Mini Taco Filling Ideas
Chef-tested fillings for our handmade mini taco shells, from wedding cocktail hours to backyard parties.
Our mini taco shells are about 3 inches across, made by hand and ready to fill with no heating or prep. That makes them perfect for passed hors d’oeuvres, tasting menus and taco bars. Here are some of our favorite ways caterers, chefs and party hosts fill them.
Easy Crowd Pleasers
Simple fillings anyone can make for a party, game day or family gathering.
Classic Beef Taco
Seasoned ground beef, shredded lettuce, cheddar, a dot of sour cream and diced tomato.
Buffalo Chicken
Shredded buffalo chicken, blue cheese crumbles and thin-sliced celery.
Pulled Pork
Barbecue pulled pork topped with crunchy coleslaw and a pickle chip.
Chicken Tinga
Smoky chipotle chicken, cotija, pickled red onion and cilantro.
Breakfast Taco
Soft scrambled egg, chorizo or bacon, cheddar and a drop of salsa verde. Great for brunch.
Guacamole & Pico
Fresh guacamole topped with pico de gallo and a sprinkle of queso fresco.
Wedding & Cocktail Hour Classics
The most-requested wedding appetizers, served in a one-bite taco shell. A fun twist guests remember. Planning a wedding? See our guide to mini tacos for weddings, with how many to order, colors and display ideas.
Lobster “Roll” Taco
Chilled lobster salad with a touch of lemon, celery and chive. All the flavor of a lobster roll in one bite.
Peekytoe Crab Taco
Sweet peekytoe crab with Cajun remoulade.
Roasted Root Vegetable Taco
Roasted root vegetables finished with a pesto aioli.
Short Rib “Slider” Taco
Braised short rib, caramelized onion and a little horseradish cream.
Chicken Satay Taco
Grilled chicken, peanut sauce, cucumber and scallion.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallop Taco
Seared scallop and crispy bacon with a touch of maple aioli.
Chef’s Chicken, Beef & Pork
Restaurant-style fillings for tasting menus and upscale events.
Pepperwood Grilled Jerk Chicken
Pineapple, red pepper and papalo chiffonade.
Beer Can Chicken
Avocado, red onion, crispy chicken skin and chipotle cream.
Alder Wood Smoked Chicken
Allumettes of slab bacon, aged cheddar, heirloom tomato and opal basil crema.
The Gobbler
Turkey, cornbread stuffing, andouille and cranberry reduction. A holiday favorite.
Black Pepper & Grapefruit Flank Steak
Caramelized shallots, enoki mushrooms and lemon thyme gastrique.
Guinness Braised Short Rib
Shaved Brussels sprout slaw and pickled onions.
10 Hour Pork Butt
Napa slaw, pickled okra and ancho lime aioli.
Seafood
Light, bright fillings that look beautiful on a passing tray.
Blue Fin Tuna Poke
Mirin, sweet chili sauce, toasted sesame seeds, harissa and scallion.
House Cured Salmon
Julienne radish, sous vide quail egg, grilled red onion and dill.
Hamachi Teriyaki
Ginger carrot salad, cilantro and yuzu.
Florida Red Snapper
Mango salsa, key lime crema and micro cilantro.
Razor Clam Ceviche
Jalapeño, red pepper, Seville orange, Vidalia onion and toasted coriander.
Vegetarian
Meat-free fillings that hold their own next to anything on the menu.
Curry Roasted Cauliflower
Pomegranate arils, golden raisins and tarragon.
Tofu & Maitake Mushroom
Kimchi, sweet soy and rice noodle.
Black Bean & Corn
Seasoned black beans, roasted corn, avocado crema and lime.
Elote
Grilled street corn, cotija, chili powder and a squeeze of lime.
Serving Tips
- Fill just before serving. Our shells stay crisp, but wet toppings like salsa and sauces are best added at the last minute.
- Use about a tablespoon of filling. That keeps each taco a clean one or two bites.
- Put sauces on top, not underneath. A drizzle or dot on top keeps the shell crunchy.
- Serve them upright. Our bamboo, walnut and stainless steel trays and racks hold each taco standing up, so they’re easy to pass and easy to grab.
- Mix your colors. Pair fillings with shell colors, like red and green for the holidays or red, white and blue for summer parties.
- How many? We suggest about 5–7 hors d’oeuvres per guest, per hour for the first hour or two, split between all your appetizers. See our suggestions.
Ready to Start Filling?
Handmade mini taco shells, made fresh after you order and shipped nationwide.