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Hosting a gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together, a festive celebration, or a game day party, is always a joyous occasion. The heart of any successful event often lies in the food shared among friends and family. What better way to bring people together than with delicious, easy-to-eat snacks that everyone will love? One such crowd-pleaser is the delightful Cheesy Taco Bites. These bite-sized treats are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.

Mini Cheese-Stuffed Taco Shells

Bring the party to life with Cheesy Taco Bites, the ultimate appetizer for any gathering! These easy-to-make snacks combine crunchy mini taco shells with a rich blend of melted cheeses, fresh veggies, and bold spices, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for game nights, casual get-togethers, or festive celebrations, these versatile treats are customizable to fit any taste. Serve them fresh from the oven with dips for a crowd-pleasing hit that ensures no one leaves hungry.
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Ingredients
  

1 package (12-14 count) mini corn taco shells

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup diced green onions (about 2-3 green onions)

1/2 cup diced tomatoes (drained if using canned; fresh works well too)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup sour cream (for dipping)

Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

    Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, diced green onions, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive and creamy filling.

      Fill the Taco Shells: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each mini taco shell with the cheese mixture. Pack the filling gently but firmly to avoid overstuffing, which could lead to spillage during baking.

        Arrange on Baking Sheet: Stand the filled taco shells upright on the lined baking sheet. Ensure they are positioned securely to prevent them from tipping over during baking.

          Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching closely until the cheese mixture is bubbly and the edges of the taco shells start to crisp and turn golden brown.

            Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the taco bites from the oven and allow them to cool for about 1 minute. Serve the cheesy taco bites warm with a side of sour cream for dipping. Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves on top for a vibrant finishing touch if desired.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4-6 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the taco bites on a colorful platter, and consider adding extra garnishes of diced tomatoes or avocado on the side for a festive look!