Mexican Independence Day Food: 20 Mexican Recipes to Celebrate

Published: Sep 15, 2026 by Gemma · This post may contain affiliate links.

Mexican Independence Day is September 16, but the celebration really begins the night before. If you're planning a Noche Mexicana, gathering with family and friends, or simply want to make a special Mexican meal at home, this collection of Mexican Independence Day Food has 20 recipes to choose from, including pozole, tamales, tostadas, salsas, aguas frescas, and Mexican desserts.

Mexican Independence Day: 20 Mexican Recipes

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Growing up in a Mexican family, holidays have always been as much about gathering around the table as the food itself. That is why this collection features both classic celebration dishes and personal favorites that make a wonderful meal for sharing with family and friends.

Mexican Independence Day Main Dishes

Pozole Blanco

Pozole Blanco is more than just a soup-it's a warm, comforting dish that embodies the heart of Mexican tradition. Made with tender pork, hominy, and a rich, subtly seasoned broth, this version highlights the simplicity and depth of flavors that make this dish so special. With both stovetop and slow cooker instructions, you can choose the method that works best for you. Whether it's for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Bowl of Pozole Blanco with garnishes surrounded by small bowls with various garnishes

Mole Poblano Recipe (Gluten-Free)

This rich and velvety Mole Poblano recipe is naturally gluten-free and full of traditional Mexican flavor. Three types of chiles add gentle heat, Mexican chocolate and brown sugar bring subtle sweetness, and it's perfect over chicken or turkey.

Mole Poblano in a bowl garnished with sesame seeds surrounded by ingredients

Tamales Rojos (Red Chile Pork Tamales)

This recipe for Tamales Rojos-or red chile tamales-highlights the rich, smoky flavors of chile colorado, blending tender shredded pork with a sauce made from earthy guajillo and spicy chile de árbol. Wrapped in light, fluffy homemade masa made from nixtamalized corn, these Mexican tamales are deeply savory with just the right kick of spice. For tamales with authentic, time-honored flavors, this recipe is a must-try.

Mexican tamales rojos on a plate and one tamal unwrapped on a brown plate

Asado de Puerco (Red Chile Stew)

Asado de Puerco is a traditional Mexican pork stew simmered in a rich and robust chile sauce. Learn how to make this delicious dish at home with this easy recipe featuring tender pork and a variety of dried herbs and dried chiles. Packed with flavor, protein, and tradition, this hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special event.

Asado de Puerco in a bowl with a bowl of rice behind it

Enchiladas Rojas with Shredded Beef

There's something truly special about Enchiladas Rojas-a dish that brings together the deep, earthy flavors of dried red chiles and tender, shredded beef, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This authentic dish was a staple in my childhood and remains a favorite to this day. In this recipe, I'll guide you through each step, from preparing the chile sauce to assembling the enchiladas, so you can bring this timeless Mexican comfort food to your table with ease and confidence.

Enchiladas Rojas with shredded beef on a platter

Picadillo con Papas

Picadillo con Papas is a simple, hearty, and comforting traditional Mexican dish. Made with tasty ingredients like ground beef, diced potatoes, carrots, and garlic, and coated in a tomato-based sauce, it is a fast and flavorful entrée and an amazing filling for Mexican favorites like tacos, gorditas, and more.

Bowl of picadillo con papas topped with sliced jalapeños

Antojitos (Small Bites)

Ground Beef Tostadas with Refried Beans

Crispy, flavorful, and customizable, Tostadas de Carne Molida are a classic Mexican dish. These ground beef tostadas are topped with savory, seasoned beef and potatoes, a smooth layer of refried beans, and fresh garnishes that add the perfect finishing touch. They are not only quick, budget-friendly and perfect for weeknights, but also a crowd-pleaser that works for family dinners and gatherings.

Tostadas de Carne Molida on a Mexican plate

Mexican Sopes Recipe

Follow this crispy Mexican Sopes Recipe to learn the step-by step directions and tips to make this traditional dish. Once you master these delicious masa boats, you'll be able to load them up with tasty toppings for a great appetizer, lunch or dinner.

6 cooked sopes on a platter for a sopes recipe

Flautas de Pollo with Jalapeño Sour Cream

Flautas de Pollo are crispy rolled chicken tacos, a classic Mexican recipe made with corn tortillas and shredded chicken. Fried until golden and crunchy, they're easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for using leftover chicken. Serve them with a tangy jalapeño sour cream for the ultimate flavor.

Plate with flautas de pollo drizzled with jalapeño sour cream

Side Dishes

Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice)

A tried and true recipe with tips and detailed steps to help you achieve flavorful and perfectly fluffy Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice).

Arroz Rojo (Mexican Red Rice)

Gluten-Free Mexican Fideo Soup

If you love sopa de fideo but have stayed away because of the gluten, then this recipe is for you! Gluten-Free Mexican Fideo Soup is an easy, traditional Mexican recipe with authentic flavors, but uses gluten-free pasta. It is the perfect Mexican comfort food and a great addition to any weeknight meal.

Bowl of gluten-free Mexican fideo soup garnished with cilantro

Frijoles Refritos (Mexican Refried Beans)

Learn how to master traditional Frijoles Refritos at home. Creamy refried beans, a staple in Mexican cooking, are easy to make, hearty, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible.

Salsas

Salsa Verde Taquera

Perfect for tacos and amazing on just about anything, this easy Mexican Salsa Verde Taquera is incredibly versatile. Made with just 6 ingredients, including tangy tomatillos, fresh jalapeños, and spicy serranos, it's a deliciously zesty and simple salsa, but one that will take your tacos, eggs, burritos, and more to the next level.

Top view of a bowl of Salsa Verde Taquera

Salsa Bandera (Pico De Gallo)

Fresh and spicy Salsa Bandera, also known as pico de gallo, is a classic Mexican salsa. It is a great addition to any Mexican dish, uses only natural, nutritious ingredients and is ready in less than 10 minutes. Use tangy vinegar for a different twist on an old favorite.

Bowl of salsa bandera with a plant and red cloth in the background

Chile de Árbol Salsa (Simple Spicy Tomato Salsa)

This Chile de Árbol Salsa is a simple, spicy Mexican salsa made with boiled tomatoes and dried chile de árbol, blended until smooth and finished with fresh onion and cilantro. It's bold with a fiery-kick and incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry ingredients. This is the kind of everyday salsa that is great with tacos.

Chile de Arbol Salsa

Drinks

Horchata Agua Fresca

Making authentic Horchata Agua Fresca at home is easier than you might think. This cooling rice drink is a traditional Mexican beverage made with only 5 ingredients that comes out sweet, velvety smooth, and with the perfect touch of cinnamon.

Two glasses of horchata agua fresca with a pitcher behind it

Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca

Only 4 simple ingredients are needed to make this classic Mexican Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca. It is light and refreshingly delicious, the perfect drink for the warm weather.

Pitcher and glass with cucumber agua fresca

Pineapple Agua Fresca

Pineapple Agua Fresca is a deliciously simple, tropical drink. Made without sugar, this agua de piña is still refreshingly sweet and amazing during the summer.

Desserts

Arroz con Leche Mexicano (Mexican Rice Pudding)

Arroz con Leche Mexicano is a rich, creamy, and traditional Mexican rice pudding made with long-grain rice, milk, cinnamon, and piloncillo. It is such a comforting, decadent recipe that's perfect for dessert or as a snack.

Birds eye view of two glasses with arroz con leche and two spoons

Gluten-Free Empanadas de Piña (Pineapple Empanadas)

These Gluten-Free Empanadas de Piña are filled with a homemade pineapple filing and baked in a light, buttery, no-yeast crust. Inspired by traditional Mexican-style empanadas they're flaky, perfectly sweetened, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.

Gluten-Free Empanadas de Piña

What is Mexican Independence Day?

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated on September 16, commemorating the start of the fight for independence from Spain in 1810 with the Grito de Dolores, when priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for an uprising against Spanish colonial rule.

Celebrations officially begin the evening before on September 15 (known as Noche Mexicana) with the Grito de Independencia, a ceremonial reenactment of Hidalgo's historic call. People gather in public plazas across Mexico, while families also celebrate at home with music, drinks, and food.

While there is no single official menu, tables are often filled with traditional favorites like pozole, tamales, tostadas, sopes, flautas, and aguas frescas.

More Mexican Recipes

If you're looking for even more Mexican recipes, visit my Authentic Mexican Recipes page for more of the recipes I've shared over the years.

I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.

More Authentic Mexican Recipes

About Gemma

Gemma is the recipe developer, writer and food photographer behind Everyday Latina. Gemma was born in Mexico, but has spent the majority of her life in the United States. She has been sharing recipes since 2018 with an emphasis on her parents' traditional Mexican cuisine and a focus on clean, healthy ingredients. Her goal is to build a community of people who appreciate family, food and culture and, who like her, want to live a healthy, happy everyday life.

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