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Are you planning a taco bash but not sure what dishes to serve? Look no further! Today we’re exploring options for what to serve at a taco party. From classic tacos to unique side dishes, we’ve got you covered. So let’s dive in and discover some tasty taco party ideas.
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and they’ve gained massive popularity worldwide. They’re incredibly versatile, which makes them a great way to feed a large group or guests with different tastes and dietary preferences. Be sure to read to the end for 20+ easy recipes for your taco bar.
Plus, who doesn’t love a good taco? So let’s explore some delicious fiesta recipes that will make your taco extravaganza a hit!
Set Up a Taco Bar: The Ultimate Party Idea
Setting up a taco bar is a fun way to feed your guests. It allows them to create their own perfect taco creations based on their tastes and preferences. And providing a variety of fillings allows for endless combinations.
Some popular main fillings are seasoned ground beef or chicken, pork carnitas, and carne asada (steak). Black beans and cubed sweet potatoes are good for vegetarian options. Be sure to provide 1-2 kinds of tortillas like taco-sized flour tortillas and smaller street taco corn tortillas.
The toppings are where all the fun happens. So you’ll want to provide the essentials like shredded cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa.
Take it to the next level by offering sour cream, chopped red onions, crumbled cotija cheese, corn salsa, hot sauce and homemade guacamole for endless combinations.
What to Have at a Taco Party – More Delicious Dishes
Aside from the classic taco, there are plenty of other mouthwatering dishes you can serve to round out the meal. How about some tasty enchiladas or flavorful fajitas? Or perhaps some cheesy quesadillas or a pot of taco soup? These main dishes will add variety to your spread.
While tacos may be the star of the show, you’ll want to provide a couple of side dishes to round out the meal. Dishes like cilantro lime rice, refried beans and Mexican street corn are always popular choices.
And don’t forget about dessert! Churros or sopapillas make for a sweet end to the fiesta.
How to Serve Tacos at a Party: Tips and Tricks
Now that you have some delicious recipes in mind, let’s talk about the practical aspects of serving tacos at a party.
Firstly, it’s essential to keep the food fresh and hot. I like to use crockpots to keep the fillings and sides warm. If you don’t have a slow cooker, make sure you replenish the hot ingredients regularly and keep them covered.
And don’t forget to provide utensils for guests to assemble their tacos. For easier cleanup, I use these disposable taco holders – they keep the tacos upright which makes them easier to eat.
Another option is to pre-fill the tortillas with the taco fillings and warm them up in the oven prior to serving. Guests can then grab a filled taco and customize them by adding their favorite toppings.
If you have room, set up the toppings separately from the tacos and sides. This helps to keep the serving line moving along.
Consider having a separate station for drinks and desserts to avoid congestion at the taco bar. This gives your guests a chance to mingle while they wait to make their own tacos.
Lastly, have fun with the presentation! Use colorful plates and bowls, add some decorative touches like mini piñatas or sombreros as centerpieces, and play some upbeat music to set the fiesta mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you can see, the options are endless for what to serve at a taco party. From classic tacos to other delicious Mexican dishes, your guests will be wowed with the variety and flavors. Now let’s address some common questions about planning a memorable taco night.
What are the best occasions to have a taco bar party?
Taco parties are perfect for any casual gathering, such as a birthday parties, summer BBQs, Taco Tuesday and family gatherings. They’re easy to scale up for larger events like graduation parties, Super bowl celebrations and holidays like Cinco de Mayo. And don’t forget potlucks and office parties.
How can I make vegetarian tacos for my guests?
Simply substitute the meat filling with seasoned black beans or grilled fajita veggies such as mushrooms and peppers. You can also offer tofu or tempeh as protein options.
What’s the best type of salsa to serve at a taco bar?
This depends on personal preference, but popular options include classic tomato salsa, pico de gallo and mango salsa. It’s a good idea to offer a variety of heat levels to cater to different tastes.
Can I make the food ahead of time?
Some ingredients and dishes can be prepped in advance. For example, chop vegetables and prepare salsa the day before or marinate the meat overnight. Most meat fillings can be cooked the day before and reheated before serving. And casserole-style dishes like enchiladas can be assembled earlier in the day and cooked before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, deciding what to serve at a taco party doesn’t have to be complicated. A taco bar is always a crowd-pleaser, but don’t be afraid to get creative with other Mexican-inspired dishes as well. And remember, the key is to provide a variety of options that cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
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What to Serve at a Taco Party: Mexican-Themed Recipes
Easy recipes and ideas to wow your guests and create a memorable fiesta.
Taco Recipes
BBQ Chickpea Tacos
You can make these yummy and easy tacos with pantry staples for a meatless taco filling that is hearty and budget friendly. They will be a big hit at your party with vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Top with cheese, salsa, onions and peppers for a layers of fresh flavors.
A taco party is the perfect opportunity to showcase some unique recipes, like this spicy potato soft taco. It is a great dupe for the always popular menu option from Taco Bell. They have a yummy smokiness to them thanks to the chipotle pepper sauce. Load them up with lettuce, cheese and whatever you like on tacos.
Stuffed avocados with taco meat, cheese and sauces to make a fresh take on tacos for a party. These are colorful, tasty and so easy to assemble. You can have these ready in less than thirty minutes for a great addition to your taco party menu.
Birria tacos are so delicious that adding them to crispy eggrolls is a natural choice. This fusion food will be a hit with your guests. Offer small bowls of beef consomme for dunking so everyone can get as much juicy flavor as possible.
These tasty little taco cups start with phyllo dough shells and add spicy chicken meat, salsa, red pepper and plenty of cheese for a bite sized starter that delivers bold taco flavor in each nibble.
This taco salad makes a great way to start a taco party. With black beans, salsa, crunchy chips it offers texture and great flavors in every bite. It is easy to prepare, making it a great option for a party, but save the recipe so you can make it for a meatless meal anytime.
If you have spent any amount of time in the midwest, you know all about Casey’s gas stations. They have the best taco pizza. With refried beans, salsa and savory taco meat, making this copycat pizza for a taco party is a recipe for satisfaction by the slice.
Make a taco bowl and set it out with a serving spoon, so your guests can grab a scoop to munch on as they sample all of your tasty taco inspired dishes. This is easy, can be made meatless, and offers all of the classic taco flavors in one dish.
A taco party needs a starter or two, so why not make a pot of this easy taco soup? It is hearty, perfectly spicy and will get your guests hungry for the main course of tacos. You can serve this in small shooters, or let guests fill a bowl and add favorite taco toppings.
Pop this tasty casserole into your slow cooker and let it handle this dish for your taco party. This hearty, meaty casserole cooks low and slow so you can fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma while tending to the other dishes you will serve.
Serve a cheesy pasta dish with plump tortellini at your taco party for a filling and cozy dish. It is loaded with cheesy sauce and has a spicy kick of taco meat. Add a scoop of salsa, or sour cream to the top and squeeze a little lime juice into the mix for a really flavorful option that guests will naturally gravitate towards.
Let this turkey taco soup cook low and slow in your crockpot to have a flavorful addition to your taco party menu. You can serve this as a soup course, or set out bowls and let guests add a serving to their taco platter during the main course.
You won’t need to fill a pot with hot oil to make this tasty version of fried ice cream. It is simply rolled into a crunchy coating and topped with whipped cream and a cherry for an authentic flavor without all of the fuss of frying.
Coconut lime sugar cookies make a great way to end an epic Mexican inspired meal. This recipe is easy, has a crispy, buttery flavor that pairs so well with tropical lime and coconut. You will want to double the recipe so your guests can grab a few of these as they graze.
You don’t need to go to a great restaurant to get the flavor of sopapillas. This recipe is easy to recreate at home for the perfect dessert to offer at a taco party. Serve with chocolate or caramel dipping sauce, or load them up with vanilla ice cream if you prefer.
Make this layered angel food cake for a sweet and soft dessert option. With an assortment of berries and plenty of fluffy, creamy filling this is one dessert you can serve by the slice to cool off spicy tongues from dinner.
Deliver the flavors of your favorite soft drink with this easy copycat recipe. It tastes similar to the iconic Cracker Barrel cake. With a moist chocolate cake base and a fudgy frosting, this easy dessert hits the spot after a meal of tacos, nachos and fajitas.
It wouldn’t be a taco party without margaritas! This idea makes them into shooters, or mini versions of the classic drink. They are always impressive and can be made in under ten minutes for a crowd pleasing way to wet your whistle.
This mocktail is bursting with beautiful hibiscus flavors without the booze, making it a flavorful option to share at your taco party. Everyone can enjoy the flavors this easy drink offers. You, of course, can add a shot of your favorite alcohol to the mix if you like.
Offer the flavor of a classic cocktail like the Tequila Sunrise, in a fun and wiggly form. These fun shots are layered with Jell-o, tequila and orange juice to make a boozy offering that will be loved by your 21+ party goers. These pair well with tacos, nachos and friends!
Serve a cocktail that is equal parts sweet, spicy and gorgeous. This margarita starts with homemade blackberry jalapeno syrup and ends up as a drink that tastes perfect paired with a loaded taco. This might be your new favorite flavor for summer sipping.
You will want to keep this recipe for summer sipping. It has a fruity, tropical flavor that is just the thing to help you beat the heat; be it from the summer sun or an epic taco. You only need 4 ingredients to mix this refreshing drink. Make it by the pitcher so everyone can grab a glass to pair with their food at the party.
