How to Build a Taco Board
Taco boards are one of my favorite ways to feed a crowd, especially when I have leftover turkey from the holidays. Turkey, chicken and steak sit alongside beans, corn, salsa, cheese, fresh toppings and both hard and soft shells, so everyone can build their own. If you love my Fried Chicken Board, this is another easy crowd-pleaser.
Moreover, the ingredients are only suggestions, so add or take away anything you like. Equally important, it does not have to be Taco Tuesday to enjoy a taco night.
In essence, this is festive, flexible hosting. Pair it with my Pace Salsa Chicken for even more flavor.
What Is a Taco Board?
It is a board of cooked meats, shells, beans, corn, salsa and toppings set out for building tacos.
Taco Board Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Turkey, Chicken & Steak
Three proteins, perfect for using up leftovers.
Hard & Soft Shells
Something for everyone.
Beans & Corn
Hearty and colorful.
Salsa & Sour Cream
Bright and cool.
Cheese
Shredded for easy sprinkling.
Fresh Toppings
Red onion, tomatoes, jalapeƱos and Bibb lettuce.
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Everything I Love for this recipe
Acacia Serving Board
A long acacia board with handles gives seven kinds of fries plenty of room.
Rimmed Half Sheet Pans
Rimmed pans let every fry type bake in a single, crispy layer.
Parchment Paper Sheets
Pre-cut sheets line the pans fast and make cleanup almost nothing.
Cooling Racks
Set fries on a rack over a pan so air reaches the bottoms and nothing goes soggy.
Compact Air Fryer
Crisps one fry type while the oven handles the rest, which frees up space for a crowd.
Electric Warming Tray
Keeps the board warm while guests graze, because hot and fresh is the whole point.
French Fry Cutter
For the days you want to cut your own potatoes into even, half-inch fries.
Paper French Fry Cups
Grab-and-go cups make the board easy to enjoy on the couch or at a tailgate.
Little Condiment Bowls
Small white cups hold the aioli, ketchup and blue cheese right on the board.
Squeeze Bottles
Fill one with ketchup or aioli for a neat drizzle over the fries.
Small Silicone Tongs
Tuck a pair into each section so guests can serve themselves.
Flaky Sea Salt
A pinch over the hot fries right before serving makes them taste freshly made.
How To Make a Taco Board
- Warm the meats and shells.
- Fill small bowls with toppings.
- Arrange everything on a large board and serve.
Taco Board
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked turkey shredded
- 1 cup cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup cooked steak sliced
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 1/4 cup jalapeƱos sliced
- 1 head Bibb lettuce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 12 hard taco shells
- 12 soft tortillas
Instructions
- Warm the meats, shells and tortillas.
- Spoon the corn, beans, salsa, sour cream and toppings into small bowls.
- Arrange everything on a large board and serve, letting guests build their own tacos.
KEEP HOSTING
More boards and easy spreads to keep the gathering going.
How To Make The Perfect Caviar Board
An elevated cocktail-hour board for special occasions.
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How To Make A Burger Board
A build-your-own spread made for easy backyard entertaining.
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How ToĀ CreateĀ AĀ SpringĀ Tinned FishĀ Board
An effortless, conversation-starting board for easy entertaining.
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Variations
Fish Tacos
Add my catfish nuggets.
Shrimp
Add Cajun shrimp.
Vegetarian
Add roasted vegetables and extra beans.
Add Guacamole
A must for many guests.
Queso
Add warm queso for dipping.
Breakfast Tacos
Use eggs, bacon and potatoes.
When I Love Serving a Taco Board
Taco Tuesday
Of course.
Post-Holiday Leftovers
Turkey tacos are a delicious reset.
Game Day
Feeds a crowd, along with my Burger Board.
Birthday Parties
Fun and interactive, like my Catfish Nugget Board.
Cinco de Mayo
Festive and colorful.
Family Nights
Everyone builds their own.
What To Serve With a Taco Board
Rice Bowls
My Easy Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl.
Lettuce Wraps
My Pace Chicken Lettuce Wraps.
More Tacos
A Dip
Carnitas
Dessert
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store meats and toppings separately for up to 4 days.
Shells
Keep shells sealed at room temperature.
Make Ahead
Chop toppings a day ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much meat per person?
About 1/4 pound.
How do I keep tortillas warm?
Wrap them in a towel or foil.
Can I use leftover turkey?
Yes, it is perfect here.
How many does it serve?
About 6.
What board works best?
A large board or sheet pan.
Final Thoughts
A taco board makes any night feel like a fiesta. With this in mind, I hope it becomes one of your favorite ways to gather around the table.
All things considered, a beautiful board is one of the easiest ways to make guests feel welcome. If you make it, I would love to hear how you served it.
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
SAVE NOW, MAKE LATER!
