No need to wait for Cinco de Mayo to enjoy a taco feast. We take a look at the endless options you can use to transform this Mexican favourite into a fun meal for any occasion. Whether you’re having brunch with friends or turning leftovers into a build-your-own-taco bar, there are plenty of flavours and fun to be had. For a quick lesson and more inspiration, check out our Tacos: 3 ways video.
Good Morning Tacos
Fans of breakfast burritos will love their tinier cousins, Breakfast Tacos. Morning staples like sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs and cheese are ideal for loading onto a warm tortilla. If hash browns are a must at breakfast, oven-ready tater tots make an easy stand-in for bulk and texture. For a fresh bite, add salsa, green onions or chopped cilantro. If you like a little heat, finish with a shake or two of hot sauce.
Gone Fishin’ Lunch Tacos
Midday meals call for something a little lighter. Enter seafood tacos. Fresh, frozen or canned, any fish will do — that’s the beauty of a homemade fish taco. Even better, leftover fish from last night’s dinner means you’re already halfway done. Hint: Tropical fruits like mango and pineapple pair really well with fish. Try a fresh salsa with diced mango (or pineapple), avocado and lime juice, which makes a killer taco topper.
Try it with Tangy Tuna Tacos or Shrimp Tacos.
Olé Appetizers
Bite-sized tacos are perfect to start off a party. Brush wonton wrappers with oil and bake them in mini muffin cups until toasted and golden to create your own little taco “baskets." Fill them with salsa, chorizo sausage and queso fundido (melted cheese); or try grilled shrimp with chopped avocado and chunky fruit salsa. Yum!
Build-Your-Own-Taco Dinner
The next time you host an informal dinner party, set up a build-your-own-taco bar. Most of the proteins and fillings can be prepared ahead of time and laid out buffet-style. Flank steak, ground meat and pulled pork all benefit from advance preparation. And keep the sauces simple — prepared salsa, sour cream and hot sauces are all taco mainstays. Guests will enjoy mixing and matching fillings, shells and toppings to their liking. This is also an easy way to accommodate your guests’ diet preferences or allergy restrictions.
Party Platter
Nothing makes a crowd happier than a spread of tacos. Whether you’re hosting movie night or the local book club, you can make a big batch using hard taco shells (to prevent them from getting soggy) and have them ready for your guests to grab and devour. If you’re feasting during a break, fresh shells are the way to go. Instead of traditional tortillas, red cabbage or romaine lettuce leaves make a light and crunchy alternative.
Sweet Taco Treats
Dessert stuffed into a taco is the best of both worlds — believe us! Start by getting experimental with the shells. Pancakes, sweet waffles or tortillas baked with cinnamon sugar are all delicious. Like crêpe fillings, there are plenty of options to choose from: fresh chopped fruit, nuts, whipped cream, toasted coconut and even chocolate chips! Finish with a drizzle of warmed hazelnut spread, maple syrup or dulce de leche.
Try it with Spiced Pineapple Dessert Tacos.
Make Your Own Taco Kits
Get creative with DIY tacos! Mix and match these ingredients for a personalized taco experience!
| Shells | Base Proteins | Fillings | Sauces |
| Hard taco shell
Tortillas Lettuce leaves Red cabbage leaves Kale leaves Waffles Pancakes Wonton wrappers |
Ground beef
Pulled pork Chicken Steak Chorizo sausage Bacon Ham Beans Fish (shrimp, tuna, or cod) Tofu (scrambled or grilled) Scrambled eggs |
Caramelized onions
Shredded cheese Rice Shredded lettuce Corn Bell peppers Fresh cilantro Pickled jalapeños Pickled cucumber Pickled onions Kimchi Mango Red cabbage Coleslaw Fruit Chocolate chips Nuts |
Sour cream
Salsa (roja and verde) Hot sauce Guacamole Hummus Fresh lime juice Fresh lemon juice Greek yogourt Whipped cream Hazelnut spread Maple syrup Dulche de leche |
