Cinco de Mayo is one of our favorite “food-friendly” holidays, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious Mexican feast? While this holiday holds historical significance, it’s also the perfect opportunity to celebrate Mexico’s vibrant cultural heritage while indulging in mouthwatering, authentic cuisine.

If you’re planning a workplace fiesta, you’re in luck. We’ve got a lineup of crowd-pleasing Cinco de Mayo food ideas that will take your celebration to the next level.

10 Cinco de Mayo food ideas for the workplace

1. Salsa and guacamole bar with chips

Kick off your office celebration with a customizable salsa and guacamole bar. Set the stage with classic options like pico de gallo and salsa verde, unique choices like mango salsa, and at least one daringly spicy dip for those who like to push boundaries. Anchor the station with a hearty bowl of freshly made guacamole, and add a mountain of crispy tortilla chips for the perfect mix-and-match experience.

2. DIY nacho station

Set up a DIY nacho station that lets everyone create their dream dish. Nachos are all about the layers, so start with plates of crispy chips and offer plenty of toppings including gooey queso, jalapenos, olives, shredded lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream. Consider turning this appetizer into a hearty meal by offering options like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, tofu, and black beans.

3. Mexican street corn (Elote)

Introduce your coworkers to the world of elote, a popular Mexican street food. Grilled corn on the cob is slathered with mayonnaise and then sprinkled with chili powder, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. It’s a treat that’s unique and a bit adventurous, making it a dish everyone will be talking about long after the party has ended.

4. Build-your-own taco bar

Turn your Cinco de Mayo party into an interactive event with creative taco bar catering. Start with hard and soft taco shells and a variety of proteins, like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, black beans, and seasoned tofu. Next, add a mix of toppings including shredded cheese, cotija, diced tomatoes, onions, green chiles, shredded lettuce, and cilantro. Of course, you’ll need the classic taco toppers — sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. 

5. Cheesy enchiladas

Offer a comforting option with some cheesy enchiladas — a Mexican favorite that’s sure to have your colleagues coming back for more. These rolled tortillas are filled with your choice of seasoned meat or vegetables, topped with a rich, creamy sauce, and loaded with melty cheese. They’re easy to keep warm in chafing dishes, making them a stress-free option for office catering.

6. Tamales

Create a truly authentic touch by adding tamales to your Mexican feast. These bundles of masa dough are filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, or vegetables, then steamed inside corn husks or banana leaves. They’re almost as much fun to unwrap as they are to eat — making them a culinary experience your coworkers will love.  

7. Fajita station

Bring some sizzle to your celebration with a fajita station. The aroma of marinated beef or chicken sautéed with bell peppers and onions will draw people in, letting them know the party has officially begun. It’s a fun, hands-on experience where everyone gets to play chef, crafting their dream dishes and discussing their favorite combinations. 

8. Churro dipping station

Satisfy your team’s sweet tooth with a churro dipping station. Start with a pile of warm, crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar. Add a variety of dipping sauces, like rich chocolate, dulce de leche, and creamy vanilla. You could even level up the experience by providing extra toppings like walnuts, toasted coconut, or crushed Oreo cookies.

9. Mexican dessert bar

Showcase Mexico’s sweet side with a traditional dessert bar. Include classic favorites like creamy flan, rice pudding, apple-pie-filled empanadas, and tres leches cake. For a fun twist, offer mini versions of these desserts so your colleagues can sample a variety of flavors. You can also include fresh fruit options like sliced mango or pineapple dusted with chili powder for a sweet-and-spicy kick.

10. Aguas Frescas bar

Tequila may be a no-go during your office celebration, but that doesn’t mean drinks are off the table. Complete the feast with a colorful Aguas Frescas bar, a non-alcoholic alternative that’s sure to be a hit. These traditional Mexican beverages are made from fruits, flowers, or seeds blended with sugar and water. Try the classic horchata (rice and cinnamon) or tropical fruit blends like watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberry, or papaya. 

How to serve Mexican catering in the workplace  

Nailing the setup of your Cinco de Mayo catering can be just as important as the food itself. Follow these quick tips to keep things running smoothly and ensure everyone gets their fill without a hitch:

• Arrange foods in order: Keep the line moving by placing food items in the right order. For build-your-own bars, start with the bases, like tortillas and chips, then put fillings, like meats and tofu. Finally, have all the toppings at the end of the line.
• Pay attention to temperature: Use chafing dishes and ice trays to keep hot foods (like meats) hot and cold foods (like guacamole and sour cream) cold.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Provide separate serving utensils for each dish, side, and topping to avoid cross-contamination. This is critical if you have any team members with food allergies or sensitivities.
• Label every dish: Identify vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options so team members can easily create a meal that meets their needs.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with authentic Mexican catering

These Cinco de Mayo food ideas are sure to take your celebration to the next level. And ezCater is here to help you find the perfect caterer — from taco catering to a full Mexican spread. Start exploring the top Mexican catering restaurants on our platform, and get ready to let the fiesta come to you.