Mexican buffets are a great way to serve a variety of traditional Mexican dishes to large groups of people. They allow guests to sample different flavors and fill up their plates with their favorite foods. Planning a Mexican buffet requires some strategic thinking to ensure you offer a well-rounded selection of dishes. Here is an overview of what to consider when planning a delicious Mexican buffet.
Appetizers and Sides
A Mexican buffet should start off with a selection of appetizers and lighter fare before moving into more filling entrees. Some appetizer ideas include:
Chips and Salsa
You can’t go wrong with a variety of salsas, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, and guacamole, served with freshly fried tortilla chips. Provide at least 2-3 salsa options so guests can customize their experience.
Queso Dip
Warm, gooey queso dip is always a crowd pleaser. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping.
Guacamole
Freshly made guacamole with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapenos is a refreshing way to start the meal.
Mexican Street Corn
Grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy garlic aioli, lime juice, chili powder and queso fresco is a tasty and unique appetizer.
Nachos
Pile tortilla chips high with melted cheese, beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and jalapenos for irresistible nachos.
Salads
Light, fresh salads balance out the heavier entrees at a Mexican buffet. Ideas include:
Taco Salad
This salad layers crunchy tortilla chips with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, seasoned ground beef or chicken, beans, salsa, guacamole and sour cream.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
The flavors of Mexican street corn transferred into a salad with grilled corn, tomato, onion, cilantro, cotija cheese and chipotle-lime dressing.
Mexican Chopped Salad
Chopped romaine lettuce with grilled fajita veggies, black beans, roasted corn, avocado, tortilla strips and cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
Main Entrees
The main event of the Mexican buffet should include classic hearty entrees and sides to satisfy everyone. Consider offering:
Tacos
Set up a taco bar with ground beef and shredded chicken, soft tortillas, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, etc. so guests can build their own.
Enchiladas
Bake trays of cheese, chicken or beef enchiladas with red and green sauce options.
Burritos and Chimichangas
Include vegetable, bean, shredded chicken or ground beef burritos and chimichangas wrapped and baked in foil.
Quesadillas
Offer sliced wedges of grilled quesadillas filled with cheese, chicken or beef.
Fajitas
Onion, bell peppers and your choice of meat like steak, chicken or shrimp are perfect fajita options.
Tamales
Include a selection of tamales filled corn masa and seasoned fillings, wrapped and steamed in corn husks or banana leaves.
Refried Beans and Mexican Rice
No Mexican meal is complete without refried or black beans and fluffy Mexican rice as side dishes.
Empanadas
Baked or fried empanadas make tasty handheld appetizers with fillings like beef, chicken, cheese, beans or spinach.
Desserts
Finish off the buffet with classic Mexican sweet treats like:
Churros
Fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar is a perfect dessert people can take on the go.
Tres Leches Cake
Tender sponge cake soaked in three milks is a Mexican staple.
Flan
Caramel custard made with condensed milk and eggs has a lovely wobbly texture.
Sopapillas
Fried pillows of dough served hot with honey for drizzling make a sweet dessert.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Warm up with cups of chocolate, milk and spices like cinnamon, vanilla and chili powder.
Drinks
Quench guests’ thirst with refreshing Mexican drinks:
Horchata
This sweet rice milk drink is flavored with cinnamon.
Jamaica
Hibiscus flower agua fresca has a deep red hue and tart flavor.
Tamarind
Tamarind is a popular fruity agua fresca made from tamarind pulp.
Margaritas
Offer margaritas on the rocks or frozen for those looking for a cocktail.
Mexican Coke and Fanta
Made with real sugar, they’re crisp alternatives to standard soda options.
Presentation
The presentation and layout of your Mexican buffet can help make it more appealing. Follow these tips:
- Use festive serving pieces like ceramic bowls, woven baskets, metal pans, etc. for a nice visual touch.
- Create stations around the room for different categories like appetizers, tacos/burritos, enchiladas/tamales etc. so there is a good flow.
- Label foods clearly with signage so guests know what everything is.
- Sprinkle Mexican decor like serapes, papel picado banners, pottery and fresh lime wedges around the buffet.
- Play festive Mexican music like mariachi in the background to add to the ambiance.
Menu Example
Here is an example menu for a Mexican buffet:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Appetizers | Chips and salsa, queso dip, guacamole, Mexican street corn |
| Salads | Taco salad, Mexican chopped salad |
| Main Dishes | Chicken and ground beef tacos, cheese enchiladas with red and green sauce, fajitas with grilled vegetables, tamales, refried beans, Mexican rice, empanadas |
| Desserts | Churros, tres leches cake, flan, Mexican hot chocolate |
| Drinks | Horchata, Jamaica agua fresca, margaritas, Mexican Coke |
Conclusion
Planning a fantastic Mexican buffet means offering a thoughtful variety of traditional Mexican appetizers, main dishes, sides, desserts and drinks. Use fresh, authentic ingredients and allow guests to customize their plates. Include classics like tacos, enchiladas, tamales, flan and margaritas along with less common dishes for a well-rounded experience. With great food, drinks and decor, your Mexican buffet is sure to be a big hit!