Tasty Taco Bars: A Fun Wedding Reception Idea

Tacos are a beloved food worldwide, and a taco bar is a fun, colourful, and cost-effective way to cater to a wedding. A taco bar can be a unique and delicious addition to any wedding reception, cocktail hour, or late-night snack for guests dancing the night away. They are also a great way to accommodate various dietary restrictions and offer guests a range of customisable options.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, such as the potential messiness of tacos, especially at a formal event, and the time it takes for guests to build their own. Nevertheless, with careful planning and the right presentation, a taco bar can be a fun and memorable part of any wedding celebration.

Taco bar essentials

Taco bars are a fun and interactive way to serve food at your wedding. They can be included as part of the reception dinner, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or even as a late-night snack. Here are some essentials for a wedding taco bar:

Tortillas and Taco Shells:

Offer a variety of options such as soft taco shells, hard shells, and tortillas. Include both flour and corn tortillas to cater to different dietary preferences and allergies. Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option.

Proteins and Fillings:

Provide a range of proteins to suit different dietary needs. Common choices include steak, beef, chicken, seafood, pork, and vegetarian options. Seasoned meats such as pork al pastor, chipotle-spiced pulled chicken, and chimichurri-marinated fish are sure to be a hit. You can also offer black beans, refried beans, and jackfruit as vegan and vegetarian-friendly fillings.

Toppings:

The key to a successful taco bar is offering a wide variety of toppings to cater to different tastes. Here are some topping ideas:

• Pico de gallo
• Salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• Beans (black and pinto)
• Lettuce or cabbage
• Pickled vegetables (onions, carrots, radishes)
• Cheese (cotija, shredded Mexican cheese)
• Cilantro
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Pickled jalapeños
• Lime wedges

Sides and Drinks:

Complement your taco bar with a selection of traditional or creative sides. Here are some ideas:

• Rice (cilantro-lime rice, Mexican rice)
• Beans (black, pinto, refried)
• Corn (corn on the cob, corn salad)
• Guacamole
• Salads (green salad, coleslaw)
• Roasted vegetables
• Chili sweet potatoes, squash, and eggplant
• Drinks: Margaritas, tequila, housemade agua fresca, Mexican beer, or spicy pineapple and watermelon margaritas.

Desserts:

If you want to stick with the taco theme, consider churros, flan, tres leches cake, or even chocolate ice cream tacos for a sweet treat.

How to set up a taco bar

Taco bars are a fun, inclusive, and playful way to serve food at your wedding. They can be set up during the cocktail hour, reception dinner, or as a late-night snack. Here are some tips on how to set up a taco bar for your wedding:

Planning Your Taco Bar:

• Consider your venue and the number of guests. A taco bar can be a great option for a casual wedding, but if your venue is upscale, you may want to consider if tacos are the right fit.
• Think about how you want to present your taco bar. It can be as simple or elaborate as you like. You can pair tacos with savory sides and elevated salsas or feature them as a standalone station.
• Decide on your menu and choose gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
• Plan for two to three tacos per person if the taco bar is one of several food stations. If it's the primary meal, plan for five to six tacos per guest.

Setting Up Your Taco Bar:

• Offer a variety of tortillas, including street-size (six to eight inches) flour and corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option.
• Provide a selection of proteins such as steak, beef, chicken, seafood, pork, or grilled vegetables. You can also offer meat-free alternatives like sauteed veggies or bean-based fillings.
• Include a range of toppings like cotija cheese, pickled jalapenos, red onions, cilantro, lime, queso fundido, and heirloom peppers.
• Serve complementary sides such as rice, beans, corn salad, guacamole, or green salad. You can also get creative with sides like roasted cauliflower al pastor or cumin-roasted vegetables.
• Don't forget the drinks! Offer margaritas, tequila, or housemade agua fresca to complement the tacos.
• Set up multiple stations if you have a large guest list to avoid long lines.
• Display your toppings and fillings in individual bowls or on trays with ice to keep them cold.
• Use chafing dishes, crockpots, or slow cookers to keep the food hot.
• Place the items in the following order: plates and utensils first, followed by side dishes, shells/tortillas, fillings, toppings, and sauces.
• Use signage to let guests know their choices and to add a cute and decorative touch to your taco bar.

Choosing your taco fillings

The fillings are the stars of the taco bar. You can go for the traditional route or get creative with your fillings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Proteins

The proteins form the base of your tacos and are usually the heartiest part of the dish. You can choose from a variety of options, including:

• Chicken (grilled or shredded)
• Carne asada (grilled beef)
• Steak
• Beef
• Seafood (fish, shrimp, lobster)
• Pork (carnitas, al pastor)
• Beans (black beans, refried beans)
• Vegetables (grilled veggies such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini)

Taco Shells and Tortillas

The type of taco shell or tortilla you choose can also impact the taste and texture of your tacos. Here are some options to consider:

• Corn tortillas (traditional, gluten-free option)
• Flour tortillas
• Hard shell tacos
• Multicolored hard shells
• Taco shells made of bacon or cheddar cheese
• Lettuce wraps (a healthier, gluten-free option)

Toppings

The toppings are what make your tacos truly shine. Offer a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions:

• Pico de gallo
• Beans (black, pinto, refried)
• Lettuce or cabbage
• Salsa (mild, medium, hot, tomatillo, peach-mango, pineapple)
• Pickled veggies (red onion, carrots, radishes)
• Cheese (cotija, shredded Mexican cheese)
• Avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Pickled jalapenos
• Heirloom peppers
• Queso fundido

Taco bar toppings

Taco bars are a fun, easy, and delicious way to feed your wedding guests. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like and are a great way to accommodate different dietary needs all in one place.

The Basics

When it comes to toppings, the more, the merrier! Here are some essential toppings to include:

• Lettuce or cabbage: Shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce adds a crunchy, fresh element to the tacos. You can also offer chopped cabbage, or coleslaw, as a topping or as a side.
• Tomatoes: Chopped tomatoes are a classic topping, but you could also offer a tomato relish or salsa for added flavour.
• Cheese: Shredded blends of cheddar and pepper jack are popular, but you could also offer crumbled cotija or Oaxaca cheese for a salty bite.
• Salsa: Offer a variety of salsas, from classic pico de gallo to fruity options like strawberry, mango, or pineapple.
• Onions: Pickled red onions add a burst of flavour and can be made ahead of time. You could also offer chopped white or red onions, soaked in cold water to reduce their harsh flavour.
• Jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños are another great option, and you can also offer fresh jalapeños and other chiles in varying levels of spiciness.
• Limes: Bowls of lime wedges are a must for squeezing over tacos, but you could also offer other citrus fruits like oranges or lemons.

More Topping Ideas

• Radishes or Jicama: These add a crunchy texture and a spicy kick without the need for salsa or hot sauce.
• Fried onions or shallots: Add a salty, crispy element, especially delicious with shrimp or fish tacos.
• Guacamole and avocado: A must-have for any taco bar! You can offer it as a topping or as a side with chips and salsa.
• Queso: Creamy queso can be drizzled over tacos or served on the side for dipping.
• Corn: Fresh or thawed frozen corn can be mixed into salsas or used as a topping on its own.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, chives, or scallions add a flavourful finishing touch.
• Beans: Black beans and pinto beans, either whole or refried, are great toppings or sides. You can season them with cumin, oregano, and lime for extra flavour.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the beauty of a taco bar is its customizability, so feel free to get creative and choose toppings that reflect your personal taste and wedding theme. Your guests are sure to love the interactive and delicious experience!

Sides and drinks to accompany a taco bar

Tacos are a beloved food worldwide, and they can be a fun and inclusive addition to a wedding, but what about sides and drinks? Here are some ideas to accompany your taco bar and keep your guests full and happy.

Sides:

• Rice is a staple in Mexican cuisine, and it pairs perfectly with tacos. You can serve it as a side dish or use it as a filling for burritos and enchiladas. Try cilantro lime rice or cilantro lime rice with black beans for a refreshing and zesty twist.
• Beans are another classic side for tacos. Refried beans, or "frijoles refritos," have been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. They can be served as a dip, tortilla spread, or filling. You can also offer black bean salad with sweet corn, avocado chunks, and pico de gallo.
• Corn is a great option to serve with tacos. Try grilled corn on the cob with melted butter, chili powder, salt, and a squeeze of lime, or Mexican street corn (elote), grilled and slathered with mayo, sour cream, chili powder, and Cotija, feta, or queso fresco cheese.
• Salads can add a healthy and refreshing element to your taco bar. Try a corn salad, a zesty black bean salad, or a Mexican-style coleslaw with a vinaigrette dressing.
• Jalapeño poppers are a mouthwatering side dish that combines the heat of jalapeño peppers with a crispy, cheesy filling
• Chipotle sweet potato fries are a fun and spicy twist on a classic side dish.
• Guacamole is a must-have for any taco bar. It's creamy, delicious, and can also be used as a topping for your tacos.
• Chips and salsa are a classic and easy-to-prepare option. You can also offer a seven-layer dip with refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, veggies, and cheese.
• Queso is another tasty dip option to accompany your tacos.
• Roasted vegetables are a healthy and simple side dish. Try broccoli, squash, mushrooms, onions, peppers, or zucchini.

Drinks:

• Margaritas and Mexican beer are classic pairings with tacos.
• Housemade agua fresca is a great non-alcoholic option that complements the flavours of a taco bar.
• Lemon iced tea is a refreshing choice for a cold drink.
• Lemon mint mojitos add a touch of alcohol and a refreshing flavour to your beverage options.
• For a healthier option, offer red wine with a twist of brandy and orange slices.

With a variety of sides and drinks to choose from, you can create a delicious and memorable taco bar experience for your wedding guests.

Frequently asked questions