Dia de los Muertos is a day to remember departed friends and family. Use these Day of the Dead recipes to celebrate!
After your kids have ridden the sugar high of Halloween night, take some time on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to honor friends and family members who have passed away. The Mexican-originated holiday can spark interesting conversations about life and death. Feed your kiddo’s curiosity by making some Day of the Dead recipes, from traditional Mexican recipes to colorful sugar skull–inspired treats.
Atole de Pinole
Try this delicious, classic Mexican drink! Atole de Pinole has flavors of cocoa, cinnamon, and vanilla mixed with ground corn. It’ll keep you warm on cold, fall days. Get the recipe here.
Dia de los Muertos Pancakes
Try out these sugar skull pancake designs. It’ll put an artistic spin on your celebration.
Pan de Muerto
Make a batch of pan de muerto like this one from Mangio da Sola to celebrate the day. The “bone” decorations on top represent loved ones who have passed away. A simple sweet bread flavored with anise seed and orange, this is sure to be a win with the whole family.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Pair your pan de muerto with a comforting cup of Mexican hot chocolate, like this one from Onion Rings and Things. Rich bittersweet chocolate contrasts beautifully with black pepper to make a spicy but decadent treat.
Day of the Dead Cookies
These cute cookies from Girl versus Dough are a fun take on sugar skulls. The chocolate cinnamon cookies are delicious, and the kids will love helping decorate them with sprinkles and candies.
Related: 10 Sweet Sugar Skulls for Day of the Dead
Tamales
Tamales are traditionally served for big celebrations like the Day of the Dead, Christmas, and Mexican Independence Day. Let the kiddos get involved in making this fantastic recipe from How to Feed a Loon. They definitely require time and patience, but the result will be well worth it.
Roasted Vegetable Sopa Azteca
Similar to tortilla soup, this dish from The Bojon Gourmet is made with lots of roasted veggies and topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheese, too.
Related: Everything You Need to Celebrate the Day of the Dead
White Chocolate Covered Strawberry Skulls
For an easy but delicious take on sugar skulls, try this recipe from Growing Up Bilingual. Candy markers make it a breeze to decorate the white chocolate strawberries. Sugar skulls are traditionally part of the ofrendas (offerings) made to deceased loved ones as part of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
Chicken Empanadas
Empanadas might sound tricky to make, but with a few shortcuts from Food Lovin’ Family they’ll be a breeze. Refrigerated pie crust cuts out a lot of the work, and you can let your mini sous chefs help fill the pockets with a chicken mixture and top them off with an egg wash.
Potato Peanut Butter Calavera Candy
These cute peanut butter candies from Presley’s Pantry will make the perfect Day of the Dead treat. The best part? They're made out of pantry staples that you probably have on hand.
