39 Mexican Brunch Ideas for a Crowd

This collection of Mexican brunch ideas includes all your favorites, from small bites to party-sized casseroles. You'll find a range of sweet and savory recipes, plus drinks to pair with the brunch spread.

Weekends were made for midmorning meals. You have time to lounge in bed with your coffee and then enjoy extravagant brunch ideas that won’t make it on a weekday menu. These Mexican brunch ideas range from authentic Mexican foods like chilaquiles and skillet huevos rancheros to modern Mexican-inspired creations like make-ahead breakfast enchiladas and muffin tin tamales.

You’ll want to stock up on basics like Mexican seasonings and avocados (make sure to cut avocados the right way to have restaurant-quality garnishes for all your dishes). When it comes to the tortilla component, you can either pick ’em up at the store or spend the extra time to make homemade tortillas or corn tortillas. The extra effort is worth it!

Because no brunch spread is complete without beverages, we’ve even included the Mexican drinks you’ll want to sip on while you cook and eat. Mexican hot chocolate, horchata or champurrado are excellent choices for family-friendly brunches, or look to palomas or margaritas for boozy brunch occasions.

1/39

Corn Cakes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 20 pancakes
From the Recipe Creator: Corn's always been the basis of my favorite recipes—in fact, these corn cakes were one of the first things I made for my husband. For dinner, they're nice with a fresh fruit salad and ham. They're also great with breakfast sausage and orange juice. —Gaynelle Fritsch, Welches, Oregon

2/39

Chorizo and Eggs Ranchero

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: For a festive Mexican breakfast, we do chorizo and huevos rancheros. Add refried beans and cheddar, and serve everything in bowls made of tortillas. —Paul Williams, Fort Mohave, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 tortilla bowl: 675 calories, 37g fat (13g saturated fat), 436mg cholesterol, 1728mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 37g protein.
3/39

Breakfast Enchiladas

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Draped in gooey cheese and a savory sauce, these enchiladas are a popular option at any holiday brunch. Chorizo gives the hearty filling a southwestern kick. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 enchilada: 369 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 189mg cholesterol, 1028mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
4/39

Homemade Churros

Total Time 35 min
Servings about 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: These fried cinnamon-sugar homemade churros are best when fresh and hot. Try them with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Don't be surprised if people start dunking ... and then go back for more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Nutrition Facts: 1 fritter: 122 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 60mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
5/39

Fiesta Scrambled Eggs

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love to fix this spicy scrambled egg dish for friends and family. It’s almost a meal in itself, but I serve it with muffins or biscuits, fresh fruit juice and coffee. —Kay Kropff, Canyon, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 254 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 278mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
6/39

Muffin-Tin Tamale Cakes

Total Time 45 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: We needed snack inspiration beyond peanut butter and jelly. These muffin tamales have all the flavor of tamales without the fuss. Pair them with skewered fruit. —Suzanne Clark, Phoenix, Arizona

Nutrition Facts: 1 muffin: 137 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
7/39

Ramona’s Chilaquiles

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A dear neighbor shared this recipe. She used to make it from scratch, but my version takes a few shortcuts. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 573 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1509mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
8/39

Huevos Rancheros

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Huevos rancheros is the best breakfast to start your day on the right foot. Crispy corn tortillas and seasoned black beans make the perfect base for fried eggs, avocados, salsa, pico de gallo and a fresh cilantro topping. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

Nutrition Facts: 1 tostada: 244 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 478mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 11g protein.
9/39

Horchata

Total Time 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In this horchata recipe, the mixture of ground rice and almonds is accented with a hint of lime. Depending on your preference, you can use more or less water for a thinner or creamier beverage. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 134 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
10/39

Mexican Rice with Poached Eggs

Total Time 50 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This Mexican rice recipe topped with soft fried eggs works for breakfast or dinner. I like to serve the dish with hot tortillas and a side of refried beans for a complete meal. —Jean Lewis, Brooklyn, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 482 calories, 28g fat (10g saturated fat), 246mg cholesterol, 998mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein.
11/39

Mexican Cornbread

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 24 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I work at an elementary school. A couple of times a year we have a gathering where everyone brings a favorite dish to pass. A friend shared this delicious Mexican cornbread and it was a big hit. —Sandy Gaulitz, Spring, Texas

Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 159 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
12/39

Beefy Huevos Rancheros

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This quick, easy and oh-so-tasty recipe works for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and it is great served with fruit or salad and some flour tortillas. Guests can top them however they'd like. —Sandra Leonard, Peculiar, Missouri

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 434 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 241mg cholesterol, 879mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 29g protein.
13/39

Southwestern Eggs Benedict with Avocado Sauce

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I frequently make this spicy spinoff of classic eggs Benedict for my husband, who loves breakfast. I like the heat from the jalapenos and also that the avocado sauce is a healthier substitute for the usual hollandaise sauce. —Kara Scow, McKinney, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 345 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 232mg cholesterol, 1069mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.
14/39

Shrimp Ceviche

Total Time 25 min
Servings 10 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Ceviche is a seafood recipe of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, which cooks the shrimp without heat. This version starts with cooked shrimp and adds tomatoes, cucumbers and serrano peppers. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup (calculated without chips): 61 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
15/39

Paloma

Total Time 5 min
Servings 1 serving
From the Recipe Creator: Soon after I learned about this cocktail, I took the ingredients to a family dinner at my parents' house. The next time we got together, my dad had the fixings set out and ready to go. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 148 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
16/39

Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My grandparents came from Mexico, and I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. This steak marinated in beer and lime juice honors their passion for cooking. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 288 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
17/39

Brunch Ham Enchiladas

Total Time 50 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I'm expecting company for brunch, the menu often features this tried-and-true casserole. With ham, eggs and plenty of cheese, the enchiladas are flavorful, hearty and fun. And they're easy to assemble the day before. —Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 enchilada: 397 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 846mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.

For a more diverse range of dishes, try these copycat Mexican restaurant recipes.

18/39

Taco Salad

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son's football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1-2/3 cups: 416 calories, 27g fat (12g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
19/39

Southwest Hash with Adobo-Lime Crema

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Adobo sauce adds so much extra flavor that you won't even miss the smaller amounts of butter and egg yolks in this smoky hash. Here's a tip: Add a splash of white vinegar to the poaching water right before you drop in the eggs. It helps keep them from separating as they cook. —Brooke Keller, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without avocado): 304 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 222mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat.
20/39

Breakfast Tacos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 3 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Unless you grew up in the Southwest or visit there often, you might be hearing of migas for the first time. Just think of them as the best scrambled eggs ever. The secret ingredient is corn tortillas. They really make my migas tacos special! —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 424 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 295mg cholesterol, 821mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
21/39

Fiesta Time Omelet

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I created this dish when I needed to use up some black olives and jalapenos. With the abundant filling, two of these large omelets can feed four people if served with side dishes. —Jennine Victory, Bee Branch, Arkansas

Nutrition Facts: 1/2 omelet: 242 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 383mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
22/39

Homemade Guacamole

Total Time 10 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: I always judge a Tex-Mex restaurant by its guacamole. And although it's simple to prepare, it can go wrong oh, so easily. I've spent many years perfecting mine, to the point where I think it's better than most restaurants. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
23/39

Mexican Champurrado

Total Time 1 hour 50 min
Servings 2-1/2 quarts
From the Recipe Creator: Champurrado holds a special place in Mexican culture, often enjoyed during festive celebrations like Dia de los Muertos and Las Posadas, on chilly mornings or as an evening treat. The aroma of rich chocolate and the soothing, warm texture of masa harina envelop the senses in every sip. —Ericka Sanchez, La Habra, Alabama

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 296 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (46g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
24/39

Fruit Salad Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 6 cups salsa (80 chips)
From the Recipe Creator: Salsa with strawberries, blueberries and nectarines makes a refreshing side dish. We scoop it up using tortilla chips sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup salsa with 3 chips: 122 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 104mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
25/39

Braised Pork with Tomatillos

Total Time 3 hours 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A pork braise is a sure way to make people’s mouths water. The tomatillos in this dish offer a subtle hint of lightness to the meat. For ultimate flavor, make the dish one day ahead and reheat. —La Boucherie, Matthew Lawrence, Vashon, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 514 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 120mg cholesterol, 1160mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
26/39

Mexican Hot Chocolate

Total Time 10 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This delicious, not-too-sweet Mexican hot chocolate is richly flavored with cocoa and delicately seasoned with spices. The whole-stick cinnamon stirrers come in handy, as the old-fashioned chocolate mixture settles if not stirred before drinking. The blend of cinnamon and chocolate flavors is wonderful! —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas

Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 156 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 92mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
27/39

Chiles Rellenos Quiche

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To me, nothing sparks up a meal more than the smoky flavor of roasted green chiles. This is a quick and easy recipe, and I usually have the ingredients on hand, so when I don’t know what to fix for dinner, I make this quiche. —Linda Miritello, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 444 calories, 31g fat (18g saturated fat), 178mg cholesterol, 520mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
28/39

Frozen Lemon-Berry Margaritas

Total Time 15 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 271 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 71g carbohydrate (65g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
29/39

Grilled Jalapenos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: When barbecuing for friends at home, I also use the grill to serve up hot appetizers. These crowd-pleasing stuffed peppers have a bit of bite. They were concocted by my son. —Catherine Hollie, Cleveland, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pepper: 97 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
30/39

Flan de Queso

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A small slice of this impressively rich, creamy caramel flan dessert goes a long way. What a delightful finish for a special meal or holiday celebration. —Pat Forete, Miami, Florida

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 345 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (41g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
31/39

Chiles Rellenos Souffle

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After we spent the night at our friends’ house in Arizona, we awoke to the tantalizing aroma of an egg souffle. This recipe brings back wonderful memories. —Pat Coyne, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 305 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 128mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
32/39

Buenos Dias Breakfast

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love the way the tortilla strips puff up when this is baked. It is a terrific no-fuss recipe that everyone in my family enjoys, even the meat lovers. —Barbara Burge, Los Gatos, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 321 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 729mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
33/39

Corn Cakes with Poached Eggs

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These easy corn cakes are super tender thanks to the creamed corn in the batter. Top them with poached eggs and fresh salsa, and you'll have a new favorite breakfast. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia

Nutrition Facts: 2 corn cakes with 1 egg and 1/2 cup salsa: 366 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 187mg cholesterol, 1019mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein.
34/39

Green Chile Egg Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Green chiles add a touch of Southwest flavor to this fluffy egg dish. The cottage cheese offers nice texture, and people always love the gooey Montery Jack cheese melted throughout. —Laurel Leslie, Sonora, California

Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 376 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 318mg cholesterol, 865mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
35/39

Egg Burritos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 10 burritos
From the Recipe Creator: Zap one of these frozen burritos in the microwave and you'll stave off hunger all morning. This recipe is my family’s favorite combo, but I sometimes use breakfast sausage instead of bacon. —Audra Niederman, Aberdeen, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 burrito: 376 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 251mg cholesterol, 726mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
36/39

Mexican Breakfast Casserole

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Tomatoes and green chiles give color and zip to this extra-cheesy egg bake. It's a favorite for breakfast or brunch, but it can be enjoyed for lunch or supper too. —Mary Steiner, West Bend, Wisconsin

Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 421 calories, 27g fat (15g saturated fat), 382mg cholesterol, 856mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
37/39

Chilaquiles with Bacon

Total Time 35 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In Mexico and throughout the Southwest, chilaquiles are typically made for brunch using tortillas and any leftovers from the previous day's dinner. I love to bring this chilaquiles recipe to family brunches, as it gives the traditional eggs-and-bacon dish a unique twist. The empty pan proves that it's a family brunch favorite! —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 623 calories, 38g fat (15g saturated fat), 247mg cholesterol, 1426mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
38/39

Mushroom and Egg Breakfast Tacos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Breakfast tacos aren't unusual, but a rich and flavorful mushroom sauce takes these simple tacos from ordinary to extraordinary in no time. —Kathleen Gill, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 360 calories, 23g fat (6g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
39/39

Slow-Cooker Tamale Pie

Total Time 7 hours 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Canned beans and cornbread muffin mix speed up the prep on this crowd-pleasing main dish that’s perfect for busy evenings and carry-in dinners. —Jill Pokrivka, York, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 393 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1066mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.

Mexican Brunch Ideas FAQ

What is a typical breakfast in Mexico?

Breakfast in Mexico varies depending on the region. It typically features sweet and savory dishes alongside hot drinks like Mexican hot chocolate or spiced coffee. For brunch, try serving dishes like chilaquiles, scrambled eggs with tomatoes or tamales with sweet dishes like churros or flan.

How can I make Mexican brunch ideas ahead of time for a potluck?

To make Mexican-inspired brunch dishes ahead of time for a potluck, focus on recipes that can be reheated, like make-ahead breakfast casseroles or brunch salads. You can also prep the components of dishes like chilaquiles. Make the sauce and scrambled eggs separately and bring them together when the potluck begins.

What Mexican brunch ideas are best for a crowd?

The best Mexican brunch ideas for a crowd include breakfast burritos, tamales or tamale pie, corn cakes and a big pile of eggs served with fresh tortillas. Bring the dishes to the table and serve them with bowls of toppings, like cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, green onions and cilantro. Everyone can customize their own plate.