Taco shells are a crispy, delicious staple of Mexican cuisine, perfect for holding your favorite fillings. But what exactly are they made of? Let’s delve into the ingredients of both store-bought and homemade taco shells.
Store-Bought Taco Shells
Store-bought taco shells typically contain the following ingredients:
- Limed Corn Flour: This is the base of the shell, providing its structure and texture.
- Palm Oil: Used for frying the shells, giving them their crispy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor and adds a savory touch.
- Wheat Flour: Some brands may include wheat flour as an additional ingredient.
- Preservatives: To extend shelf life, some brands may add preservatives like calcium propionate and sodium benzoate.
Homemade Taco Shells
Homemade taco shells are made with just two simple ingredients:
- Corn Tortillas: These provide the base for the shells.
- Cooking Spray: Used to prevent the tortillas from sticking to the oven rack and to achieve a crispy texture.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information for taco shells can vary depending on the brand and type. Here’s a general overview:
- Calories: 50-70 calories per shell
- Fat: 2-3 grams per shell
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 grams per shell
- Protein: 1-2 grams per shell
- Fiber: 1-2 grams per shell
Tips for Choosing Taco Shells
- Store-bought: Look for brands that use minimal ingredients and avoid artificial additives and preservatives.
- Homemade: Use high-quality corn tortillas and a light coating of cooking spray.
FAQs
Q: Are taco shells gluten-free?
- A: Not all taco shells are gluten-free. Check the ingredient list to ensure they don’t contain wheat flour.
Q: Are taco shells healthy?
- A: Taco shells can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. Choose whole-wheat tortillas for a more nutritious option.
Q: How do I store taco shells?
- A: Store both store-bought and homemade taco shells in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: How do I reheat taco shells?
- A: You can reheat taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or until warm and crispy.
Q: What are some fillings for taco shells?
- A: The possibilities are endless! Popular fillings include ground beef, chicken, fish, beans, vegetables, cheese, and salsa.
Q: Can I make my own taco shells?
- A: Absolutely! Follow the recipe provided in the “Oven Baked Taco Shells” article for a simple and delicious way to make your own taco shells at home.
Q: What are the benefits of making my own taco shells?
- A: Making your own taco shells allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. It’s also a fun and rewarding culinary experience.
Q: What are some tips for making homemade taco shells?
- A: Use high-quality corn tortillas, heat them in the microwave until pliable, and lightly spray them with cooking spray before baking.
Q: What are some variations of taco shells?
- A: You can experiment with different types of tortillas, such as flour tortillas or whole-wheat tortillas. You can also add seasonings to the shells for extra flavor.
Q: Where can I find recipes for taco shells?
- A: You can find many recipes for taco shells online, including the “Oven Baked Taco Shells” recipe provided in this article.
Q: What are some popular taco shell brands?
- A: Popular taco shell brands include Old El Paso, Ortega, and Mission.
Q: What are some tips for using taco shells?
- A: Warm the taco shells before filling them to prevent them from cracking. Fill them generously with your favorite fillings and enjoy!
Q: What are some fun facts about taco shells?
- A: Taco shells were invented in the 1950s in California.
- The first taco shells were made from fried tortillas.
- Taco shells are a popular food in Mexico and around the world.
Q: What are some creative ways to use taco shells?
- A: You can use taco shells to make tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and more.
- You can also use them to create edible bowls for salads or dips.
Q: What are some resources for learning more about taco shells?
- You can find more information about taco shells online, including recipes, nutritional information, and historical facts.
Q: What are some tips for making the perfect taco shell?
- Use high-quality corn tortillas.
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave until pliable.
- Lightly spray the tortillas with cooking spray.
- Bake the shells at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let the shells cool slightly before filling them.
Q: What are some common mistakes people make when making taco shells?
- Using cold tortillas.
- Overcrowding the oven rack.
- Baking the shells for too long.
- Filling the shells too soon after baking.
Q: What are some tips for storing taco shells?
- Store taco shells in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Do not store taco shells in the refrigerator, as they will become soggy.
- Reheat taco shells in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Q: What are some tips for serving taco shells?
- Warm the taco shells before filling them.
- Fill the taco shells generously with your favorite fillings.
- Serve the taco shells with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Q: What are some fun ways to use taco shells?
- Use taco shells to make tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and more.
- You can also use them to create edible bowls for salads or dips.
Q: What are some creative fillings for taco shells?
- Ground beef, chicken, fish, beans, vegetables, cheese, and salsa.
- You can also experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique taco fillings.
Q: What are some tips for making healthy taco shells?
- Use whole-wheat tortillas.
- Bake the shells instead of frying them.
- Fill the shells with healthy ingredients, such as lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains.
Q: What are some tips for making vegan taco shells?
- Use corn tortillas that are not fried in lard.
- Fill the shells with vegan ingredients, such as plant-based protein, vegetables, and beans.
Q: What are some tips for making gluten-free taco shells?
- Use corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free.
- Be sure to check the ingredients of your fillings to ensure they are gluten-free.
Q: What are some tips for making low-carb taco shells?
- Use low-carb tortillas, such as almond flour tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Fill the shells with low-carb ingredients, such as ground turkey, vegetables, and cheese.
Q: What are some tips for making kid-friendly taco shells?
- Use mild fillings, such as ground beef or chicken.
- Add shredded cheese and sour cream for extra flavor.
- Let your kids help you assemble their own tacos.
Q: What are some tips for making party-friendly taco shells?
- Make a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes.
- Set up a taco bar so guests can customize their own tacos.
- Provide plenty of toppings, such as cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Q: What are some tips for making festive taco shells?
- Use colorful tortillas, such as red or blue corn tortillas.
- Add festive toppings, such as guacamole, pico de gallo, and cilantro.
- Serve the taco shells with festive drinks, such as margaritas or sangria.
Q: What are some tips for making romantic taco shells?
- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh seafood or prime steak.
- Add romantic toppings, such as grilled pineapple or roasted peppers.
- Serve the taco shells with a romantic drink, such as champagne or wine.
Q: What are some tips for making budget-friendly taco shells?
- Use ground beef or beans as your main filling.
- Add inexpensive toppings, such as shredded cheese and salsa.
- Make your own taco seasoning instead of buying it pre-made.
Q: What are some tips for making time-saving taco shells?
- Use pre-cooked fillings, such as rotisserie chicken or canned beans.
- Warm the taco shells in the microwave instead of the oven.
- Assemble the tacos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Q: What are some tips for making easy-to-clean taco shells?
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Use a spoon to fill the taco shells instead of your hands.
- Wipe up any spills immediately to prevent them from hardening.
Q: What are some tips for making sustainable taco shells?
- Use organic ingredients whenever possible.
- Buy tortillas from a local tortilla maker to reduce your
How to Store Baked Taco Shells
I enjoy making a big batch of these baked taco shells for taco nights or any other occasion where tacos are appropriate. In the event that you have extras, let them cool before carefully putting them in an airtight container and storing it somewhere cool and dry.
Taco shells should not be kept in the refrigerator or freezer if at all possible because they have a tendency to absorb moisture quickly and become soggy.
The following are some of the most common queries regarding baked taco shells and their respective responses:
Contrary to corn tortillas, which lean more toward the sturdy side, flour tortillas are typically softer. It’s unlikely that they will be able to support themselves, so I wouldn’t suggest using them to make crispy taco shells.
Of course, toasting tortillas enhances their flavor and ensures that they are sufficiently flexible to form tacos. I like to toast my tortillas on the stove for about a minute on each side, or until they become pliable. You can microwave your tortillas for one to three minutes to make them more pliable.
Although corn taco shells are typically crunchy, the moist fillings cause them to eventually become soggy. To avoid soggy tacos, prepare the fillings ahead of time and assemble the taco right before you’re ready to eat it. Store your crunchy taco shells at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator to ensure they stay crunchy.
Recipe Tips and Substitutions
Here are some of my best suggestions for modifications and advice to help you consistently make the best baked taco shells:
- Use larger tortillas. Larger tortillas are essential for creating the ideal taco shell. Greater size makes them easier to manage and allows for the inclusion of more taco fillings without shattering.
- Create taco bowls. Taco bowls are a simple and entertaining twist on traditional taco shells that don’t even need much work. Simply use a flipped cupcake pan to form the heated tortillas into bowls, then bake them in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
- Drape them evenly. I prefer draping my tortillas over two bars each. This not only gives the fillings more space, but it also ensures that they are all the same size and shape, which is useful when stacking them.
- Aluminum foil. I wish I had known about this advice when I first started out. To avoid a possible mess, cover the oven’s bottom rack with a sheet of aluminum foil and save time and effort cleaning it up afterwards!
- Add a hint of flavor. To give these taco shells a unique flavor, a dash of your preferred spice will do just fine. Great options include kosher salt, smoked paprika, and cumin.
- Cooking spray. If you don’t have cooking spray, you can still bake the tortillas by lightly brushing them with oil. Use whatever oil you have on hand; I’ve used both vegetable neutral oil and corn oil and haven’t noticed much of a difference.
- Tortilla chips. My best advice is saved for last: if you have any leftover tortillas, cut them into triangles and bake them to make crispy chips that go great with anything from guacamole to salsa.
Tacos Shell Recipe | How To Make Tacos Shell | Homemade Tacos Shell | Taco Shell
FAQ
What are taco shells made out of?
What are the ingredients in Taco Bell shells?
What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco shells?
Are taco shells corn or flour?
What are taco shells made of?
Soft taco shells are made from flour tortillas that are gently heated until they become pliable and can be easily folded around the filling. Hard taco shells, on the other hand, are made from cornmeal and are fried until they are crispy and crunchy. Discover what taco shells are made of!
How do you make taco shells?
To make traditional taco shells, you will need corn tortillas, vegetable oil, and salt. Corn tortillas are made from ground corn and are a staple in Mexican cooking. They are thin and pliable, making them perfect for wrapping around fillings to create tacos.
What are hard taco shells?
Hard taco shells are a classic option for tacos and are made from corn tortillas that are fried until they become crispy and hold their shape. These shells are a delicious way to hold all of your favorite taco fillings and can be easily made at home. To make hard taco shells, you will need corn tortillas, vegetable oil, and salt.
What are baked taco shells?
Baked taco shells are a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional taco shells that are fried in oil. Baked taco shells are made by shaping corn or wheat flour tortillas into the desired shape and baking them in the oven until they become crispy and hold their shape.