How to Create an Amazing Taco Bar

I got inspired to write this hub after my mother-in-law made a do it yourself Mexican/taco spread with a couple homemade dips and slow cooker chicken.

Having lots of homemade components is essential for an amazing spread. There is nothing wrong with a few canned or prepared items, but go the extra mile and make a few of them yourself.

Make sure that your spread includes lots of choices. Even the pickiest eaters should be able to find something that they like. Everyone will be able to make the exact creations that they want.

A taco bar is perfect for family gatherings, graduation parties, and birthday parties. You can scale it down for a more intimate date party or go all out for a big family bash.

Provide both soft and hard shells. We usually buy Mission flour tortillas and Old El Paso Stand 'n Stuff hard shells, but there are lots of other varieties out there. For soft shells, consider corn, whole wheat, and multigrain tortillas.

For cheese, I recommend both a combination shredded cheese and a Mexican crumbled cheese, such as La Chona Enchilado cheese. Mexican cheeses can usually be found in the dairy section of the grocery store. I almost always have some sort of colby-jack or fiesta blend of shredded cheese so I use what's on hand. If you're feeling ambitious, you can shred your own.

Either ripped or shredded iceberg lettuce works well. Normally at home I'm preparing tacos for a small number of people so I rip up quarter or half a head of lettuce. If you're serving a large group, you may decide that purchasing shredded lettuce is easier, which is fine.

I'm a firm believer in only eating regular sour cream. The taste of light sour cream is not worth the decrease in calories or fat. Don't make your guests suffer either. :) I like the different sizes that the Daisy brand offers for sour cream. You can get the one that's just right for your group.

I love avocados so guacamole is must for me. If you've never had it homemade, it's worth giving it a shot before you dismiss the idea. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like.

I'm not a big fan of prepared salsas, but I love a little fresh salsa with warm, homemade tortilla chips. Making your own salsa is well worth the effort. If you do want to buy a prepared salsa, branch out from the traditional ones.

Providing chips will give people the option to make taco salad or nachos if they like. Chips work wonderfully on the side, too.

I have to admit that my husband and I are big fans of the pre-made Spanish rice mixes. They are cheap, tasty, and relatively healthy. You are welcome to make your own if you like.

This is the other thing that I usually do not make myself. If I had homemade refried beans more often, I might dislike the canned ones, but for now, I think that they're pretty good. People can choose to make burritos with them or eat them on the side.

You can also add a third option, such as steak, if you like. When my mother-in-law made her spread, she made ground beef on the stove and chicken in the crock pot. My husband is partial to ground beef for tacos so I make it frequently on the stove with Old El Paso taco seasoning. Their seasonings work well on other meats, too.

I grew up in the Chicago suburbs where you can buy Mexican cookies at almost any locally owned grocery store. If you do not live near a Mexican grocery store, consider making or purchasing Mexican wedding cookies or flan.

If the group you're serving loves margaritas, whip up a homemade batch. Consider using fun cups and/or drink markers. If you're hosting a holiday or other family event, provide kiddie cocktails as well that are just as much fun.

Anything else you'd like to see here? Let me know!