Garlic Bread Taco Bites Recipe
If you’re looking to turn up the fun at your next party or craving a playful twist on classic comfort food, Garlic Bread Taco Bites are the answer you didn’t know you needed. These bite-sized wonders marry buttery, garlicky biscuit cups with hearty, flavorful taco filling and gooey cheddar for a combination that’s impossibly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, making game night snacks, or just want an easy dinner that delivers big on flavor, this recipe is about to become your new go-to. Each bite is crunchy, savory, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex personality!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Garlic Bread Taco Bites is how simple the ingredient list is — yet every component brings something special to the table. From the fluffy biscuit base to the zesty taco filling, each ingredient plays its part in creating a mini masterpiece.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16 oz): The secret to a soft, golden, and quick crust that holds up to all those tasty fillings.
- Olive oil or melted butter (1 tablespoon): Brushed on top for a rich, crispy finish and to help the garlic and herbs stick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Essential for infusing each bite with savory, aromatic flavor — don’t skip it!
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herby brightness.
- Ground beef or turkey (1 pound): The hearty taco filling; choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
- Taco seasoning mix (1 packet): Brings all the classic Tex-Mex flavors in one easy step.
- Water (⅓ cup): Helps the seasoning meld into the meat for a saucy, flavorful base.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey perfection on top of each taco bite.
- Salsa or taco sauce (½ cup): Adds moisture, tang, and a little kick to every bite.
- Sour cream and chopped green onions (optional): For garnish — they add creamy, fresh, and vibrant finishing touches.
How to Make Garlic Bread Taco Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Separate your biscuit dough and flatten each round into a 3 to 4-inch circle using your hands or a rolling pin. Gently press each round into a muffin cup, making sure to press it up the sides to form a cup shape that will cradle all the delicious taco filling.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine your olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. This mixture is magic! Generously brush it over the biscuit dough in the muffin cups, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated. This step gives each bite that signature garlic bread flavor and an irresistible golden finish.
Step 3: Cook the Taco Filling
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the water. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is thick, saucy, and fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 4: Assemble the Garlic Bread Taco Bites
Spoon the taco meat evenly into each biscuit cup — don’t be shy, you want them nice and full! Add a little spoonful of salsa or taco sauce right on top of the meat, then sprinkle each with a generous pinch of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt and bubble, sealing all those flavors together.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the biscuits to turn golden and the cheese to melt into a bubbly, irresistible topping. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes — this helps them set and makes them easier to remove. Serve warm and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Garlic Bread Taco Bites
Garnishes
A swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top of each Garlic Bread Taco Bite add a creamy, fresh finish that pairs beautifully with the warm, cheesy filling. If you want to get fancy, try a few sliced jalapeños or a scattering of diced tomatoes for extra color and zing.
Side Dishes
These taco bites are a party all on their own, but they play well with others! Serve them alongside a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or a platter of crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole. For a bigger spread, pair with a simple rice dish or refried beans to round out the Tex-Mex vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Garlic Bread Taco Bites are perfect for piling onto a big platter and letting guests help themselves. For a playful twist, serve them in mini taco holders or arrange them in a circle around a bowl of salsa for dipping. They also make a fantastic lunchbox treat or after-school snack — just pack them up with a side of veggies or fruit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store cooled Garlic Bread Taco Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days and are just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? These freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick snacks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, place Garlic Bread Taco Bites in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp. You can microwave them in a pinch, but the oven method keeps the biscuit base nice and toasty.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough?
Absolutely! Crescent roll dough will give your Garlic Bread Taco Bites a flakier, slightly sweeter crust. You can also try mini naan rounds for a different texture and flavor profile. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
How can I make these vegetarian?
Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use the same taco seasoning and follow the rest of the recipe as written for delicious vegetarian Garlic Bread Taco Bites.
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the bites up to the point before baking, cover the muffin tin, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just pop them in the oven and bake fresh — they’ll be party-perfect and piping hot.
What other toppings work well?
Let your creativity shine! Try black olives, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo. The possibilities are endless, so mix and match to make your Garlic Bread Taco Bites your own.
Are these suitable for kids?
Kids absolutely love Garlic Bread Taco Bites! They’re easy to hold, fun to eat, and mild enough for most palates. Just go easy on the salsa or use a mild taco sauce if you’re serving little ones.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Garlic Bread Taco Bites — they bring people together, disappear in minutes, and always leave everyone asking for the recipe. If you haven’t tried them yet, I can’t recommend them enough. Grab your favorite toppings, gather your friends or family, and let the snacking begin!
Print
Garlic Bread Taco Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 taco bites 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Bread Taco Bites combine savory taco meat with flavorful garlic-seasoned biscuit cups, creating a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer perfect for parties or snacks. Each bite-sized treat features a golden garlic bread base filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and a hint of salsa, garnished optionally with sour cream and green onions.
Ingredients
For the Biscuit Cups:
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa or taco sauce
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Shape Biscuit Cups: Separate the biscuit dough and flatten each biscuit into a 3–4 inch round. Place each round into a muffin cup, pressing down and up the sides to form a cup shape.
- Brush with Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine olive oil or melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley. Brush this mixture evenly over the biscuit dough cups to infuse them with garlic flavor.
- Cook Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in the taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Fill Biscuit Cups: Spoon the seasoned taco meat evenly into each biscuit cup. Add a small spoonful of salsa or taco sauce on top of the meat, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the biscuit edges are golden and the cheese has melted and bubbled.
- Cool and Garnish: Allow the taco bites to cool for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm, optionally garnished with sour cream and chopped green onions.
Notes
- For a creative variation, try using crescent roll dough or mini naan as the base instead of biscuit dough.
- These taco bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven or air fryer for convenience.
- Customize your toppings by adding olives, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or your favorite taco condiments.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco bite
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
