Every year on November 1st and 2nd, families across Mexico come together to celebrate Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead—a beautiful tradition that honors the lives of those who’ve passed. With vibrant altars (ofrendas), marigolds, candles, photos, and cherished foods, it’s a time to remember loved ones not with sorrow, but with joy, laughter, and their favorite dishes. The belief is that during these special days, spirits return to visit us, and the best way to welcome them? With the comforting smells and flavors of home.
Food is a central part of the ofrenda. We place the favorites of our departed—maybe a sweet bread Grandma loved, or spicy beans Dad couldn’t resist. These dishes nourish the soul and connect us with those who are no longer here. And the best part? These recipes aren’t just for altars—they’re for gathering, sharing, and savoring with your living family too. Here are some of our favorite Día de Muertos recipes that you’ll want to make a tradition.
Let’s kick things off with appetizers that bring freshness, warmth, and a little spice to your table—and your altar.
🌶️ This refreshing salsa blends juicy watermelon with jalapeño, lime, and cilantro for a vibrant starter that’s just as fun to scoop up with chips as it is to place on your altar for a light, colorful offering.
🫘 Hearty, smoky, and full of flavor, these baked black beans with spicy chorizo are the perfect rustic dish to honor someone who loved bold, comforting flavors.
🍲 This traditional chicken soup feels like a warm hug from someone you miss. With veggies, chicken, and a soothing broth, it’s a gentle, loving starter to serve during the holiday.
Día de Muertos mains are all about comfort, nostalgia, and robust flavors that speak to the heart. These dishes are worthy of both a celebration table and a heartfelt altar.
🌮 Golden and crispy on the outside, filled with seasoned chicken inside—these flautas are perfect for a family feast or as a crunchy snack on your ofrenda.
🌯 Smoky chipotle chicken meets a zesty slaw in this irresistible taco dish. It’s modern, but the flavors are timeless—just the kind of thing your abuelito might sneak from the altar.
🍜 This comforting pozole is packed with shredded chicken, hominy, and a tangy green broth. A must-have for cool November evenings—and an all-time altar favorite.
🍳 Can’t choose between red or green salsa? Go with both! Chilaquiles divorciados are a classic breakfast-turned-lunch with rich, saucy chips topped with crema and queso—an altar-worthy tribute.
Desserts on Día de Muertos are more than delicious—they’re symbolic. They represent sweetness in life and the joy of remembering.
🍰 This ultra-moist cake soaked in three kinds of milk is a creamy dream come true. It’s rich, satisfying, and loved by spirits and mortals alike.
🎂 A magical dessert where flan and chocolate cake switch places during baking. Chocoflan is as surprising as it is comforting, and a beautiful tribute to someone who loved a sweet twist.
Whether you’re making a traditional drink or a festive cocktail, these beverages complete your Día de Muertos spread with flavor and heart.
🥛 Creamy, sweet, and cinnamon-kissed, horchata is a classic rice drink that’s perfect for sipping while reminiscing—or pouring a little for those watching from beyond.
🍎🍸 Mezcal brings the smoky warmth, while apple cider adds cozy autumn vibes. This margarita is great for a fall celebration that feels both modern and meaningful.
🥭 Bright, sunny, and bursting with mango flavor—this frozen margarita is a tropical nod to your ancestors who maybe loved a little fun with their fiesta.
No ofrenda is complete without Pan de Muerto—a soft, slightly sweet bread scented with orange blossom and decorated with dough "bones" on top. It symbolizes the circle of life and death, and offering it on your altar is one of the most meaningful gestures you can make. And of course, it’s delicious with a cup of café or atole as you gather with loved ones.
Día de Muertos is about connection—between generations, between hearts, between the living and those who came before us. Whether you’re making a full feast or just baking a loaf of Pan de Muerto, these recipes are made to be shared, remembered, and passed down.
So... what are you adding to your altar this year?
