Cinco De Mayo Taco Bar

Margaritas and guacamole are must-haves at your Cinco de Mayo party.  But what else to serve?  A taco bar is a great choice, but skip the ordinary ground beef variety.   With this selection of taco recipes you'll have it covered - from vegetarian to carnivore, slow-cooked to super-quick.    Most everything can be made ahead for a stress-free fest.  You'll want to make your guac the same day, because fresh is always best when it comes to guac!

Classic Guacamole and Margaritas

Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Beef Tacos

Fish Tacos with Spicy Jalapeno Slaw

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Tacos

Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Popcorn Chicken Tacos

Beemster Steak Tacos

Setting up a Taco Bar theme party is an easy way to let you be a guest at your own party.  Once everything is set up, there's not a whole lot  that will need your attention other than replenishing items if needed.

Here's how to get started:

Set out plates and warm flour and corn tortillas and taco shells at the beginning of the taco bar.

Next place your fillings.  These need to be kept warm, so using covered dishes or slow cookers is helpful. It's good to have a variety of meat, chicken, seafood and vegetarian options.

Follow the fillings with salsas and toppings. The more, the better, because we know tacos are all about the toppings.   This doesn't have to be overly complicated, there are plenty of great convenience products out there to use.  Jarred salsas, shredded cheese, shredded cabbage, sliced olives, diced chilies, the list is pretty endless.   But you absolutely must make your own guacamole!  There's nothing like fresh guac and frankly, it's just not that hard to make yourself.  And it's worth the effort!

At the end of the table, place the rice and beans. Don't forget appropriate serving utensils for each item and you will probably need plenty of napkins.

You also may want to make a pitcher or two of margaritas so you won't have to play bartender all night.  Have some lime wedges and a plate of Kosher salt on hand for rimming the glasses.