It’s Taco Tuesday, and everyone in your family has specific requests for what they want on their tacos. (What. A. Surprise.) Queue the taco charcuterie board. It’s a creative and easy-to-make spread that’s visually appealing and a crowd-pleaser because everyone gets the options they want.
I’m all about making sure people get what they want, and with this taco board, they can make it themselves.
Let’s walk through creating a memorable taco charcuterie board perfect for Taco Tuesday or any gathering.
What to Put on Your Taco Charcuterie Board
A taco charcuterie board is all about mixing and matching the flavors and textures of ingredients to create a delicious experience. To start, use a board like this large wooden board, or choose another one that catches your eye. While you can certainly use a rectangular paddle board like this, I like the look + feel of a circle board for tacos.
Use various fresh and colorful ingredients to make your taco board pop. For organizing toppings, I use mini glass bowls like these adorable mini glass bowls for ingredients. Fill them with options such as:
Proteins: Flavored grilled chicken, juicy pulled pork, or tasty ground beef.
Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas and crispy corn shells for various flavors. (I used both!)
Cheeses: Shredded cheddar, crumbled queso fresco, or creamy cotija for a cheesy twist.
Fresh Veggies: Sliced bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and crisp lettuce for crunch and color.
Salsas and Dips: A range of salsas, from mild to spicy, plus creamy guacamole and tangy sour cream.
Extras: Black beans, pinto beans, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños for added flavor.
How Much Taco Meat for Different Group Sizes
When preparing for a family of 5, you’ll want about 1 to 1.5 pounds of taco meat. That means if you’re using chicken, pork, or beef, you’d need approximately 1 to 1.5 pounds total. My kids are still little and don’t eat as much as Chris and I. However, I still aim for that amount because having a bit extra is better than not having enough. Everyone leaves with full bellies and happy taste buds. Plus, the leftovers are great as a taco bowl the next day.
If you plan to host a taco night for a group, estimating the amount of taco meat needed is vital. For around 30 people, a general rule of thumb is to prepare approximately 1/4 to 1/3 pounds of taco meat per person. This translates to about 7.5 to 10 pounds of taco meat in total.
What Order To Cook & Prepare Your Ingredients
When you make the ingredients for the taco charcuterie board, start with the protein first. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Then cook the ground meat and chicken and place it in a pan in the oven to stay warm. Then prep your toppings like veggies, salsa, and cheese. Heat the soft tortillas stacked & wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave. Once the tortillas are heated, take the protein out of the oven and place everything on the board.
Putting Together Your Mexican Charcuterie Board
When it’s time to arrange your taco charcuterie board, place your large wooden board in the middle of your serving space. Set up the mini glass bowls on the board in a pleasing layout. This looks great and encourages everyone to build their own tacos – making dinner interactive and enjoyable (and freeing you from the responsibility of doing it).
With your bowls ready, position the proteins, tortillas, cheeses, and fresh veggies in or around them. Don’t be afraid to get creative – mix and match colors and textures to make your spread eye-catching and enticing.
Bringing It All Together
Making a taco charcuterie board is a fun way to add a spark to your family meals, especially on Taco Tuesday. Because of the variety and presentation, it’s a hit with my family that’s both Instagram-worthy and thoroughly satisfying.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, putting together a taco charcuterie board that reflects your family’s preferences is a great way to make your meals memorable. Not only will your loved ones enjoy the flavors, but they’ll also appreciate the care and effort you’ve put into creating a personalized dining experience.
Next Taco Tuesday, try it and watch as your family digs into a feast that will become a favorite tradition.
