22 Smart Taco Bar Ideas for Filling Out the Table

Brisket

If you want to make taco night feel special, start off with some super tender slow cooked brisket. Seasoned with chipotle and cumin, this flavorful base has it all.

Get the recipe for Slow Cooker Brisket.

Ground Chicken

Looking to go a little lighter? Ground chicken has a fraction of the saturated fat (and more vitamins) than ground beef. And with this recipe, we'll show you how to make it flavorful!

Get the recipe for Ground Chicken Tacos.

Pulled Pork

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Chorizo

Go classic with Mexican-style chorizo! You can find this spicy, flavor-packed sausage at most Mexican grocery stores. It fries up quickly and makes for great tacos.

Our Editors' Favorite Cast Iron Skillets

Shrimp

If you're looking to make taco night both easy and special, seafood is the way to go. It's always an elegant option, and these glazed shrimp cook in just a few minutes.

Get the recipe for Tamarind-Glazed Shrimp.

6

A Tortilla Warmer

6

A Tortilla Warmer

Whether you're team corn, term flour, or both, it's not taco night without tortillas. And eating them warm is a must.

This smart warmer will heat them in the microwave, or just keep them warm if you've cooked them on the stove or in the oven.

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Diced Tomato

There are a lot of good salsas out there, but if you don't have a lot of time — or prefer a milder topping — just dice up a tomato, and you're good to go! A vegetable chopper makes it even faster.

Get the OXO Vegetable Chopper.

Diced Onion

Fresh, raw onion is a very underrated taco topping. It's standard on Mexican street-style tacos which often come with a meat, some onions, and a little cilantro, and that's it.

Onions add just a touch of spice and a whole lot of crunch. And all you have to do is chop them up!

Get the OXO Vegetable Chopper.

Cilantro

For those who love cilantro, it's a must-have at the taco bar. The distinctive green gives any taco an herby freshness that's otherwise lacking. Want to eat it really fresh? Grow your own!

Learn more about how to grow cilantro.

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Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo is the lazy person's salsa — and we're absolutely here for it. It takes just about two seconds to toss the chopped tomatoes, onions, and cilantro with some lime juice and hot sauce. Boom! You're done.

Get the recipe for Pico de Gallo.

Restaurant-Style Salsa

Hatch Pineapple Salsa

If you want a salsa that'll knock everyone's socks off, then this is the one to make. Spicy peppers, sweet pineapple, and crunchy onion make this the ultimate taco-topper.

Get the recipe for Hatch Pineapple Salsa.

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Sliced Jalapeños

Fresh and crunchy, there's really nothing like a couple jalapeño coins on top of your taco if you want to bring the spice.

Get sharp paring knives here.

Pepita Guacamole

Sure, you could buy store-bought guac. But it's really not the same. This one gets a bit of crunch from toasted seeds, and we can't recommend it enough.

Get the recipe for Pepita Guacamole.

Diced Avocado

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Cheese: Queso Fresco or Shredded Cheddar

Soft, crumbly, and mild, queso fresco is a Mexican cheese that is absolutely heavenly on tacos. You can also use the slightly drier cotija cheese, which we love on street corn.

Don't have any on hand? Shredded Cheddar cheese, or a combo of cheddar and Monterey Jack is a fine option!

Find Queso Fresco on Instacart.

Sour Cream

If you're the person who always (always) asks for your tacos "supreme" then you know why sour cream is a must-have at the table. We like to spread a little across the bottom of the tortilla, to help keep ingredients from falling out when we eat. In a pinch, Greek or full-fat yogurt makes an okay substitute.

Toasted Seed Coleslaw

Shredded lettuce is fine and all, but if you're trying to make a taco that's flavorful, go with a true batch of slaw. We especially love this with brisket or pulled pork.

Get the recipe for Toasted Seed Coleslaw.

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Cabbage Salad

Pickled Onions

Pickled onions is one of those unexpected taco toppings that just works. All you need is a little vinegar, a little sugar, some red onions, and about 20 minutes to let them sit. (They get better if they sit longer.) You can also try our recipe.

Get our recipe for pickled onions.

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