Spicy Taco Bites with Creamy Jalapeño Topping
These Spicy Taco Bites are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering! Crispy corn tortilla chips shaped like cups are filled with hearty vegetarian chili, topped with melted cheese, and finished off with a zesty jalapeño sour cream. Garnished with fresh parsley, these mini taco cups are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for parties, game days, or family snacks. Enjoy the vibrant flavors, and don't forget the extra sour cream on the side for dipping!
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Corn tortilla chips (scoop shape)
48 (unbroken)
Sour cream
3/4 cup (none)
Pickled jalapeño peppers
8-12 (sliced and chopped)
Taco seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Vegetarian chili
1 (15-ounce) can (none)
Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup (none)
Fresh parsley
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to broil and position the rack in the uppermost position for optimal heating.
2
Carefully select 48 unbroken corn tortilla chips and arrange them in a single layer on one or two baking sheets.
3
In a small mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, chopped jalapeños, and taco seasoning. Mix well until evenly combined.
4
Using a spoon, place about 1 teaspoon of vegetarian chili into each tortilla chip cup, ensuring they are filled but not overflowing.
5
Sprinkle approximately 1/2 teaspoon of shredded cheese on top of the chili in each cup.
6
Slide the baking sheets onto the top oven rack and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chili is heated through. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7
Once heated, carefully remove the baking sheets from the oven. Add a small dollop of the jalapeño sour cream mixture on top of each mini taco cup.
8
Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
9
Serve immediately with extra sour cream on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Taco Bites?
Spicy Taco Bites are a crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring crispy corn tortilla chips filled with vegetarian chili, melted cheese, and a zesty jalapeño sour cream topping.
How many taco bites does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 48 individual taco bites.
What type of chips should be used for this recipe?
Scoop-shaped corn tortilla chips are used to hold the chili and cheese filling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe uses vegetarian chili, making it a vegetarian-friendly snack.
How long do the taco bites need to broil?
They should be broiled for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chili is heated through.
What are the ingredients in the creamy topping?
The topping is made from a blend of sour cream, chopped pickled jalapeños, and taco seasoning.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend works best for these bites.
How much chili should be placed in each chip?
Each chip should be filled with approximately 1 teaspoon of vegetarian chili.
Can I use meat-based chili instead of vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the vegetarian chili with any canned or homemade chili of your choice.
What is the best way to prevent the chips from burning?
Position the rack in the uppermost position and keep a close eye on the chips during the 1-2 minute broiling period.
How do I prepare the jalapeños for the topping?
The pickled jalapeño peppers should be sliced and then finely chopped before mixing into the sour cream.
What is the garnish for these taco bites?
The recipe suggests garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.
Should I serve anything on the side?
It is recommended to serve extra sour cream on the side for dipping.
How much sour cream is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of sour cream.
What size of chili can is required?
One 15-ounce can of vegetarian chili is needed for 48 bites.
How much taco seasoning should I add?
You should use 1 1/2 teaspoons of taco seasoning.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled?
Yes, though pickled jalapeños add a tangy flavor that complements the taco seasoning well.
How much cheese goes on each bite?
Approximately 1/2 teaspoon of shredded cheese should be sprinkled on each bite.
Are these bites served hot or cold?
They are served hot immediately after being removed from the oven and topped with the cream mixture.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with only 7 ingredients and a very short cooking time, it is an easy recipe for any skill level.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Peppers.
Can I substitute parsley with cilantro?
Yes, cilantro is an excellent alternative for those who prefer its flavor in Mexican-style dishes.
Do I need to preheat the oven?
Yes, the oven should be preheated to the broil setting before you start assembling the chips.
How many jalapeño slices are used?
Between 8 to 12 pickled jalapeño slices are typically chopped for the topping.
What is the main entity of this recipe?
The main entity is an appetizer called Spicy Taco Bites with Creamy Jalapeño Topping.
Can I prepare these in advance?
It is best to assemble and broil them right before serving to ensure the chips remain crispy.
What makes the bites 'spicy'?
The heat comes from both the pickled jalapeños and the taco seasoning mixed into the sour cream.
Is this recipe good for parties?
Yes, it is described as an ideal crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties and game days.
How do I arrange the chips on the baking sheet?
Arrange 48 unbroken chips in a single layer on one or two baking sheets.
Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Yes, homemade taco seasoning can be used as a direct substitute for store-bought versions.