Who's ready to celebrate? These tasty taco appetizers are perfect for any occasion.
19 Taco-Inspired Appetizers Perfect for a Party
Updated on Apr. 18, 2024
Taco Meatball Ring
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer! —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
For the real deal, check out these taco recipes.
1/19
2/19
Quick Taco Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick taco dip is a definite family favorite. This recipe has been made more times than I can count! It just looks very colorful to a table, and it never lasts long. —Rhonda Biancardi, Blaine, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 232 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
3/19
Taco Pinwheels
Total Time
15 min
Servings
3 dozen pinwheels
From the Recipe Creator:
These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 pinwheel: 51 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Leftover taco meat? Try these delicious recipes.
4/19
Lentil Taco Cups
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My trusty muffin tin never fails to help me put fun and easy hand-held mains on the table for my family on busy weeknights. These festive vegetarian cups are always a hit with my kids; they’re so flavorful, nobody misses the meat. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 taco cup: 215 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
5/19
Shrimp Tostadas with Lime-Cilantro Sauce
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love shrimp and veggies marinated in citrus juice, also known as ceviche. This recipe starts with cooked shrimp and those same fresh ceviche flavors. Enjoy these tostadas as a make-ahead appetizer or dinner entree. — Leslie Kelley, Dorris, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 tostada: 209 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
6/19
Taco Joe Dip
Total Time
5 hours 5 min
Servings
about 7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter was the first to try this recipe. She thought it was so good she passed it on to me. My husband and I think it’s terrific. Because it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for parties or busy days. —Lang Secrest, Sierra Vista, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 49 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
7/19
Taco Meatball Ring
Total Time
45 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. —Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 203 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 457mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
8/19
Nacho Tots
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can’t find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
9/19
Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We look forward to fall in anticipation of making these spicy pumpkin seeds. I often put some in a decorated jar to give as a gift.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 103 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
10/19
Texas Taco Dip Platter
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I’m entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can’t resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 522 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 1200mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
11/19
Taco Tater Skins
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they’re also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 153 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 227mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
12/19
Slim Southwest Deviled Eggs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
When you’re in the mood for an easy finger food, try this variation of deviled eggs. They are a cinch to fill and make a popular contribution to a potluck or brunch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 50 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
13/19
Cheesy Chicken Taco Dip
Total Time
4 hours 25 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn’t missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 82 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
14/19
Taco Cups
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These zesty little cups rank high on my list of favorites because they combine three things I look for in a recipe: fast, easy and delicious! They make a simply fantastic finger food for parties, and my guests have fun selecting their desired toppings. —Ashley Jarvies, Manassa, CO
Nutrition Facts:
2 taco cups: 291 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
15/19
Ground Beef Taco Dip
Total Time
20 min
Servings
24 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
What’s a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
16/19
Tacos on a Stick
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Teens like assembling these creative kabobs almost as much as they like devouring them. The whole family is sure to love the sensational Southwestern flavor of this twist on beef shish kabobs. —Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 277 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/19
7-Layer Bean Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
18 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To make this zesty 7-layer bean dip, you simply layer the ingredients onto a platter. I like to call it a “walking dip,” because you can scoop some on a plate with a few tortilla chips, then take it with you as you walk and talk with guests. —Marieann Johansen, Desert Hot Springs, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 102 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 283mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
18/19
Mini Phyllo Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
For a winning appetizer, serve crispy phyllo cups filled with taco-seasoned ground beef and shredded cheese. These handheld bites will be a surefire hit with a hungry crowd. —Roseann Weston, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 63 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
19/19
Cheesy Beef Taco Dip
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this recipe for a warm, hearty snack with a bit of a kick. It's a hit with my family, and guests rave about it, too. Ideal for parties, it makes a big potful. The only "utensil" you'll need to serve it with is a brimming bowl of tortilla chips. —Carol Smith, Sanford, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 127 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 332mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
