Margaritas, tortilla chips, salsa; what’s there not to like about a holiday that celebrates spicy Mexican food, warm weather and military conquest (over France, btw).
If you’re planning on feasting with your amigos this weekend, and have been just too busy to actually plan anything here are some easy tips and treats for an impressing (low-effort) spread that is sure to delight.
The Menu
Creamy Restaurant Style Refried Beans (8 minutes)
For smooth, creamy restaurant style refried beans that take no time at all, try Favfamilyrecipes’ Cheater Restaurant Style Refried Beans.
What you’ll need:
- can of refried beans
- sour cream
- hot sauce
- grated cheese
Super-Easy Guacamole (5 minutes)
When it comes to the Do’s and Don’ts of guacamole, there’s only one Don’t — Don’t buy premade. The trick to perfect guacamole is using fresh, ripe avocados. The Do’s: Do take some short cuts (but not with the avocados). For a no-fuzz guacamole that’ll leave your friends oohing and aahing, try this great low carb recipe for Super-Easy Guac.
What you’ll need:
- Avocados
- salt
- jar of salsa
- garlic powder
- lemon or lime juice
- chopped cilantro, chopped onion (optional)
Beef Taco Skillet (25 minutes)
Sure, making plain boring tacos would shed a few minutes off your overall prep time, but consider the extra minutes you’ll spend on this super flavorful Campbell’s skillet recipe as an investment toward your ‘Host With the Most’ championship title.
What you’ll need:
- ground beef
- condensed tomato soup
- picante sauce
- tortillas (cut into recipe or serve as tacos)
- shredded cheese
Libations
Icebergs (5 minutes)*
We’re talking Cinco de Mayo here, people. Of course margaritas and beer are the celebratory drinks of choice. But if you’re aiming to impress, try a new twist on an ol’ favorite….take the two and mix them!! Seriously, the results are AMAZING and refreshing.
You’ll need:
- beer
- frozen margarita (either from blender of ready-made)
* Get the ready-made kind from the freezer section for minimal prep time. Be sure it’s really slushy (frozen) before pouring into the beer to get the floating iceberg effect.
The Mood
Fiesta!!! Nothing says fiesta like the red, white and green that proudly comprise Mexico’s flag. Skip the cheesy décor in favor of chic with just a few simply décor elements:
Festive Paper Lanters
Opt for festive paper lanterns instead of overdone streamers. The switch will say ‘easy style’ vs five-year-old’s birthday party. Check your local dollar store, favorite party supply store or even Ikea for these.
Simple Fiesta Flags
Keep it simple and fun with festive flags for an authentic marketplace feel. And, thanks to Jen at Tatertots & Jello you can skip the work of cutting out the intricate pattern. Here she gives you a pre-made pdf template.
In no time at all you’ll have the makings of a fun Cinco de Mayo bash, and only you’ll know how easy it was to plan.
