Taco Bar Toppings Ideas

There is no point in building a taco bar if you forget the tortillas. You can make them at home or buy them from the store. Either way, both are delicious.

You can choose from a variety of tortillas in the market, like flour, corn, multigrain, and half wheat-half corn. The half-and-half is probably the best because it has the flexibility of flour tortillas and a delicious corn flavor of corn tortillas.

Like tortillas, there are many kinds of onions, and each one brings a unique flavor profile and texture to your tacos. However, the white ones are best for tacos because they are eaten raw, and raw white onions are delicious, crisp, and sharp.

They do not overpower other flavors and make for a perfect bite. They are usually sprinkled on tacos as a garnish.

Another staple in tacos is cilantro. It is a perfect herb because it adds freshness and pairs well with protein. Therefore, this fragrant herb is popularly used in many Mexican dishes. 

For tacos, get rid of the thick part of the stems by twisting off or cutting it from the bottom. You can use the rest of the thinner stems, the ones that are attached to the leaves. 

Vegans and vegetarians often add beans to their tacos to replace the protein. Therefore, it is advisable to include it as a topping for your taco bar. These beans are not only healthy, but they are easy to prepare.

You can throw them in an instant pot with herbs and spices or buy them ready-made. And if you have leftovers after your taco fiesta, you can freeze them and fry them the next time you eat them. 

While some people love light, tangy, refreshing tacos with salsa and cilantro, others prefer it hearty and rich. If you happen to be the latter, then a guacamole is a must in your taco bar. 

Traditionally, guacamoles are made with avocado, lime juice, salt, and cilantro, but if you want to elevate it, add jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and onion.

Salsas are a game changer in any taco recipe. The perfect salsa is savory, spicy, and tangy. You can always increase the heat by adding more jalapenos. 

Most salsa recipes are straightforward, so even if you are making this for the first time, there is no way you will get it wrong. All you have to do is toss your ingredients into the food processor and let the flavors meld for a few hours before serving. 

Ground chicken is universally loved and a go-to protein for many taco lovers. It is also healthier as it has less saturated fat and more vitamins than red meat. 

Minced chicken is cooked with onion, garlic, spices, and flavorings like chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. When the chicken is almost cooked, lime zest and juice, chipotles, and chicken stock are added to the chicken for extra flavor. 

While chicken is loved by many, some find it too light and prefer heartier protein like beef. Tender pulled brisket goes perfectly with all the toppings and sauces in a taco. 

Marinate the beef in chipotle and cumin. You can also use barbecue sauce, tomatoes, and smoked paprika marinade and cook it in an instant pot for a melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Once the brisket is ready, shred it using a fork for that pulled-apart texture.

You do not have to include both pulled pork and brisket in your taco bar. It is more of an either-or kind of situation.

If you prefer pork to beef, you can use pulled pork. The pork shoulder is the best cut of meat when making pulled pork. It has a high-fat content, and when cooked low and slow, it is incredibly tender. 

Chorizo is another great protein option to include in your taco toppings. They are usually made with pork, beef, venison, or lamb. They are flavorful and loaded with spice, so it is easy to make.

But just because it is simple does not mean it is basic. While your chorizo is simmering in the pan, dip your corn tortillas a little to coat it with the delicious juices. After all, that’s what most popular taco stands do.

For a little variety in your taco, having a seafood option would not hurt. Shrimp tacos are a great way of introducing seafood flavor to your fiesta. They are juicy and provide enough snap for a pleasant mouthfeel.

You do not have to overcomplicate cooking the shrimp by adding herbs and spices. Fry them lightly in a pan with salt and pepper, and top them on your tacos. This will allow the natural flavors of shrimp to come through.

A taco toppings bar would be remiss without the freshness and sweetness of a pico de gallo. Pico de gallo is basically a type of Mexican salsa. It is different from other salsas in that the ingredients are not blended into a sauce.

Pico de Gallo is traditionally made with finely chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and a generous squeeze of lime juice. But for extra kick, you can add jalapeno.

Another popular Mexican salsa is a mango salsa. It is refreshing and pairs well with other taco toppings like guacamole and black bean.

A mango salsa only requires six basic ingredients: ripe mangos, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño and lime. If you have leftover mango salsa from your taco dinner, serve it on a salad the next day. 

Sour cream is one of the most traditional taco toppings you could include in your taco bar. You can make it at home if you know how, but if you have never made it before, it can be a little tricky. 

You can also buy it from the store. For added flavor, you can make lime crema with the sour cream. Add lime zest and juice, granulated garlic, and salt, and let it sit as you prepare other toppings. 

Ranch dressing is an ideal topping for a taco, especially for kids. There is something about the creamy and zesty flavor of the dressing that kids just go crazy for. 

For this ranch dressing, you will need sour cream, mayonnaise, finely chopped pickled jalapeños, crushed garlic clove,  finely chopped fresh cilantro, finely chopped fresh dill, onion powder,  your favorite taco seasoning, and freshly squeezed lime juice.

If you have excess jalapenos in the fridge and do not know what to do with them, make pickled jalapenos. It keeps for a long time and is the perfect ingredient for your tacos.

It is so simple to make. Fill a jar with jalapenos, equal parts water, and vinegar, and sprinkle in a little salt and sugar. Once prepared, store in the fridge for best results.

Cut-up limes are one of the most basic and simplest toppings for a taco. You do not have to cook it. Just slice it up, put it on a plate, and it is done.

Limes add an acidic flavor that pairs well with creamy guacamole and spices like cilantro. It also cuts through the richness of melted cheese and the heat of chilies.

Tacos are incomplete without savory and slightly tangy or nutty cheese, so there has to be a cheese option on your taco bar. If you want to crumble cheese on your tacos, queso fresco or creamy cheese is ideal.

But if you love a cheese taco shell, melted cheddar or Mexican works best. There is no hard and fast rule for the cheese you can use in your tacos. If you love a different version, feel free to include it.

Fajita veggies are a great way to incorporate veggies into your tacos without compromising the flavor and taste of your taco. It is a go-to taco topping for many vegans and vegetarians. Therefore, it is always a good idea to include it in your taco bar.

Most fajitas veggies require an assortment of bell peppers and red onions, but you can also use portobello mushrooms, corn, carrots, and zucchinis. 

Vegetarian and vegan taco loyalists believe a solid taco has crispy and refreshing taco slaw. 

Crunchy red cabbage, green onions, sweet carrots combined with spicy jalapeños, and chopped fresh cilantro tossed in mayo and sprinkled with lime juice for tang. The crunch and freshness of the slaw cut through the heaviness of all the cheese, guacamole, beans, and meat.