From Rice to Wraps: Your Ultimate DIY Taco & Burrito Bar

Beyond a variety of toppings, every great taco and burrito bar should offer diners an assortment of tasty, sturdy bases to build on.

• Tortillas – A traditional go-to, tortillas are a natural base for any style of taco or burrito. Tortillas can be homemade or storebought, and can be made from wheat flour, or gluten-free alternatives, such as corn, coconut or almond flour.
• Hard taco shells – Similar to soft tortillas, hard taco shells can be made from corn, wheat flour or grain-free flours. Though they’re not a great option for burritos, they add tempting crunch to any taco dish.

• Rice – Ideal for a slew of saucy, sloppy, irresistible toppings, rice is a sturdy, neutral base for burrito bowls and tacos. When planning modern riffs on the classics, stock up on a variety of RiceSelect® products to match the menu.
• Texmati® White – Long-grain white rice with a unique aroma and nutty flavor, Texmati® is the perfect complement to any ingredient combo you can think of.
• Texmati® Brown – For dishes that pack whole grains and bold flavor into every bite, this hybrid brown rice and basmati variety is tough to beat. Pair it with attention-grabbing sauces and hearty stewed meats—it’ll enhance every morsel.
• White Quinoa – Take taco night in a modern direction with this subtle, delicately chewy ingredient. Filling and delicious, it’ll help bring out the best in all of your taco toppings.
• Tri-Color Quinoa – Protein-packed, this colorful ingredient doesn’t need to be combined with meat in order to satisfy. Invite this all-star to the party, and make it a meatless taco fiesta.

Taco bar menu ideas range from the simple to the complex, meaning that you can take your party in any direction you like. Go big, with a spread fit for a crowd, or lean on easy taco bar ideas to make a family dinner that wows.

• Crowd-pleasers – To create the ultimate DIY taco and burrito bar, offer diners a diverse number of proteins, sides and taco toppings. For a hearty addition, slow-cook, grill or deep fry meat or seafood. Then, set up a string of add-ons, making sure that you have mild and spicy options, as well as some that are creamy and others with a little texture. Think salsas, guacamole and coleslaw, cheese, grilled peppers, pico de gallo, and more!

• Vegetarian & vegan options – When exploring party taco bar set up ideas, don’t forget to plan for vegetarian and vegan diners. Beyond tasty toppings, include plant-based meat substitutes, including seasoned rice dishes, refried beans, pulled jackfruit and spiced vegan ground.

• Global twists – Just because tacos are Mexican doesn’t mean that you can’t infuse them with flavors from around the globe! From Korean bulgogi to jerk chicken, Tex-Mex beef to teriyaki pork, globally-inspired proteins and sides can take any taco fiesta into bold new territory.

• Drinks & desserts to complement the meal – Prove you’re the hottest host with a taco and burrito bar that includes plenty of refreshing drinks and desserts. Offer aguas frescas, creamy horchata and Mexican hot chocolate alongside a range of margaritas, from classic to spicy. For dessert? There’s nothing quite like a velvety rice pudding, fruity paletas or churros to help calm the taco heat.

What’s the best place to begin planning any DIY taco and burrito bar? With delicious recipes, of course! Designed to make the cook’s life easy while charming diners, these are not to be missed.

Food sorted, it’s time to put all the finishing touches on your taco and burrito bar! Organize your prep and setup, music and décor, and enjoy the party as much as each and every one of your guests.

Easy Cooking Prep 

For big and small gatherings, prepping food in advance will help things run smoothly.

• Batch-prep fillings—think pulled pork, refried beans and seasoned rice— and make as many toppings as you can in advance so that you’re not overwhelmed with last-minute cooking. Store items separately in the fridge, then reheat as needed in the microwave or on the stovetop. Heat fillings and then keep them warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish.

• Items such as salsa, pico de gallo and shredded cheese can be set out in bowls before guests arrive. Place cold items, such as cheese and sour cream, in bowls set over ice to keep them from getting too warm.

• Heat soft tortillas in the microwave and keep them warm by wrapping them in a dish towel and storing them in a tortilla warmer.

• Hard taco shells can be crisped up in a warm oven.

• For guests who want to try an alternative to tortillas and crispy shells, prep a warm bowl of seasoned Texmati® white rice as a tasty taco base.

Buffet Burrito and Taco Bar Setup Ideas

Avoid traffic jams by following these helpful buffet taco bar ideas.

• For the spread, choose a large table or countertop. Set plates and napkin-rolled cutlery at the start of the buffet. Then, set out bases, including tortillas, hard shells and rice. Follow this with warm fillings, such as meats, rice, beans and plant-based meat substitutes. Toppings should come last.

• If space allows, make a kid-friendly area with fewer options for young diners. Set this up on a lower table for ease of access. Focus on mild salsas, sauces and cheeses for this group.

• Carefully label toppings so that spice-averse guests won’t accidentally get a mouthful of fire. If possible, separate spicy taco and burrito add-ons by grouping them together in a spice-lover’s area.

• Beyond labels, elevate your buffet spread with an abundance of colorful décor! Papel picado, banners and table runners can help bring a room to life, along with balloons, paper fans and more.

Nobody looks forward to post-party clean-up, but you can look forward to leftovers! Follow these tips to enjoy every morsel and eliminate food waste.

• Have plenty of containers ready so that you’re not fussing to find somewhere to store food at the last moment. Pre-pack taco fillings and toppings for a week’s worth of lunches, or store meats and fillings in large containers in the freezer for future meals.

• Keep fresh items, such as guacamole, shredded lettuce and pico de gallo, separate and eat within a couple of days.

• Give leftovers new life by using them in creative ways. Taco salad bar ideas include using lettuce as a base for your favorite taco toppings.

• Learn to repurpose leftover rice and never let a single grain go to waste! Reheated and reinvented, that delectable taco ingredient can morph into tomorrow’s fried rice, rice salad, and more.