How to Make Taco Shells in the Oven

Are you tired of buying pre-made taco shells that are often stale and lackluster in flavor? Fear not, making your own crispy and fresh taco shells at home is easier than you may think! And the best part is, you can customize them to your liking, whether you prefer crunchy or soft shells.

Making taco shells in the oven requires only a few simple ingredients, and the result is a satisfying and flavorful treat. Not to mention, you’ll impress your dinner guests with your homemade shells. So, put on your chef hat and let’s get started on making the perfect taco shells in the oven.

Tools and Ingredients Needed

Making your own taco shells from scratch might seem like a daunting task, but the truth is that it’s quite simple. All you need are a few basic ingredients and some baking tools. Here are the tools and ingredients that you’ll need to make your own taco shells in the oven:

Ingredients:

– Corn tortillas
– Cooking spray

Tools:

– Baking sheet
– Oven
– Tongs

Instructions

Now that you have all the necessary ingredients and tools, it’s time to learn how to make taco shells in the oven.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the tortillas

Take your corn tortillas and lightly spray them with cooking spray on both sides. This will make them crispy when baked.

Step 3: Shape the tortillas

You will need to shape the tortillas into taco shells before you bake them. To do this, you will need to fold them in half and place them over a wire rack spanning over a baking sheet. If you don’t have a wire rack, use the tongs to hold the tortillas into the folded shape and place them directly on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake in the oven

Bake the tortillas in the oven for about 7-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You want the edges to be crispy and the tortillas to be golden brown.

Step 5: Remove from oven and mold

Once the taco shells are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully remove them from the rack or baking sheet. To mold them into the classic taco shell shape, use a wooden spoon handle or any other cylindrical object to gently shape the shells while they’re still warm. Hold the shells for a minute or two until they’re cool enough to handle.

Step 6: Load up your tacos!

Finally, it’s time to load up your tacos with your favorite fillings. Add some ground beef or beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream to make the perfect taco.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to get the best results when making your own taco shells in the oven:

Use fresh tortillas

Fresh corn tortillas will yield the best results. If you use older tortillas, they may become overly dry or break apart when you fold them.

Keep an eye on the oven

Keep a close eye on the taco shells as they bake. Different ovens may have slightly different cooking times, so it’s important to monitor them closely to avoid burning.

Use a wire rack

Using a wire rack to shape the taco shells will give them a classic, even shape. If you don’t have one, you can still make the taco shells by holding them into the folded shape with tongs.

Get creative with fillings

The beauty of making your own taco shells is that you can get creative with the fillings. Try adding different meats, vegetables, and sauces to customize your tacos to your liking.

Make extra

It’s always a good idea to make extra taco shells in case you need them for leftovers or unexpected guests. The taco shells can be stored in plastic bags or airtight containers at room temperature for a few days.

Experiment with flavors

Consider adding different spices or seasonings to your taco shells before baking. You can use chili powder, cumin, paprika, or any other spice that you like to add some extra flavor and kick to your homemade taco shells.

Conclusion

Making your own taco shells in the oven is easy, affordable, and a great way to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. With just a few simple ingredients and tools, you can create delicious and crispy taco shells that will take your taco game to the next level. So why not give it a try and wow your taste buds with some homemade tacos tonight?

Ingredients Needed to Make Taco Shells in the Oven

Making taco shells in the oven is an easy and quick process, and it requires minimal ingredients. In this section, we will list the essential ingredients that are required to make perfect, crispy, and warm taco shells at home.

1. Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are the base of the taco shells. You need to use fresh and high-quality corn tortillas for the best results. Homemade or store-bought tortillas can be used to make the taco shells. If you are using store-bought tortillas, look at the expiration date to ensure freshness.

2. Cooking Oil

Cooking oil is needed to give the taco shells a crispy texture. You can use any type of cooking oil of your choice, but vegetable oil or canola oil are the best options for making taco shells. The oil should be hot enough to quickly fry the tortillas, but not too hot that it burns them.

3. Salt

Salt is an essential ingredient to enhance the flavor of the taco shells. Add salt to the oil and tortillas before baking for a savory taste.

4. Baking Pan or Sheet

A baking pan or sheet is required to cook the taco shells in the oven. Use a baking pan or sheet that is large enough to accommodate the tortillas without touching each other.

5. Oven

An oven is needed to bake the taco shells to perfection. You can use a conventional oven or a toaster oven to bake the shells.

6. Tongs

Tongs are needed to remove the cooked tortillas from the hot oil and transfer them onto the baking sheet or pan. Use metal tongs that have a non-slip grip for safety.

7. Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is an optional but highly recommended ingredient. You can line the baking sheet or pan with parchment paper to prevent the taco shells from sticking and make clean-up easier.

8. Toppings

Taco shells are incomplete without toppings. Be it veggies, cheese, or meat; the toppings bring flavor and texture to the tacos.

9. Timer

A timer is an essential tool to ensure that the taco shells get baked for the exact amount of time. Set a timer for the baking time as too much or too little baking time can impact the taco shells’ taste and texture.

10. Oven Mitts

The final ingredient is oven mitts. Make sure to protect your hands from the hot oven, tortillas, and oil with oven mitts or potholders. Safety should always come first in the kitchen.

In conclusion, with these ten essential ingredients, you are ready to start making your taco shells in the oven. The process is simple, and the outcome is delicious. Let’s move on to the next section to learn the step-by-step process of making the perfect taco shells in the oven.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Making taco shells in the oven requires only a few ingredients, but choosing the right ones can make all the difference in creating perfectly crispy and flavorful shells. Here are the ingredients you will need:

Corn Tortillas

While you can use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are the traditional choice for making taco shells. Corn tortillas are made from masa harina, a special type of corn flour. They have a slightly nutty flavor and are sturdier than flour tortillas, making them ideal for holding the filling of your taco.

Olive Oil

To give your taco shells a crispy texture, brush them with olive oil before baking. Olive oil is a healthy fat that adds flavor and helps to make the tortillas crisp and golden brown.

Salt

Salt is a crucial ingredient in any recipe, and making taco shells in the oven is no exception. Sprinkle a little salt over the tortillas before baking to bring out their flavor.

Alternative Ingredients

If you can’t get your hands on corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute. You can also experiment with different oils, such as vegetable or canola oil, or add other seasonings, such as chili powder or cumin, to give your taco shells a unique flavor.

Choosing the Right Toppings

The perfect taco isn’t just about the shell – it’s also about the toppings! From fresh cilantro to tangy salsa, the right toppings can take your taco to the next level. Here are some of the most popular toppings to choose from:

– Shredded lettuce
– Chopped tomatoes
– Grated cheese
– Guacamole
– Sour cream
– Salsa

Experiment with different combinations and find the toppings that suit your taste. Remember to keep the toppings relatively simple and let the flavor of the taco shell and filling shine through.

That’s It!

Making crispy taco shells in the oven is not hard at all. It’s a fun way to make your favorite Mexican dish with a twist. Don’t forget to let them cool down before serving and to stuff them with your favorite filling. Thank you for reading this article! We hope you enjoyed it and can now start making your own taco shells at home. Keep coming back for more tasty recipes and tips!