Take your love for appetizers to the next level with this unique and indulgent Appetizer Sampler Taco! Imagine a taco shell made from crispy mozzarella sticks, filled with creamy mac and cheese, crunchy onion rings, mini potato skins, and a drizzle of marinara sauce. This playful dish combines all your favorite comfort foods into one bite, making it perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you’re craving something over-the-top and delicious. Let’s get started on creating this ultimate fusion taco!
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Stick Taco Shell:
- 12 large mozzarella sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Oil for frying
For the Fillings:
- 1 cup prepared mac and cheese
- 4-6 mini potato skins, cooked (store-bought or homemade)
- 6-8 onion rings, cooked (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce, warmed
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese or any favorite cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Stick Taco Shell:
- Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
- Bread each mozzarella stick by dipping it first in flour, then in eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the mozzarella sticks to ensure they adhere well.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Once all the mozzarella sticks are fried, carefully assemble them into a taco shell shape. Use toothpicks to secure them together if needed, or you can place them in a taco mold if available.
- Prepare the Fillings:
- Cook the mac and cheese, onion rings, and mini potato skins according to package instructions or your favorite recipes.
- Keep the fillings warm while assembling the tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Carefully fill the mozzarella stick taco shell with a spoonful of mac and cheese.
- Add a few onion rings and mini potato skins on top of the mac and cheese.
- Drizzle with warm marinara sauce and sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve:
- Serve these appetizer sampler tacos immediately, while they’re hot and the cheese is melty. Enjoy this fun and decadent fusion of your favorite appetizers!
How to Prepare
The mozzarella stick taco shell is the star of this dish, providing a crispy, cheesy base for the rich and comforting fillings. Feel free to get creative with the fillings—anything from jalapeño poppers to mini meatballs can be added to make these tacos your own. The key is to serve them hot so that all the components are warm and delicious!
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Servings
This recipe makes 4-6 appetizer tacos.
FAQs
- Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying? Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- What can I serve with these tacos? These tacos are a meal on their own, but they pair well with a side salad or extra marinara sauce for dipping.
- How do I make the tacos spicier? Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or include some jalapeño slices in the filling.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? It’s best to assemble and serve the tacos immediately, but you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them when ready to serve.
- How do I store leftovers? These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover components separately in the refrigerator and reassemble them later. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.