When it comes to store-bought hard taco shells, you want to find ones that are sturdy enough to hold all your delicious taco fillings but also have great flavor. The best hard taco shells should be crispy and crunchy when bitten into yet won’t break and crumble apart when filled. There are a variety of brands and options for pre-made hard taco shells at grocery stores, so how do you know which ones to choose? Here we will go over some of the top store-bought hard taco shell options, what to look for when purchasing hard shells, and how to get the most out of store-bought shells.
Top Store-Bought Hard Taco Shells
When looking for the best hard taco shells from the store, there are a few reputable brands that consistently produce quality shells worth buying. Here are some top options to consider:
- Old El Paso: One of the most popular taco shell brands, Old El Paso makes traditional yellow corn hard taco shells that are a pantry staple for many. They have a signature crunch and corny flavor that really enhances tacos.
- Ortega: Ortega is another leading brand when it comes to taco shells and tortillas. Their hard yellow corn taco shells are thin and crispy without being too brittle and breaking.
- Mission: Mission makes traditional and whole grain corn hard taco shells that have a balanced flavor and crunch. Their shells hold together well when filled.
- Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s has an organic yellow corn taco shell that’s a grocery store brand pick. These shells are crunchy yet have a bit more flexibility than other shells.
- Taco Bell: Taco Bell actually sells their signature hard taco shells in grocery stores to recreate their tacos at home. These shells have that distinctive Taco Bell crunch.
- Tumaro’s: For a gluten-free option, Tumaro’s makes corn hard taco shells that don’t fall apart when filled.
These are some of the top-rated and most widely available hard taco shell options from trusted brands. The classics like Old El Paso and Ortega are sturdy choices you can count on for taco night. Trader Joe’s and Tumaro’s offer more specialty shells for alternative diets. Consider what flavors and features matter most to you when deciding between popular store brands.
What to Look for When Buying Hard Taco Shells
When evaluating the array of hard taco shells at the store, here are some key qualities to look for:
- Crunch: The ideal hard taco shell should have a satisfying crispness when bitten into. A shell that’s too brittle and shatters easily is not great.
- Sturdiness: Look for taco shells made from thicker corn tortillas that will be sturdy enough to hold hearty taco fillings without falling apart.
- Size and shape: Hard taco shells come in round or oval shapes in small, medium, and large sizes. Consider what size shells will work best for your needs.
- Ingredients: Yellow corn is traditional, but there are also whole grain and gluten-free options made from ingredients like corn, rice, and chickpea flour.
- Flavor: Taco shells should have a corny flavor without tasting stale. Added seasonings can enhance the flavor.
- Cooking directions: Many hard shells just need warming while some require frying or baking so check labels for how to prepare.
Prioritize shells that will be crunchy yet strong enough for fillings and pair well with your favorite taco tastes. The ingredients, flavor, and cooking method are also factors that contribute to the overall quality of store-bought hard taco shells.
How to Get the Most Out of Store-Bought Hard Taco Shells
To get the maximum enjoyment and usage out of store-bought hard taco shells:
- Warm the shells before serving according to package directions to crisp them up.
- Double up two shells if needed to prevent breaking and tearing while eating.
- Pre-heat shells in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes before filling for an extra crunchy bite.
- Fill shells with taco ingredients immediately after warming and serve right away.
- Set filled tacos seam-side up to keep ingredients in place while eating.
- Add a strip of cheese or lettuce along the bottom of the taco as an extra barrier against tearing.
- Go easy on wet ingredients like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream which can quickly lead to soggy shells.
The right heating method, fillings, and assembly make a big difference when using store-bought hard shells. Following cooking instructions properly and not overloading shells prevents many disappointments and helps you make the most of purchased taco shells.
Filling and Topping Ideas for Hard Shell Tacos
When it comes to the inside of your tacos, here are some delicious and smart filling ideas to try with hard shells:
- Protein: Seasoned ground beef or turkey, chicken, steak, carnitas, chorizo, shrimp
- Veggies: Lettuce, tomatoes, onions, peppers, roasted corn, black beans, avocado
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, crumbled queso fresco, shredded Mexican blend
- Sauce/Salsa: tomato salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream
Get creative with combinations of proteins, veggies, cheese, and sauces for flavorful tacos. Be mindful of juicy meats, wet produce like tomatoes, and runny sauces that may soak and weaken hard shells.
Tips for Storing Leftover Hard Taco Shells
One of the downsides to hard taco shells is that they don’t store as well after opening. To extend their shelf life:
- Store unused taco shells in a sealed container or plastic bag to retain moisture.
- Add a damp paper towel to the container to keep shells from drying out.
- For fresher texture, crisp shells in the oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes before using.
- Let shells come to room temperature before reheating to prevent cracking.
- Avoid freezer storage which will make shells brittle. Refrigeration works best.
- Use within 5 days for best quality if shells start to soften.
With proper storage like sealing out air, adding humidity, and briefly re-crisping, you can safely enjoy leftover hard taco shells for several days. Just throw out any shells that become cracked, soft, or stale.
Make Your Own Crispy Shells from Scratch
While store-bought shells offer convenience, you can also easily fry your own super fresh, crispy taco shells at home. Here’s how:
- Cut corn tortillas into quarters and fry in 1⁄2 inch oil at 350°F for about 30 seconds per side until crispy and lightly browned.
- You can fold tortilla wedges over a taco form or holder first before frying for a classic u-shape.
- Let shells drain on a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt.
- For baking, coat tortilla wedges in oil then bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until browned and crisped.
Homemade shells take only minutes to fry or bake. They’ll be super fresh and custom to your preferred size and shape. Add seasoning like chili powder, cumin, or garlic salt for extra flavor.
Common Problems with Store-Bought Hard Taco Shells
While hard taco shells allow for convenient, crunchy tacos at home, they can have some drawbacks. Here are some common problems that can arise with store-bought shells:
- Breaking and crumbling when filled
- Not being sturdy enough to hold heavy fillings
- Having a stale, cardboard-like taste
- Lacking flavor compared to homemade
- Becoming soggy from wet ingredients
- Going stale quickly after opening
- Being too rigid and crunchy to bite comfortably
- Cracking and splitting while taking a bite
- Being too small or large for desired taco size
To avoid some of these pitfalls, choose high-quality shells, heat properly before using, don’t overfill, and consume within a few days of opening. Homemade shells from fresh tortillas avoid many of the drawbacks of store-bought.
Reasons to Choose Hard Shell Tacos
Despite some disadvantages, hard shell tacos remain incredibly popular for good reasons. Here’s why you may want to opt for the crunch of a hard taco shell:
- Nostalgia and tradition – Hard shells are an iconic American taco style
- Satisfying crisp texture with every bite
- Holds fillings in tidy, handheld package
- Customizable for creative fillings and toppings
- Convenience of quick microwaveable or oven-ready shells
- Fun, unique vessel compared to sandwiches or wraps
- Kid-friendly finger food option
- Better scooping ability for toppings than soft tacos
The signature crunchy bite and ability to pick up and eat makes hard shells a joy. Their versatility for fillings and customization is also a major perk for taco lovers who like options.
Conclusion
When a hard taco shell craving strikes, you have excellent store-bought options for convenience and satisfying crunch. Top brands like Old El Paso, Ortega, and Mission produce quality shells that pop with flavor. Look for sturdy shells that won’t crumble under fillings but still have that addictive crispness. Warm properly before filling and consume within a few days for best results. Add your favorite meats, cheeses vegetables, and salsas for mouthwatering tacos at home. Hard shells may have drawbacks but remain a beloved vessel for building and enjoying amazing tacos.