Our BEST 20+ Delicious Taco Bar Ideas

Looking for some new taco bar ideas to keep the classic party dish fresh and new?

Maybe you’re doing Taco Tuesday at your house. Taco Tuesday has become a beloved American tradition in many families. Or perhaps you’re just wanting to make tacos for a light weekend meal or quick weeknight dinner. However you make your tacos, having the best taco toppings can make all the difference.

You’ll find a ton of unique and classic taco toppings below that will give your bar a new flavor and feel.

There’s nothing quite like a taco party because everyone can make up their own dish as long as you give them plenty of tasty options.

A true tacobar has everything that normally comes in the classic Mexican dish but it will also keep a few secrets people haven’t thought of before.

Tacos have long been a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, with their simple construction and endless customization options making them a popular choice among food lovers. The versatility of tacos lies in the seemingly endless possibilities of toppings that can transform this unassuming dish into a culinary masterpiece. From traditional ingredients to modern twists, taco toppings have the power to elevate and enhance the flavors of this classic delight.

The beauty of taco toppings is that one can experiment and cater to individual tastes, ensuring a unique and personalized eating experience. Some prefer the combination of savory meats, vibrant salsas, and fresh herbs; others gravitate towards the tang of pickled vegetables or the delightfully creamy textures of cheese and avocado. With countless options available, everyone can find a topping that resonates with their palate preferences.

So if you’re looking for taco ideas for your next taco night then this list is the place to find them.

All of the taco recipe ideas are super easy to prep too so you don’t have to spend all afternoon in the kitchen getting toppings for tacos ready.

Quit racking your brain for different taco night ideas and just stick to this list that will have your back covered and your guests coming back for more.

Take your taco party ideas to the next level with this list, which will get your party started and keep your guests happy.

Source: thespruceeats.com

1. Jackfruit

For the vegetarians who come over, you’ll want to stock your taco bar with jackfruit because it’s a great way to get that meaty texture.

Just be sure to buy pre-cooked jackfruit so you don’t have to spend a lot of time cooking it yourself.

It’s a great way to add something different to your taco bar and it’s perfect for those who are looking for something plant-based.

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2. Ground Beef

We can’t talk about toppings for tacos without mentioning the delicious flavors of ground beef.

It’s one of the essential ingredients and you can’t really go wrong with meat-eaters by putting this taco meat on the table.

Once you get used to the recipe you can start mixing up the spices to create your own unique flavor for guests.

Of course, you could also throw in some chicken or pork if ground beef isn’t your thing but either way, you can’t go wrong.

Source: myeclecticfavorites.blogspot.com

3. Lime Juice

A little lime juice goes a long way when it comes to tacos. Just be sure to squeeze some on top of everything before you eat it.

It will add a nice zing to your dish and it’s the perfect way to finish off your taco.

Plus, lime juice is really good for you so you’ll be getting some added health benefits from your tacos.

Source: pinchandswirl.com

4. Refried Beans

Here’s a Mexican classic that will never go out of style in taco topping ideas.

Refried beans add a delicious and creamy texture to any taco and they’re perfect for those who love a good bean dip.

Just make sure you have plenty of napkins around because these beans can get messy.

You could also try black bean, or pinto beans if you want some different ideas for taco party.

The best part is if you have a slow cooker you can make these without having to spend the entire night watching them.

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5. Bell Peppers

You’ll definitely have to cook up bell peppers if you want to add them to your taco bar but they are definitely worth the effort.

Bell peppers can add a lot of color and flavor to your tacos so don’t be afraid to add them in.

Plus, they’re a great way to get some extra vitamins and minerals into your dish.

Source: countrycleaver.com

6. Lettuce

You can’t really talk about taco bar party ideas without mentioning the crisp and refreshing flavors of lettuce.

It’s the perfect topping for those who want to add a bit of crunch to their tacos and it goes well with pretty much every other topping on this list.

Plus, it’s healthy so you can feel good about eating it. There are so many different types of lettuce to choose from so you can get creative with it.

Try romaine, iceberg, or even arugula for a bit of a kick.

Source: mrfood.com

7. Sweet Onions

Regular onions go really well in tacos but if you want even more flavor you’ll have to add in some sweet onions.

If you really want to be fancy then sautee them for a little while so they can caramelize and add even more flavor to your tacos.

It’s a great way to offer something different than the other toppings without having to take a ton of time to make.

Source: thecozycook.com

8. Salsa

You don’t have to keep wondering what goes on tacos because this salsa recipe will set you straight.

It’s the perfect topping for those who want a bit of spice in their lives and it will add some kick to your taco party.

Plus, it’s really easy to make so you don’t have to spend all afternoon in the kitchen getting things ready.

There are so many different types of salsa to choose from so you can find the perfect one for your party.

Source: wikihow.com

9. Scallions

Scallions are a sophisticated way to take your taco bar to the next level. Just be sure to chop them up into thin pieces so that they’re easy to eat.

Plus, they’re a great way to add some extra nutrition to your dish. If you’re looking for something a little different then you can add some scallions to your tacos.

They’ll give your dish a unique flavor and they’re perfect for those who are looking for something extra.

Source: mybakingaddiction.com

10. Guacamole

When you really want to know what to put in tacos there’s only one real answer, and that’s guacamole.

This is the perfect topping for those who want a bit of creaminess in their taco filling and it will add some delicious flavor.

You’ll need some tomatoes, onions, avocados, and even a pinch of salt to get your guacamole just right.

Some people like their guacamole with little chunks of avocado in it while others like it smooth and creamy.

Source: cookieandkate.com

11. Pineapple‌ ‌Salsa‌

Sometimes regular salsa just isn’t good enough and you need to try some pineapple salsa instead.

This recipe is perfect for those who want something a little sweet and a little spicy.

All you need is some fresh pineapple, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Just mix it all together and you’re good to go.

Pineapple salsa is the perfect way to add some sweetness and crunch to your tacos. Plus, it’s really easy to make so you won’t have any trouble getting it ready in time for your party.

Source: downshiftology.com

12. Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is the perfect substitution for salsa when you’re thinking of your taco toppings list.

It has a combination of diced tomato, onions, jalapeno peppers, and bell pepper that will set your mouth on fire.

Just be warned that this is not for those who can’t handle a lot of spice in their lives because it will definitely take things up a notch.

The best part about making it at home is you can choose how spicy you want so you always have full control.

Source: simplyscratch.com

13. Jalapeños

Jalapenos are a perfect way to add some spice to your taco and they’re a must-have for any taco bar.

Just be sure to slice them up into thin pieces so that people can easily bite into them.

If you’re not a fan of spicy food then you can always leave the jalapenos out, but they really add something special to your dish.

Source: thekitchn.com

14. Tomatoes

Even if you don’t want plain tomatoes to go in your DIY taco bar ingredients you will still need tomatoes because they go in a ton of other sides.

They add a freshness to your tacos that can’t be beaten and the subtle taste really goes a long way.

Plus, when you’re buying them from a grocery store you can get different types of tomatoes to make things more interesting.

Source: food.com

15. Sliced Avocados

If guacamole is getting a little over the top then you can stick with something that is a bit plainer but still has a creamy texture – avocados.

Slicing up an avocado and putting it in your taco is the perfect way to add some healthy fats and flavor.

Avocados also have a really mild taste so they won’t overpower all the other ingredients in your taco.

You can keep your avocado plain or you can add a pinch of salt to it brings out the flavor a little more.

Source: spendwithpennies.com

16. Rice

Not as well known as some of the other taco fixings on this list, adding in some Mexican rice can really bulk up your tacos.

It’s perfect for those who want something a bit heartier in their tacos and it’s cheap so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

Plus, it’s really easy to make so you don’t have to spend all afternoon cooking. You can either use white or brown rice depending on your preference.

Source: bonappetit.com

17. Fried Egg

Even if you aren’t making a taco bar for breakfast you’ll still love the creamy and delicious taste of an egg in your tacos.

Adding a fried egg to your taco is the perfect way to make them even more satisfying and it’s perfect for those who are looking for something hearty.

Plus, the runny yolk will add some extra flavor and richness to all the other ingredients in your taco.

Just be sure to cook your egg perfectly so that it’s still soft and delicious. Adding a fried egg is definitely a unique way to change up your taco game.

Source: mommyshomecooking.com

18. Sour Cream

When you’re thinking about taco recipes ideas for a taco party that will complement all your other ingredients, sour cream is a must.

It will add a creaminess to your tacos that is unmatched and it’s the perfect way to cool down your mouth after eating something spicy.

You can either buy sour cream from the store or you can make it yourself if you’re feeling adventurous.

Source: greeningofgavin.com

19. Black Olives

You’ve probably never had black olives before in your tacos but they can be a great compliment to all the other flavors.

Just be sure to chop them up into small pieces so that they’re easy to eat.

Olives have a salty and tangy flavor that goes well with all the other ingredients in your taco and it’s perfect for those who want something different.

Source: thecuriouschickpea.com

20. Hot Sauce

When you don’t want to prepare your salsa or pico you can simply pick up some hot sauce or even make your own.

Just a little drizzle is typically all you need to take your tacos to the next level and it’s great for those who want something extra in their lives.

All you need is some peppers, vinegar, and a few spices if you’re trying to get your own recipe a try.

Source: princesspinkygirl.com

21. Grilled Corn

Here’s a classic Mexican ingredient that goes perfectly in your tacos.

Grilled corn is the perfect way to add some sweetness and crunch to your tacos and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s really easy to make so you won’t have any trouble getting it ready in time for your party.

All you need is some fresh ears of corn, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Just grill it up on your barbecue and you’re good to go.

Mexican street Corn is a great addition to tacos because it’s something that people don’t typically add to their dish. It’ll make your tacos stand out from all the other ones at the party.

Source: richardpantry.com

22. Shredded Cheese

You simply can’t have a taco bar menu without having shredded cheese as an option.

It’s the perfect way to add some extra melted goodness to your tacos and it pairs well with all the other toppings on this list.

Just be sure to have it ready to go when your guests start to arrive so they can help themselves.

Picking out the perfect cheese is going to be the hardest part because there are a ton of different options that go perfectly with your Mexican dish.

Source: thefrugalgirls.com

23. Cilantro

Cilantro has a unique flavor that can really elevate your tacos to the next level.

Some people love it while others hate it, but it’s definitely a must-have for your taco bar checklist because the people who do love it can’t get enough.

It has a refreshing taste that will make all the other flavors in your taco seasoning shine and it’s perfect for those who want something different.

Just be careful not to add too much because it can easily overpower everything else. You want to chop the cilantro into fine pieces so that people can sprinkle it on their taco.

Our BEST 20+ Taco Bar Ideas (+Homemade Guacamole)

These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
5 from 8 votes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 232 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 ripened avocados mashed
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2/3 tsp. sea salt
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 chopped jalapeno pepper
  • 2 diced Roma tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
  • 1 minced garlic clove

Instructions
 

  • Combine the avocado and lime juice.
  • Add all other ingredients and stir until fully blended.

Notes

Select your favorite recipe.
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcal
Keyword homemade guacamole, taco bar ideas
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Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
Cassie Marshall
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