The Ultimate List of Taco Toppings

Tired of the same old tacos? Shake things up with this ultimate list of taco toppings! If you're planning a casual Taco Tuesday at home or hosting a full-blown taco bar for a crowd, the right toppings can turn even the simplest taco into something unforgettable.

From classic combos to creative twists, this guide has loads of taco toppings to choose from: crunchy veggies, flavorful sauces, spicy seasonings, fresh herbs, melty cheeses, and so much more. Keep it simple or go all out. With so many tasty options, no two tacos ever need to be the same.

Build Your Ultimate Taco Bar

Creating a taco bar is one of the easiest and fun ways to serve tacos! It's perfect for everything from a family dinner to a party with friends. Set out a variety of proteins, toppings, and sauces so everyone can build their perfect taco just the way they like it.

Start with the basics

• Tortillas: Offer both flour and corn tortillas, or go all out with street taco size, blue corn, and crunchy taco shells. Warm them before serving to make them soft and pliable.
• Proteins: Choose from ground beef, shredded chicken, carne asada, carnitas, or even vegetarian options like grilled mushrooms or beans.
• Cheese: Put out bowls of shredded cheddar, crumbled cotija, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or creamy nacho cheese.

Then go wild with toppings

Fresh ingredients: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, onions, radishes, pickled jalapeños, and cilantro. You may want to have a larger bowl of shredded lettuce so all the taco toppings can be turned into salads.
Flavor-boosters: Lime wedges, crema, guacamole, sour cream, and hot sauces like Tapatío, Cholula, or homemade salsa verde.
Crunchy extras: Fried shallots, chicharrones, tortilla strips, or a crunchy coleslaw all add flavor and texture to tacos.

A taco bar is customizable, it's perfect for picky eaters, and cleanup is a breeze. Don't forget to include a few toppings people might not expect, like mango salsa, roasted pepitas, or even kimchi. The more choices, the better!

Taco Shell Options

The foundation of any great taco starts with the shell, and there are more options than you might think! Set out a few different types of tortillas so your guests can mix and match. It doesn't matter if you're going classic or looking for something unexpected, here are some of the best taco shell choices to serve:

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional and naturally gluten-free, corn tortillas have a wonderful flavor. They're perfect for street tacos and proteins like carne asada or al pastor.
• Flour Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft, flexible, and slightly chewy. They're great for larger tacos with heavier fillings like ground beef, chicken tinga, or breakfast tacos.
• Crunchy Taco Shells: Store-bought crunchy shells are perfect for immediately adding texture to your tacos. They're ideal for ground beef tacos topped with shredded lettuce and cheese.
• Blue Corn Tortillas: These are arguably the prettiest tortillas you can serve, and will add a gourmet feel to any taco bar.
• Mini Street Taco Tortillas: These are tiny tortillas that are perfect for tasting a variety of toppings without committing to a full-size taco, making them perfect for a party!
• Lettuce Wraps: A low-carb option using romaine or butter lettuce. They're crisp, refreshing, and great for lighter fillings like shrimp or grilled veggies.
• Cheese Taco Shells: Made by baking or pan-frying shredded cheese until crispy, then shaped into shells. They're delicious, gluten-free and low-carb!
• Jicama Slices: Thinly sliced jicama offers a crunchy, fresh shell alternative that's low in calories and carbs. I've seen these at a few restaurants in my area and they're such a fun way to serve tacos!

The Best Cheeses for Tacos

Cheese can make or break a taco. It adds richness, creaminess, and a salty finish that ties everything together. You can melt it inside the shell under a piping hot protein or sprinkle it on top, or both! Here are some of the best cheeses to consider:

Cotija: This is a crumbly, salty Mexican cheese that's often compared to feta. It's great for sprinkling over tacos once the other ingredients are loaded into the tortilla.
Queso Fresco: This one is soft and mild with a slight tang. It crumbles easily and perfect for cooling down spicy fillings.
Oaxaca: Oaxaca is a semi-soft cheese that melts beautifully! Think of it as the mozzarella of Mexican cuisine, making it perfect for tacos or quesadillas.
Monterey Jack: It's mild, creamy, and great for melting. It works well in beef or chicken tacos, especially when mixed with spicier cheeses.
Cheddar: Choose either sharp or mild, either are wonderful choices. Cheddar is a go-to in Tex-Mex style tacos because it melts well and a wonderful flavor.
Pepper Jack: This is a spicier twist on Monterey Jack with bits of jalapeño or chili. Use this if you want to add heat without using a hot sauce.
Asadero: A creamy, stretchy cheese used in authentic Mexican cooking. It melts smoothly, making it a great choice for making a cheesy beef filling.
Chihuahua: This one is similar to a mild cheddar. Chihuahua cheese melts beautifully and has a buttery flavor. It's perfect for melty, cheesy taco fillings.
Smoked Queso: This is perfect for adding a unique flavor to tacos, especially if you're already smoking your proteins. It's very rich and flavorful! It can double as a dip and a topping.
Panela: A firm cheese that holds its shape even when heated. Try it diced or grilled and added to veggie or shrimp tacos.

Fresh and Pickled Vegetables

Fresh and pickled veggies add crunch and acidity. Mix and match fresh and pickled toppings for layered flavor and texture. Think pickled red onions with shredded cabbage, or fresh avocado with tangy jalapeños.

Fresh Vegetables

Shredded Lettuce: A taco classic that cools down spicier ingredients and adds a nice crunchy texture.
Diced Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, tomato is perfect for softening spicy or smoky flavors.
Avocado Slices: A must for great tacos! Avocado is creamy and rich and pairs well with spicy ingredients.
Red Onion: Slice it thinly or dice it.
Green Onion (Scallions): These are great for a milder onion flavor. They also add a nice pop of color.
Jalapeño: Sliced these thinly or dice them. Make sure to put a spoon in the dish so no one has to immediately wash their hands.
Radishes: These will add a peppery bite and a crunchy texture.
Cucumber: Cucumber is especially good on fish or shrimp tacos. Dice these instead of slicing.
Bell Peppers: These are sweet and crunchy when they're served raw. You can also char them before chopping which will make them slightly softer.
Corn Kernels: You can serve corn fresh off the cob (no cooking!), grilled, or charred. Corn adds sweetness and texture and is SO good as a taco topping.
Shredded Cabbage: Adds a wonderful crunch! Serve it as-is or make a quick slaw.

Pickled Vegetables

Pickled Red Onions: These are sweet and tangy, a must-have taco topping.
Pickled Jalapeños: Even if you're already serving fresh jalapeños, don't overlook these tangy, spicy little bites.
Pickled Radishes: Another great taco topping that's worth considering even if you're serving the fresh version.
Escabeche (Pickled Carrots & Cauliflower): This is a traditional Mexican mix that works both as a taco topping or to enjoy on the side.
Kimchi: This is especially great for Korean-inspired tacos.
Pickled Cucumber: Especially good with fried fish or tofu.

Salsas, Sauces, and Creamy Toppings

No taco is complete without a drizzle (or dollop) of something saucy. From spicy and smoky to tangy and rich, these toppings bring everything together. Combine a few for maximum flavor!

Classic Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño.
• Salsa Verde: Made from tomatillos and green chiles. It's tangy and slightly spicy.
• Roasted Tomato Salsa: Smoky and deep in flavor. Perfect for carne asada.
• Corn Salsa: Sweet and crunchy, especially great on fish and veggie tacos.
• Pineapple or Mango Salsa: Adds a fruity sweetness and pairs well with spicy proteins.
• Black Bean and Corn Salsa: This is a great all-in-one taco topping.
• Habanero or Chile de Árbol Salsa: For the heat lovers!

Smooth Sauces

• Tomatillo Avocado Salsa: Creamy, bright, and herby.
• Chipotle Sauce: Smoky and spicy, it's great with chicken or pork. Just mix a few tablespoons of adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce) with some sour cream.
• Adobo Crema: This is a tangy, smoky "sauce" that's perfect with grilled meats.
• Enchilada Sauce (Red or Green): This is a great alternative to salsa.
• Chimichurri: This is filled with fresh herbs and has a garlicky punch that works really well with steak tacos.
• Mole Sauce: This is a deep, rich sauce that's delicious with shredded chicken or pork.

Creamy Toppings

• Mexican Crema: Smooth, tangy, and thinner than sour cream.
• Sour Cream: A classic creamy topping that cools spicier taco toppings.
• Cilantro Lime Crema: Mince some cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice, then stir it into either Mexican crema or sour cream.
• Avocado Crema: Same as above, with the addition of avocado. Blend the crema or sour cream, cilantro, and fresh lime juice with Mexican cream or sour cream.
• Queso Dip: Who doesn't love queso dip, either with crunchy chips or as a taco topping?
• Ranch Dressing: This one definitely isn't traditional but it's a great topping for chicken tacos!
• Guacamole: This one's obvious because it's used so often, and for good reason!
• Aioli (Chipotle, Roasted Garlic, etc.): We love serving different aiolis on our taco bars!

Herbs, Seasonings, and Citrus

A sprinkle of herbs or a squeeze of lime can transform your tacos with a fresh burst of flavor that really pack a punch! Add these in small dishes or in their spice jars so everyone can add whichever extra flavors they love best. Choose a few from our list to take your tacos from average to fantastic:

Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: As far as taco toppings go, this is THE go-to herb.
• Parsley: This is a fresh alternative to cilantro.
• Mint: Mint pairs surprisingly well with spicy chicken or grilled veggie tacos.
• Chives: This has a delicate onion flavor and adds a nice pop of green.
• Basil: Try it with fusion tacos or anything with tomato or mozzarella.

Dry Spices & Seasoning Blends

• Taco Seasoning: The obvious classic blend for beef or chicken.
• Adobo Seasoning: A fantastic mix that's great on pork or paired with beans.
• Tajin: Tajin is a chili-lime salt that's amazing on everything from corn to pineapple salsa.
• Cumin: This adds a ton of flavor to meats, beans, and sauces.
• Smoked Paprika: This has a rich, smoky kick without the heat.
• Chili Powder: This has a mild spice with a lot of flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Add just a pinch for heat, especially with cheese or crema.

Citrus & Acids

• Lime Wedges: Lime brightens up every bite and helps to balance spicy fillings.
• Lemon Wedges: Especially good with fish tacos!
• Pickled Red Onions: Adds color, crunch, and tang all in one taco topping.
• Vinegar-Based Hot Sauces: Try Tabasco or Valentina.

Crunchy & Unique Toppings

Adding texture to tacos makes them much more interesting, and a little crunch goes a long way. These taco toppings will add texture and a little something unexpected to taco night!

Crunchy Add-Ons

• Frito chips: Crushed and sprinkled on top for a salty crunch.
• Chicharrones: Crispy, crushed pork rinds will add a savory, delicous crunch.
• Tortilla strips: Fried or baked, these are great over slaw or crema.
• Fried shallots or onions: Take your onion topping up a notch!
• Roasted pepitas: Toasted pumpkin seeds have a nutty flavor and add crunch.
• Crispy bacon or candied bacon: Sweet, salty, and irresistible!
• Cabbage slaw: Light, crunchy, and fresh. It's especially great on fish tacos.

Unexpected Twists

• Fried egg: Try it on breakfast tacos or chorizo and potato!
• Kimchi: Spicy, tangy, and perfect for Korean-Mexican fusion tacos.
• Plantain chips or strips: Adds a sweet crunch that pairs well with black beans and pulled pork.
• Pomegranate arils: A juicy pop of sweet-tart flavor.
• Toasted coconut flakes: A surprising favorite with shrimp or mango salsa.
• Crumbled queso chips: For a cheesy, crispy topping!

Taco Toppings by Dietary Preference

No matter who's at the table, there's a taco topping combo that works. Whether you're feeding vegetarians, keto eaters, or just trying to offer healthier options, this list makes it easy to build tacos everyone can enjoy.

Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly

• Grilled vegetables: Think bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
• Avocado or guacamole: Adds creaminess and flavor.
• Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans: Great protein and fiber.
• Cabbage slaw: Make it mayo-free for vegan.
• Salsas: Pico de gallo, mango salsa, and salsa verde are all naturally vegan.
• Pickled red onions: Great for both vegetarians and vegans.
• Tofu or tempeh: Seasoned and pan-fried for a plant-based protein.
• Roasted chickpeas: These are super crunchy and can add a lot of flavor!

Gluten-Free

• Corn tortillas: Naturally gluten-free and perfect for street-style tacos.
• Crispy jicama slices or lettuce leaves: Use as a taco "shell" alternative.
• Most salsas, guacamole, and crema: Double-check the labels if store-bought.
• Rice (cilantro lime or Spanish): This makes a great taco filling that's naturally gluten-free.

Low-Carb & Keto

• Cheese shells: Melt and cool cheese into a crispy taco shell.
• Thinly sliced jicama or lettuce wraps: Butter lettuce or romaine work great.
• Shredded lettuce: Easier than assembling lettuce wraps and turns tacos into salads with all the same taco toppings.
• Sour cream, shredded cheese, and guacamole: All of these are keto-approved!
• Fried or roasted cauliflower: A great sub for beans or potatoes.
• Crumbled bacon or chicharrones: Adds crunch and salty deliciousness.

Dairy-Free

• Avocado slices or guacamole: Creamy without the cheese.
• Salsas and hot sauces: Tons of flavor without the dairy.
• Pickled veggies: Onions, jalapeños, and radishes will all work.
• Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint: Great for every diet!

Creative Taco Combos You've Gotta Try

If you want to move beyond basic tacos, these inspired combinations are where the magic happens. Mix and match toppings to create delicious tacos that are far from ordinary.

Sweet Heat Shrimp Tacos

• Grilled or blackened shrimp
• Mango salsa
• Pickled red onions
• Avocado crema
• Fresh cilantro

Loaded Breakfast Tacos

• Scrambled eggs or fried egg
• Crispy bacon or chorizo
• Diced potatoes or hash browns
• Shredded cheddar
• Salsa verde or hot sauce

BBQ Brisket Street Tacos

• Shredded smoked brisket
• Creamy slaw
• Crispy fried onions
• Chipotle mayo
• Fresh lime juice

Veggie Lovers

• Roasted mushrooms and bell peppers
• Fajita onions
• Queso fresco
• Smashed avocado
• Cilantro-lime dressing

Korean-Inspired Fusion

• Bulgogi beef or gochujang-marinated tofu
• Kimchi
• Sliced scallions
• Sriracha mayo
• Toasted sesame seeds

Baja Fish Tacos

• Beer-battered or grilled white fish
• Cabbage slaw
• Creamy chipotle sauce
• Fresh lime
• Pickled jalapeños

Carnitas & Pineapple

• Crispy carnitas
• Grilled pineapple chunks
• Pickled red onion
• Cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro

Buffalo Chicken Tacos

• Shredded buffalo chicken
• Shredded lettuce
• Crumbled blue cheese or ranch drizzle
• Diced celery
• Crispy tortilla strips

Spicy Thai Peanut Tacos

• Ground turkey or tofu
• Shredded cabbage
• Matchstick carrots
• Thai peanut sauce
• Chopped peanuts and a squeeze of lime

Elote-Inspired Street Tacos

• Grilled corn off the cob
• Mayo or crema
• Crumbled cotija
• Tajín seasoning
• Lime wedges

Chili Cheese Frito Tacos

• Spicy ground beef or beanless chili
• Nacho cheese or shredded cheddar
• Crushed Fritos
• Sour cream
• Green onions or jalapeños

Taco Toppings - Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular toppings for tacos?
Some of the most popular taco toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, avocado or guacamole, shredded cheese (like cheddar or cotija), sour cream, and a variety of salsas. Cilantro and lime are also classic garnishes.

What toppings go well with fish tacos?
Great toppings for fish tacos include shredded cabbage or slaw, mango or pineapple salsa, crema (especially with lime or chipotle), avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. These pair well with grilled or fried white fish.

What kind of cheese is best for tacos?
Traditional Mexican cheeses like cotija, queso fresco, and Oaxaca are excellent choices. For melty options, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cheddar also work well, especially in Tex-Mex-style tacos.

How can I keep taco toppings organized for a party?
Use small bowls or ramekins to separate each topping, grouping similar ingredients together (salsas, veggies, cheeses). Labeling them can help guests make quick decisions, and offering both mild and spicy options will make sure everyone's happy.

Can I prepare taco toppings ahead of time?
Absolutely. Many toppings like shredded cheese, chopped veggies, salsas, and guacamole can be prepared a few hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve them.

What are some low-carb taco topping options?
Great low-carb toppings include grilled meats, shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, and leafy greens like lettuce or cabbage. You can also serve your taco fillings in lettuce cups or low-carb tortillas.

Are there vegan taco toppings?
Yes! Vegan-friendly taco toppings include black beans, pinto beans, grilled vegetables, guacamole, salsa, pickled onions, fresh herbs, slaw, and plant-based cheese or crema alternatives.

What are some fun toppings for kids?
For a kid-friendly taco bar, offer toppings like shredded cheese, mild salsa, sour cream, corn, and crushed tortilla chips. You can also include seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken that isn't too spicy.

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We'd love to hear what your favorite taco toppings are - let us know in the comments below!