As the leaves turn crimson and the air gets crisp, thoughts of Halloween come rushing in, bringing with them a wave of nostalgia filled with laughter and creativity. This year, I wanted to whip up something that would add a playful twist to my family’s usual festivities, so I created these delightful Graveyard Taco Cups. Picture this: a deliciously creamy guacamole base, hearty black beans layered to perfection, and topped off with whimsical edible gravestones. Not only are these treats a visual feast, but they also boast a flavor explosion that both kids and adults will love. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—making them ideal for parties or a Halloween-themed dinner at home. Join me in crafting these savory sensations and bring a touch of spooky fun to your table!
Why are Graveyard Taco Cups a must-try?
Fun and Creative: These spooky bites are sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering, adding a festive flair to your spread.
Kid-Friendly: Both simple to make and enjoyable to eat, they are perfect for little ones to help assemble.
Healthy Twists: Packed with nutritious ingredients like black beans and avocados, these cups deliver flavor without compromising on health.
Quick Prep: With just 30 minutes to go from kitchen to table, they fit seamlessly into busy schedules.
Versatile Options: Customize your cups with various toppings or even switch ingredients for non-vegan alternatives, accommodating all taste preferences.
Surprise your family with this playful treat and enjoy a festive feast while creating lasting memories!
Graveyard Taco Cups Ingredients
• Get ready for a spooky cooking adventure!
For the Taco Cups
- FlatOut pizza crusts – Great for forming the “tombstones” and “trees”; can be swapped with traditional tortilla chips for a crunchier base.
- Refined black beans – A nutritious source of protein that adds creaminess; substitute with black bean dip for a simpler option.
For the Guacamole
- Avocados – The heart of the guacamole, delivering healthy fats; feel free to use store-bought guacamole for quick prep.
- Garlic – Amplifies the guacamole’s flavor; can be omitted if you prefer a gentler taste.
- Lime juice – Brightens up the guacamole; fresh lemons make a great alternative if limes aren’t on hand.
For the Toppings
- Black olives – Offer a salty contrast and a spooky aesthetic; green olives are a tasty substitute if you want a twist.
- Green onions – Add a refreshing crunch; chives can easily be used instead for a milder flavor.
Make these Graveyard Taco Cups your go-to Halloween treat and watch as they become a family favorite in no time!
How to Make Graveyard Taco Cups
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Preheat your oven to 375°F. This step gets your kitchen ready for those deliciously spooky taco cups you’re about to create!
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Stencil out shapes for tombstones and trees using paper, then carefully cut these shapes from the FlatOut pizza crusts with an Exact-O-Knife. Lightly coat them with olive oil and sprinkle a touch of sea salt.
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Bake the shapes in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes until they turn lightly golden brown. Allow the cutouts to cool completely, then get creative and use an edible pen to write “R.I.P.” on your tombstones.
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Warm the refined black beans over medium-low heat. Stir gently until they are warmed through, making them the perfect cozy filling for your cups.
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Prepare the guacamole by mashing ripe avocados in a bowl. Mix in minced garlic, a splash of lime juice, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth and creamy.
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Layer the assembled taco cups by starting with a base of warm black beans, then generously spoon on the guacamole. Top them off with black olives and sprinkle with green onions for that final spooky touch!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Graveyard Taco Cups?
As you gather around to celebrate Halloween, these delightful cups deserve some fabulous accompaniments to complete your spooky feast.
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Crispy Tortilla Chips: A crunchy side that contrasts beautifully with the creamy guacamole, perfect for scooping up every tasty bite.
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Mango Salsa: Bright and fruity, this salsa balances the savory taco cups with a hint of sweetness that invigorates the palate.
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Spiced Pumpkin Soup: Warm, comforting, and full of fall flavors, this soup offers a cozy contrast to the playful taco cups, making it a perfect duo.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory elements of the taco cups, adding a hearty touch to your meal.
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Mixed Greens Salad: A light and fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
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Chilled Apple Cider: This crisp beverage captures the essence of fall and complements your festive taco cups, making every sip a treat!
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Halloween-Themed Desserts: Finish off the meal with spooky treats like ghost-shaped cookies or pumpkin cupcakes for a delightful touch of sweetness.
Graveyard Taco Cups Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to add your personal touch to these delightful taco cups with some exciting twists!
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Meat Alternative: Swap black beans for seasoned ground beef or turkey for a non-vegan option that’s hearty and satisfying.
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Veggie Boost: Include diced tomatoes or corn to amp up the flavor and add a sweet crunch to each bite.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the black beans for a fiery surprise that warms the palate.
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Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheese, like cheddar or queso fresco, on top before serving for a melty twist that kids adore.
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Homemade Crusts: Make your own tortilla chips using corn tortillas for a personalized texture and flavor, ensuring a fresh and crispy base.
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Plain Olives: If you prefer, swap black olives for more mild green olives for a different flavor profile that still looks spooky!
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Herby Garnish: Finish with fresh cilantro or parsley instead of green onions for a light herbal note that brightens the dish.
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Savory Spice: Mix in taco seasoning with the black beans to infuse every layer with rich, zesty flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
Expert Tips for Graveyard Taco Cups
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Evenly Coat: Ensure your pizza crust shapes are coated with olive oil to achieve an even bake; this prevents them from becoming overly crispy or burnt.
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Cooling Time: Let the tombstone cutouts cool completely before decorating; this helps avoid smudging your edible pen designs and maintains their spooky charm.
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Supervise Kids: Always keep an eye on little helpers, especially with sharp knives and hot ovens involved; safety first ensures a fun cooking experience!
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Flavor Boost: Consider adding spices to the black beans; customized seasoning enhances the depth of flavor in your Graveyard Taco Cups even more!
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Prep Ahead: You can prepare components in advance. Make the guacamole a few hours ahead and store it tightly covered to reduce browning for maximum freshness at serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Graveyard Taco Cups are fantastic for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the guacamole up to 3 hours ahead of time. To prevent browning, store it in an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly against the surface before refrigerating. Additionally, the tombstone and tree shapes can be cut from the FlatOut pizza crusts up to 24 hours in advance; just keep them in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain crispness. When it’s time to serve, simply warm the black beans and layer your cups as indicated in the recipe. This way, you can enjoy the fun of assembling these spooky treats without the rush, making your Halloween celebration even more enjoyable!
How to Store and Freeze Graveyard Taco Cups
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Room Temperature: Enjoy your Graveyard Taco Cups fresh for up to 2 hours at room temperature. After that, it’s best to refrigerate leftovers to ensure quality.
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Fridge: Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the guacamole green, press plastic wrap directly against its surface before sealing the container.
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Freezer: While the taco cups can be assembled and frozen, it’s best to freeze the components separately. Store the baked crusts and prepared guacamole in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the crusts in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Top with freshly prepared guacamole and other toppings right before serving for the best taste.
Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my avocados are ripe?
Absolutely! When selecting avocados, look for those that are slightly soft to the touch but not overly mushy. A ripe avocado will yield gently when pressed. If they feel hard, they need more time to ripen, so leave them at room temperature for a few days.
How should I store leftover Graveyard Taco Cups?
For the best quality, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the guacamole green, press plastic wrap tightly against its surface before sealing the container.
Can I freeze the components of the Graveyard Taco Cups?
Yes, indeed! For optimal freshness, freeze the cut-out crusts and prepared guacamole separately. Wrap the baked crusts in parchment paper, then place in an airtight container for up to 1 month. The guacamole can also be stored in a airtight container or freezer bag, but remember to leave some space for expansion.
What if my crusts become too crispy after baking?
Very! If your crusts turn out overly crispy, ensure that they are coated evenly with olive oil before baking. You may also want to monitor baking times closely, as different ovens can vary widely.
Are there any allergy concerns with this recipe?
Certainly! This recipe is nut-free and can be made vegan with the listed ingredients. However, make sure to double-check any store-bought ingredients (like sauces or pre-made guacamole) for potential allergens. If you’re serving kids, always ask about dietary restrictions before whipping up your spooky snacks!
Can I customize the toppings for the Graveyard Taco Cups?
The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can add diced tomatoes, corn, or even jalapeños for an extra kick. Mixing in some shredded lettuce or cheese can also appeal to different taste preferences, making your Halloween gathering a hit for everyone!
Graveyard Taco Cups: Deliciously Spooky Halloween Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Stencil out shapes for tombstones and trees using paper, then cut these shapes from the FlatOut pizza crusts.
- Bake the shapes in the preheated oven for 5-8 minutes until lightly golden brown.
- Warm the refined black beans over medium-low heat.
- Prepare the guacamole by mashing avocados, mixing in garlic, lime juice, and sea salt.
- Layer the assembled taco cups with warm black beans, guacamole, black olives, and green onions.