Every holiday season, there’s one thing you can always count on in a Mexican household: tamales. Big pots of them. Stacked, steaming, and filling the whole house with that warm, familiar smell that instantly feels like home. It’s tradition, it’s comfort, it’s the thing everyone waits for.
But tamales aren’t just one thing. They’re endless combinations of flavors, textures, and memories. And that’s what this roundup is all about. From rich red chile pork and bright salsa verde chicken to sweet corn, chocolate, pumpkin, and even cinnamon-raisin, each recipe brings its own personality to the table. Whether you’re hosting a full tamalada or just making a small batch with family, there’s something here for every taste.
Masa Explained
If you’ve never made tamales before, this is the place to start. Masa is the heart of every tamal – the thing that holds it all together, literally and flavor-wise. And while it might seem intimidating at first, I promise it’s much simpler once you understand the basics.
What is Masa Harina?Before you even pull out the steamer, give this quick guide a read. It explains what masa harina is, how it’s made, where to find it, and why it’s such a staple in Mexican cooking. A tiny bit of background makes the whole tamal-making process so much easier.
Masa for Tamales. If you only click one link in this roundup, make it this one. Masa is the one thing every tamal has in common, and getting it right changes everything. This is the exact recipe I’ve used for years, both on the blog and in my own family’s tamaladas. Between developing these recipes and the holidays I grew up with, I’ve made close to a thousand tamales using this same masa. It’s reliable, it’s delicious, and it’ll set you up for success no matter which filling you choose.
The Best Recipes for Tamales
4.78 from 84 votes
Authentic Mexican Tamales
This classic tamal features tender shredded pork simmered in a rich red chile sauce and wrapped in soft, fluffy masa, making it one of the most beloved and comforting tamale varieties you can serve for the holidays. It’s full of savory, smoky flavor that instantly feels like tradition on your holiday table.
Tender chicken pieces simmered in a tangy salsa verde made from roasted tomatillos and chiles get wrapped up in soft, fluffy masa to make these chicken tamales a flavorful holiday classic you’ll want in your tamales lineup. They’re great for feeding a crowd and freeze beautifully for leftovers too.
These vegetarian tamales are packed with smoky roasted poblano strips and melty cheese nestled in tender masa, the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. They’re a crowd-pleasing twist that even meat lovers can’t resist adding to their holiday tamalada.
These soft, cozy tamales are filled with creamy refried beans and melty cheese, making them another delicious vegetarian option everyone loves. Simple, comforting, and always a hit.
These tamales get their signature depth from a silky mole sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of warm spices. They add a rich, soulful option to your tamalada line-up, especially for anyone who loves big, layered flavors.
If you love tamales but want a faster way to get them on the table, this Instant Pot version speeds up both the pork filling and the steaming step without skimping on flavor. It’s a genius shortcut that makes tamalada prep feel way more manageable, especially when you’re making a bunch of recipes at once.
These sweet tamales bring dessert to the masa party with rich chocolate, a touch of warm spice, and a texture that’s soft and comforting. They’re the perfect finish to a tamalada spread when you want something unexpected and totally crave-worthy.
These tamales bring cozy fall vibes with pumpkin purée and warm spices folded into tender masa, giving your tamalada a seasonal twist. They’re a fun way to balance out the savory options with a subtly sweet, spiced bite.
These sweet tamales are filled with plump raisins and masa lightly sweetened with cinnamon and sugar, making them a simple but festive treat. They’re an easy addition to your holiday spread and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
These sweet corn tamales let the natural sweetness of corn shine with just a touch of sugar and cinnamon mixed into the masa, making them perfect as a lighter, comforting treat. They bring a warm, nostalgic note to your tamalada, great for dessert or alongside a hot cup of coffee.
