled in a dulce de leche sauce to truly indulge in.
Also known as a taco dorado, rolled taco, or flauta, a taquito is a Mexican dish that typically consists of a small rolled-up tortilla filled with beef, cheese or chicken. The tortilla is then deep-fried for a golden-crunch outer finish. This recipe uses an air-fryer to make a lighter alternative, as well as making them all the more easier to whip up for a crowd. What's more, while the air-fryer is doing its work, you can make a delicious charred salsa to serve alongside.
Pan de muerto plays an integral role during the holiday of Día de los Muertos, serving both as an offering to honour those who have passed as well as a pan dulce (sweet bread) to enjoy during the celebration. The breads are often adorned with two strips of dough on top arranged in a cross pattern — representing crossbones — with a ball of dough in the centre, most commonly representing a skull but sometimes signifying a heart or a tear shed for loved ones. Orange and anise are traditional flavourings, though this recipe makes the anise seeds optional, and decorating with sugar or sesame seeds on top is lovely but also optional!
13. Empanadas
The word empanada comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning to coat in bread. However, what differentiates a Mexican empanada from a Spanish one is that a Mexican recipe is typically made with corn masa dough. Whether you choose a savoury filling like cheesy chicken or opt for a sweet version with banana, these delicious little pastries are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
14. Enchiladas
Unlike empanadas, enchiladas are strictly savoury, but are similarly a beloved Mexican dish. Corn tortillas rolled around a meat or veg filling (rotisserie chicken in this case) and covered with a cheesy, salsa sauce.
A indulgent combination of warm cinnamon, creamy milk and silky chocolate, this Mexican hot chocolate is comfort in a cup. To give the recipe an extra kick, you can also add a dash of cayenne or chile powder!
