14 Traditional Mexican Christmas Dinner Recipe Ideas

Mexican Christmas celebrations bring families together with incredible flavors and time-honored traditions. These festive dishes create magical holiday memories around the dinner table.

From sweet cinnamon treats to savory tamales, these authentic recipes will transform your Christmas into a delicious Mexican fiesta everyone will remember.

01. Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos

Crispy fried dough rounds dusted with sweet cinnamon sugar. These traditional holiday treats fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons butter (melted), 1 large egg, ¾ cup warm milk, vegetable oil for frying, 1 cup sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons cinnamon.

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Buñuelos

1. Mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Create a well in center and add melted butter, beaten egg, and warm milk. Stir until a soft dough forms, then knead on floured surface for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Divide dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Cover with damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes. This resting time makes the dough easier to roll out thin.

3. Roll each ball into paper-thin circles about 8 inches across. Heat 2 inches of oil in large skillet to 375°F. Fry one buñuelo at a time until golden brown and crispy, about 1 minute per side.

4. Drain on paper towels briefly, then immediately sprinkle both sides generously with cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm. The heat helps the sugar stick perfectly to create that classic sweet coating.

02. Slow Cooker Pozole

Hearty Mexican soup with tender pork and hominy in rich red broth. This authentic comfort food makes feeding a crowd absolutely effortless.

Ingredients: 3 pounds pork shoulder (cubed), 2 cans white hominy (drained), 6 dried guajillo chiles, 3 dried ancho chiles, 1 white onion (quartered), 4 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon oregano, 6 cups chicken broth.

How To Make Slow Cooker Pozole

1. Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles, then toast them in a dry skillet for 2 minutes until fragrant. Place toasted chiles in bowl and cover with hot water for 20 minutes until softened completely.

2. Blend softened chiles with soaking liquid, onion, garlic, salt, and oregano until completely smooth. Strain this red chile sauce through fine mesh strainer to remove any remaining bits for silky texture.

3. Place cubed pork shoulder in slow cooker and pour strained chile sauce over meat. Add chicken broth and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly throughout.

4. Cook on low heat for 6 hours until pork shreds easily with fork. Add drained hominy during last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Serve hot with chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, shredded cabbage, lime wedges, and crispy tostadas for authentic Mexican presentation that lets everyone customize their bowl.

03. Rich Chocolate Champurrado

Thick, warming Mexican hot chocolate made with corn masa and cinnamon. This ancient Aztec-inspired drink brings cozy comfort to cold winter nights.

Ingredients: 4 cups whole milk, 1 cup water, ½ cup masa harina, 3 ounces Mexican chocolate (chopped), 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 cinnamon stick, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch of salt.

How To Make Rich Chocolate Champurrado

1. Whisk masa harina with 1 cup water in small bowl until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This mixture needs to be perfectly smooth or your champurrado will have gritty texture.

2. Heat milk in large saucepan over medium heat with cinnamon stick until steaming but not boiling. Remove cinnamon stick and gradually whisk in masa mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

3. Add chopped Mexican chocolate, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt to the pot. Continue whisking constantly while simmering for 15 minutes until mixture thickens to consistency of heavy cream.

4. The champurrado is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has rich, velvety texture. Serve immediately in warm mugs, whisking briefly before each serving since it tends to settle.

04. Chipotle Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Smoky, spicy pork tenderloin with bold chipotle flavors. This impressive main dish delivers restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple preparation.

Ingredients: 2 pork tenderloins (1 pound each), 3 chipotle chiles in adobo (minced), 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper.

How To Make Chipotle Crusted Pork Tenderloin

1. Pat pork tenderloins completely dry with paper towels and trim any visible silver skin. Season generously with salt and pepper, then let come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Mix minced chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder in small bowl to create thick paste. Rub this spicy mixture all over both tenderloins, coating every surface evenly.

3. Heat oven to 425°F and heat oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tenderloins on all sides until deep golden brown, about 8 minutes total, turning every 2 minutes for even browning.

4. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

05. Bacalao a la Vizcaina

Traditional Spanish-style codfish stew with tomatoes and peppers. This festive dish brings Old World flavors to your Mexican Christmas celebration.

Ingredients: 2 pounds salt cod (soaked overnight), 2 large tomatoes (chopped), 1 red bell pepper (sliced), 1 green bell pepper (sliced), 1 large onion (sliced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), ½ cup olive oil, ¼ cup capers, 2 bay leaves.

How To Make Bacalao a la Vizcaina

1. Drain soaked salt cod and rinse under cold water. Remove any bones and skin, then break fish into large flakes. The soaking removes excess salt while keeping the fish tender and flaky.

2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant.

3. Add chopped tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, capers, and bay leaves to skillet. Simmer this sofrito base for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender and flavors meld together beautifully.

4. Gently fold flaked cod into vegetable mixture and simmer 10 minutes until fish is heated through and absorbs all the wonderful flavors.

5. Remove bay leaves before serving. The finished stew should have tender fish surrounded by rich, flavorful vegetables that create the perfect balance of textures and tastes.

06. Mexican Christmas Punch

Warm spiced fruit punch loaded with seasonal fruits and cinnamon. This traditional holiday drink fills your home with incredible festive aromas.

Ingredients: 8 cups water, 2 oranges (peeled and sectioned), 2 apples (cored and chopped), 2 pears (cored and chopped), 1 cup fresh cranberries, 4 cinnamon sticks, 6 whole cloves, ½ cup brown sugar, rum (optional).

How To Make Mexican Christmas Punch

1. Combine water, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves in large pot. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes to create aromatic spiced base for your punch.

2. Add brown sugar and stir until completely dissolved. The sugar balances the tartness of the fruits while enhancing all the warm spice flavors beautifully.

3. Add orange sections, chopped apples, chopped pears, and fresh cranberries to the simmering liquid. Cook gently for 20 minutes until fruits are tender but still hold their shape.

4. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Serve hot in mugs with some of the cooked fruit in each serving. Add splash of rum for adults if desired.

07. Molasses Marranitos Cookies

Soft pig-shaped cookies flavored with molasses and warm spices. These beloved Mexican bakery treats bring sweet childhood memories to every bite.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, ½ cup butter (softened), ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup molasses, 1 large egg, ¼ cup milk.

How To Make Molasses Marranitos Cookies

1. Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in medium bowl. These warm spices create the signature flavor that makes marranitos so special and aromatic.

2. Cream softened butter and brown sugar in large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses and egg until well combined, then alternate adding flour mixture and milk until soft dough forms.

3. Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate 2 hours until firm enough to roll. This chilling step prevents cookies from spreading too much during baking.

4. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface. Cut with pig-shaped cookie cutters or create your own template. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.

5. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Cool completely on baking sheets before removing to maintain their perfect tender texture.

08. Kings Day Sweet Bread Ring

Festive sweet bread decorated with colorful fruits and sugar. This traditional ring-shaped bread celebrates Three Kings Day with beautiful presentation and delicious flavor.

Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour, ½ cup sugar, 2 teaspoons active dry yeast, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ cup warm milk, 4 large eggs, ½ cup butter (softened), candied fruits for decoration, coarse sugar for sprinkling.

How To Make Kings Day Sweet Bread Ring

1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk with 1 tablespoon sugar. Let stand 5 minutes until foamy. This proves your yeast is active and will create proper rise in the bread.

2. Mix flour, remaining sugar, and salt in large bowl. Create well in center and add yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and softened butter. Mix until shaggy dough forms.

3. Knead dough on floured surface for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour until doubled in size.

4. Punch down dough and shape into long rope. Form into ring on parchment-lined baking sheet, pinching ends together securely. Cover and let rise 45 minutes until puffy.

5. Brush with beaten egg and decorate with candied fruits pressed gently into surface. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for sparkly finish.

6. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool completely before slicing to serve this beautiful traditional bread.

09. Taqueria Style Carne Asada Tacos

Authentic grilled beef tacos served on soft corn tortillas. These street-style tacos bring the real flavors of Mexico to your Christmas table.

Ingredients: 2 pounds flank steak, ¼ cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 3 garlic cloves (minced), 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper, corn tortillas, white onion (diced), fresh cilantro (chopped).

How To Make Taqueria Style Carne Asada Tacos

1. Whisk together orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create flavorful marinade. The citrus acids tenderize the meat while adding bright flavor.

2. Place flank steak in shallow dish and pour marinade over meat, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor penetration.

3. Remove steak from marinade and let come to room temperature 30 minutes before grilling. Heat grill or grill pan to high heat and cook steak 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

4. Let grilled steak rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. This cutting technique ensures tender, easy-to-chew pieces perfect for tacos.

5. Warm corn tortillas on dry skillet until pliable and lightly charred. Fill with sliced carne asada and top with diced white onion and fresh cilantro for authentic presentation.

10. Spiced Pork Tenderloin

Tender pork seasoned with Mexican spices and chili powder. This flavorful main dish showcases why pork is the preferred holiday meat in Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients: 2 pork tenderloins, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons olive oil.

How To Make Spiced Pork Tenderloin

1. Pat pork tenderloins dry and trim any silver skin. Let meat come to room temperature for 30 minutes, which ensures even cooking throughout the tenderloin.

2. Combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in small bowl. This spice blend creates the perfect Mexican flavor profile.

3. Rub olive oil all over tenderloins, then coat completely with spice mixture, pressing gently to help seasonings adhere to the meat surface.

4. Heat oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear tenderloins on all sides until golden brown crust forms, about 6-8 minutes total turning frequently.

5. Transfer skillet to 400°F oven and roast 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Rest 5 minutes before slicing to maintain juicy, tender texture.

11. Red Pork Tamales

Traditional masa tamales filled with spicy pork in red chile sauce. These labor-intensive treats make Mexican Christmas celebrations extra special and memorable.

Ingredients: 2 pounds pork shoulder, 6 dried guajillo chiles, 3 dried ancho chiles, 2 cups masa harina, 1 cup lard or shortening, 2 teaspoons baking powder, salt, corn husks (soaked), chicken broth as needed.

How To Make Red Pork Tamales

1. Cook pork shoulder in salted water until tender, about 2 hours. Reserve cooking liquid and shred meat when cool enough to handle. This slow cooking creates incredibly tender filling.

2. Toast dried chiles in dry skillet until fragrant, then soak in hot water 20 minutes. Blend with soaking liquid until smooth, then strain to remove seeds and skins.

3. Simmer shredded pork with strained chile sauce for 30 minutes until meat absorbs flavors and mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.

4. Beat lard until fluffy, then gradually add masa harina, baking powder, salt, and enough warm broth to create spreadable consistency. Properly beaten masa will float in water.

5. Spread masa on smooth side of soaked corn husks, add pork filling, and fold husks securely. Steam upright for 60-90 minutes until masa pulls away from husk easily.

6. Let tamales rest 10 minutes before serving. The finished tamales should have tender masa surrounding flavorful, spicy pork filling that makes every bite absolutely perfect.

12. Poblano and Cheese Tamales

Vegetarian tamales stuffed with roasted poblanos and melted cheese. These authentic tamales offer delicious alternative to meat-filled versions while maintaining traditional flavors.

Ingredients: 4 large poblano peppers, 2 cups masa harina, 1 cup vegetable shortening, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded), salt, corn husks (soaked), warm vegetable broth as needed.

How To Make Poblano and Cheese Tamales

1. Roast poblano peppers over open flame or under broiler until skin is charred all over. Place in plastic bag for 10 minutes to steam, making skin removal easier.

2. Peel charred skin from poblanos, remove seeds, and slice into thin strips. The roasting process adds smoky flavor that makes these tamales incredibly delicious.

3. Beat shortening until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Gradually add masa harina, baking powder, salt, and warm broth until smooth, spreadable consistency forms.

4. Spread masa mixture on smooth side of soaked corn husks. Add poblano strips and generous sprinkle of shredded cheese down center of masa.

5. Fold husks tightly around filling, ensuring good seal to prevent filling from leaking during steaming process. Tie with strips of corn husk if needed.

6. Steam tamales upright for 75-90 minutes until masa feels firm and pulls away from husk cleanly when unwrapped.

13. Hominy Pork Soup

Hearty soup with tender pork and hominy in flavorful broth. This simplified version of traditional pozole delivers authentic taste without the complexity.

Ingredients: 2 pounds pork loin (cubed), 2 cans white hominy (drained), 1 large onion (diced), 4 garlic cloves (minced), 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, 6 cups chicken broth, salt and pepper.

How To Make Hominy Pork Soup

1. Season cubed pork loin generously with salt and pepper. Heat large pot over medium-high heat and brown pork pieces on all sides, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

2. Add diced onion to same pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, chili powder, and oregano, cooking 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Return browned pork to pot and add chicken broth. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1 hour until pork is tender.

4. Add drained hominy and continue simmering 15 minutes until heated through and flavors meld together beautifully. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

14. Authentic Homemade Tamales

Classic tamales made completely from scratch with traditional techniques. These represent the ultimate expression of Mexican Christmas cooking tradition and family bonding.

Ingredients: 3 pounds pork shoulder, 2 cups masa harina, 1 cup lard, 2 teaspoons baking powder, dried chiles for sauce, corn husks (soaked overnight), salt, warm broth from cooking pork.

How To Make Authentic Homemade Tamales

1. Simmer pork shoulder in salted water with onion and garlic for 2-3 hours until fork-tender. Reserve all cooking liquid for masa and shred meat when cool enough to handle safely.

2. Prepare chile sauce by toasting dried chiles, soaking in hot water, then blending until smooth. Simmer shredded pork in this sauce until well-coated and flavorful.

3. Beat lard until light and fluffy, which takes about 8 minutes of constant beating. Gradually incorporate masa harina, baking powder, salt, and warm pork broth until spreadable.

4. Test masa readiness by dropping small ball into water – it should float immediately. This indicates proper texture and aeration for tender tamales.

5. Spread masa on corn husks, add pork filling, fold securely, and tie with husk strips. Steam standing upright for 90 minutes until masa pulls cleanly from husk.

6. Allow tamales to rest 10 minutes after steaming before serving. The wait is worth it for these authentic, incredibly delicious tamales that represent true Mexican tradition.

Final Thoughts

These traditional Mexican Christmas recipes create unforgettable holiday celebrations filled with authentic flavors and cherished family traditions. Each dish tells a story of cultural heritage.

Start with simpler recipes like champurrado or buñuelos, then work up to tamales for the full festive experience your family will treasure forever.