Traditional Mexican Food for the Holidays

As the holidays approach, it’s time to start looking up new Christmas food ideas. Instead of serving the same turkey and ham as last year, spice things up with authentic Mexican food for the holidays. Warm and hearty stews, savory drinks, and sweet pastries are some of the traditional Mexican food options abuelas across Mexico will be preparing for the big Christmas Eve dinner, and you can too. Create new Mexican holiday food traditions when you add these classic favorites to your Christmas menu.

Pozole

Pozole is a festive Mexican food that is served at many different holidays. A flavorful stew of hominy and pork or chicken, its warmth and heartiness make it the perfect authentic Mexican food for a chilly evening. There’s no single recipe for this festive Mexican food: some have chicken, some have a chile broth, and some have no meat at all. Individuals can customize their bowl with onions, cabbage, and salsas on top. For a quick and comforting winter dinner, you can even make your pozole in a slow cooker. 

Tamales

While they’re served all year round, tamales are always on a traditional Mexican Christmas table. This Mexican Christmas food is made from masa dough steamed inside corn husks. The dough is naturally gluten free and can be stuffed with vegetables, meat, and cheese. If you’re looking for Mexican Christmas food ideas that will appeal to those with different dietary restrictions, tamales are the most versatile festive Mexican food.

Chilaquiles

When it comes to authentic Mexican food, chilaquiles are one of the most popular breakfast options. Since they’re quick and easy to make, you can easily cook up a skillet of chilaquiles for a traditional Mexican Christmas breakfast. Simply cook tortilla chips in homemade salsa until the chips are soft, and then top them with eggs, shredded chicken, sour cream, and queso fresco. 

Ponche

One of the most aromatic Mexican holiday food traditions is ponche, a rich punch made with pears, apples, guavas, oranges, cloves, cinnamon, sugar, and any other holiday fruits and spices. As your house fills with the aroma of traditional Mexican Christmas ponche simmering over the fire, you can visit with friends and families. To serve, ladle ponche into mugs and add a splash of rum or brandy for extra holiday cheer. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate

To finish off an evening of traditional Mexican food, nothing is sweeter or more classic than a mug of hot chocolate. Mexican hot chocolate, like Ibarra, is made with domestic cocoa and has a touch of cinnamon for that distinctly Mexican flavor. On a snowy night, this is a quick treat that will warm your hands and heart.

Bunuelos

While some bakeries design elaborate bunuelos shaped like stars and snowflakes, you probably already have everything you need to make this traditional Mexican food in your pantry. The simple dough made from flour, water, and salt is rolled out into a small disc, fried, and coated with cinnamon sugar. As the dough fries, it will puff up a bit, and the smell of sprinkled cinnamon sugar will fill your home with warmth and joy.

Mexican holiday food traditions range from the sweet to the savory and spicy, and adding something new from south of the border to your holiday spread is one of the best Christmas food ideas this year. Start a new tradition this year with Mexican Christmas food for the holidays.