Vegan Taco Cups
Don’t wait until Taco Tuesday to break out these brilliant, bite-sized meatless treats! No tortillas needed to apply for these crispy cups made from wonton wrappers that hold all the savory, spicy goodness within. Turn any meal into a fiesta, whether it’s a party, potluck, or weeknight dinner for the family. Vegan taco cups are the versatile snack or starter that will steal the show.
Whether you prefer crunchy shells or soft tortillas, you’ll get the best of both worlds here. Crispy edges give way to a warm, gooey interior for a wholly satisfying experience. Believe it or not, they’re even as much fun to make as they are to eat!
Let’s get cookin’!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan taco cups are a fun and crispy twist on classic tacos, made with crunchy wonton wrappers and a flavorful, plant-based filling. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:
- Super Crispy and Crunchy. The wonton wrappers bake up golden brown and perfectly crispy, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite. They hold their shape well, so you get a sturdy, mess-free taco cup without any soggy bottoms!
- Easy to Make and Assemble. With just a few simple steps, you can have these taco cups ready in no time. No rolling, folding, or complicated prep—just press the wonton wrappers into a muffin tin, fill them up, and bake!
- Packed with Flavor. From savory vegan beefy crumbles to smoky fire-roasted tomatoes and melty vegan cheese, every bite is bursting with taco goodness. The crispy shell, creamy toppings, and fresh scallions make sure there’s plenty of variety in texture and taste.
- Perfect for Parties and Snacks. These bite-sized taco cups are great for game nights, potlucks, or casual dinners. They’re easy to grab, fun to eat, and don’t require utensils—just pop them in your mouth and enjoy!
- A Fun Twist on Classic Tacos. Taco night just got even better with these crispy, handheld taco cups! They’re a fresh and exciting way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional vegan taco in a fun, bite-sized package.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Like standard tacos, the sky is the limit when it comes to garnishes and accompaniments. Anything goes, and there are tons of opportunities for variation, even in the base ingredients. You could make these wonton taco cups every day of the year and never eat the same thing twice! Here are the main components:
- Vegan Beefy Crumbles – Add a meaty texture and soak up seasonings well, so you get bold, taco-style flavor in every bite. For a different texture, swap in cooked lentils, mashed black beans, or chopped mushrooms. If using frozen crumbles, cook them first to avoid excess moisture in the taco cups.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Lend a subtle smokiness and their juicy texture helps keep the filling from feeling dry. Regular diced tomatoes work, but adding a pinch of smoked paprika can mimic the smoky taste. Try fresh salsa for extra seasoning and a little heat.
- Wonton Wrappers – Create a crunchy, golden-brown shell that holds everything together. They’re easy to use and bake quickly, making them perfect for bite-sized taco cups. If you can’t find wonton wrappers, use small tortillas cut into circles or phyllo dough for a flakier texture. Lightly oil the muffin tin to prevent sticking and keep the wrappers crisp. Make sure you buy egg-free wrappers.
- Vegan Cheese – Adds a gooey, melty layer and gives that classic taco-style finish that makes these cups extra tasty. Shredded vegan cheddar or a Mexican-style blend works best for melting. Nutritional yeast or cashew-based queso can add cheesiness without store-bought vegan cheese.
- Vegan Sour Cream– Balances out the spices with a cool, tangy flavor. Use plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt or a cashew cream for a similar creamy effect. Add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the flavor.
- Green Onions – Bring a mild onion flavor with a slight crunch, adding freshness to each bite. Use finely chopped red onions or fresh cilantro for a different kind of freshness. If you prefer a milder taste, go with chives instead.
How to Make These Wonton Taco Cups
Vegan taco cups are a fun and crispy way to enjoy all your favorite taco flavors in a bite-sized package. Baked wonton wrappers create the perfect crunchy shell, while a savory plant-based filling makes them satisfying and delicious. They’re easy to assemble, great for parties, and a tasty twist on classic tacos!
Step 1: Cook Your Meatless Crumbles – Cook the crumbles according to package instructions.
Once they’re cooked, add minced garlic and a can of drained fire-roasted tomatoes. Cook until all the liquid has evaporated.
Step 2: Prepare the Wonton Wrappers – Keep your wonton wrappers covered with a moist kitchen towel so they don’t dry out. Lightly oil the cupcake tins to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Taco Cups – Stack two wonton wrappers in each tin, overlapping the corners to form a sturdy base. Add the filling, letting its weight press the wrappers into the cup shape—no need to press with your fingers!
Finally, Step 3: Bake Until Crispy – Bake until golden brown, then remove them from the pan right away to keep them crisp. Letting them sit too long will make them soften from steam.
Serving Tips and Suggestions
Vegan taco cups are even more delicious when served with the right toppings, dips, and sides. Whether you build a DIY taco cup bar, pair them with fresh salsa and guacamole, or add a spicy kick, there are so many fun ways to enjoy them. These crispy, bite-sized tacos are perfect for any occasion and easy to customize for everyone’s taste:
- Load Them Up with Toppings – Make your taco cups even more exciting by piling on fresh toppings! Try sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of salsa for extra flavor and texture. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, zesty kick!
- Serve with Dipping Sauces – Pair your taco cups with tasty dips for even more deliciousness. Vegan buffalo chicken queso, guacamole, or a spicy chipotle aioli make every bite even better. Set up a mini sauce bar so everyone can choose their favorite!
- Make It a Taco Cup Bar – Let everyone build their own taco cups with a fun DIY setup! Put out different fillings, cheeses, and toppings so guests can mix and match flavors. It’s a great way to serve a crowd and keep things exciting!
- Pair with a Refreshing Side – Balance out the crunch with a light and fresh side dish. A simple corn and black bean salad or a crisp slaw adds a nice contrast to the warm, crispy taco cups. A chilled fruit salad also makes a great pairing!
- Party-Perfect Appetizers – They’re great at almost any event, especially: holiday gatherings, Super Bowl Sunday, vegan potlucks, Thanksgiving, cocktail parties, or even at a vegan wedding!
Taco Cup FAQs
Let the taco cups cool completely before storing them to keep them from getting soggy. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, bake them at 350°F for about 5 minutes or air-fry them for a couple of minutes until warm and crunchy again!
Yes! To make these taco cups gluten-free, use gluten-free wonton wrappers or small corn tortillas cut into circles and pressed into the muffin tin. Also, double-check that your vegan beefy crumbles, seasoning, and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Bake as usual for a crispy, delicious taco cup!
You can swap vegan beefy crumbles for several tasty alternatives! Try cooked lentils, mashed black beans, or shredded tofu for a hearty and protein-packed filling. Chopped mushrooms or walnuts also work well if you want a meaty texture with a bit of crunch!
More Vegan Mexican Recipes for Your Next Taco Night
If you make this Vegan Taco Cups recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know what you think in the comments below! I love reading your comments!
Vegan Taco Cups
Ingredients
- 1 package vegan beefy crumbles, such as Plant Boss, Gardein, Beyond Meat, Boca, or Lightlife
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic, or jarred garlic
- 16.5-ounce can diced fire roasted tomatoes, drained well (squeeze water out)
- 24 wonton wrappers
- ½ cup vegan shredded cheese
- ½ cup vegan sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- 3 cherry tomatoes, quartered, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a sauté pan, cook vegan meatless crumbles according to package instructions.
- Once cooked, add garlic and drained fire roasted tomatoes and saute until there is no liquid left in the pan.
- Lightly coat a 12-cup cupcake pan with vegetable oil. Place two wonton wrappers into the bottom of each pocket, shifting the top wonton layer slightly so the corners come up the sides of the cupcake tin and creates pretty taco cups. Spoon the cooked vegan meat mixture into each cup and top with a sprinkle of vegan cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until wonton wrappers start to turn golden brown and vegan cheese becomes melty.
- Remove from oven and add a dollop of vegan sour cream to each wonton cup. Top with green onions and a fresh tomato slice on each and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Leave a Comment
Question, I used TVP for my taco “meat” and wantons were gooey on the bottom. (top was nicely crispy) any way to fix this? They were fabulous anyway and would highly recommend them!
Hi Cindy, I’m glad you still enjoyed them! I’m wondering if the TVP had too much moisture and caused the goeeyness? I’m not sure how you prepared it but after rehydrating, I would try pressing out excess moisture and then sauteeing it in a pan for a few minutes to dry it out even more before adding to the wonton cups. Hope this helps! 🙂
Can I make these ahead of time?
Hi Katherine, you can prep the filling the night before and then assemble and bake the day of. If you assemble too soon the wonton wrappers may become soggy. This hasn’t been tested but you can try baking ahead of time and then pop them in the oven again for 5-10 minutes before serving to heat through and crisp up. If you try this route, please let us know how it turns out for you!
Hi!
Can these be prepped a night before and then baked the next day?
Hi! Can I prep these the nigh before and pop them in the oven the next day?
Hi Lexi, you can prep the filling the night before and then assemble and bake the day of. I wouldn’t recommend assembling too soon, or else the wonton wrappers may become soggy and won’t crisp up as desired.
These look so cute & delicious
These are SUCH a fun vegan appetizer! It’s crazy how simple they are to make. Perfect for superbowl or any parties!
The BEST vegan appetizers! It’s so hard to stop eating them – they are just THAT good! Mmmmmmm!
Love how cute these are! Definitely going to be a hit next time I host. Thank you!!
These are so elegant and delicious! I love that extra protein punch too! Yes…Superbowl snack and Valentine’s cocktail party!
Perfect Superbowl snack!
These are such a great idea!