Mediterranean Bourbon Queso Crunch Taco Tray

This Mediterranean Bourbon Queso Crunch Taco Tray has a smoky and silky flavor. We prepare this loaded tray using ground beef or chicken, olive oil, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, tomato paste, bourbon, tortilla chips, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, butter, flour, diced tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, feta cheese, fresh parsley, and lime juice. This loaded tray contains approximately 520 calories. We prepare this loaded tray in about 45 minutes. This Mediterranean Bourbon Queso Crunch Taco Tray is good for game nights, family dinners, party platters, casual entertaining, festive gatherings, weekend indulgence, and fusion food cravings. We recommend serving it fresh and straight from the oven for the best crunch, but leftovers can be refrigerated for almost three days. You can serve this loaded tray with garlic yogurt dip, Mediterranean salad, spicy harissa sauce, grilled pita wedges, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

STATS:

• Course: Main Course, Party Tray
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Diet: Mediterranean
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Tex-Mex
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Portion size: 1 heaped cup
• Cooking mode: Oven, Stovetop
• Total servings: 6
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Total time: 45 minutes

TOOLS:

• Sheet
• Cutting board
• Skillet
• Saucepan
• Vessels
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

INGREDIENTS:

• 500 g ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp bourbon
• 200 g tortilla chips
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• ½ cup tomatoes
• ½ cup cucumber
• ¼ cup black olives
• ½ cup feta cheese
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon

INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:

GROUND MEAT:

• It will add a rich, savory protein base to the taco tray and enhance its hearty texture. You can also use lentils, chickpeas, or soy mince for a vegetarian version.

BOURBON:

• We use bourbon to give a smoky depth and subtle caramel-like warmth to the queso mixture. As a replacement, you can use apple juice with a drop of liquid smoke.

CHEESE BLEND:

• It provides creamy meltability and a stretchy, rich texture to the queso layer. Instead, you may use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan option.

TORTILLA CHIPS:

• They create the crunchy base that holds all the toppings together in the tray. We could also utilize pita chips or baked lavash pieces.

FETA CHEESE:

• We use feta cheese to add a salty, tangy Mediterranean contrast to the rich queso. Alternatively, you might use goat cheese or dairy-free feta substitutes.

OLIVES:

• The silky and savory layers are counterbalanced by the robust, saline Mediterranean flavor of olives. As an alternative, you can use green olives or similar brined olives.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Gently heat the olive oil in a pan and gently cook the onions till softer.
2. Include ground meat and garlic, and cook them till get brown.
3. Mix in the tomato paste, paprika, pepper, cumin, salt, and chili powder.
4. Add a dash of bourbon and cook till it is gently decreased, and put it aside.
5. Heat the butter, mix in the flour, and gently incorporate the milk in a saucepan to make a smooth foundation.
6. Include the mozzarella and cheddar, and whisk continuously till creamy queso is prepared.
7. Distribute the tortilla chips on a sheet.
8. Uniformly make a layer of cooked meat on the chips.
9. Gradually spread the hot queso on the surface.
10. Bake till the texture becomes bubbly, for almost twelve minutes at 190°C.
11. Garnish with herbs, tomatoes, feta, cucumber, and olives.
12. Drizzle the lemon or lime juice and then serve this loaded tray quickly.

TIPS:

• Lastly, we utilize fresh herbs for a bright texture.
• Before spreading, heat the queso to make sure uniform coverage.
• Carefully include bourbon to regulate the level of intensity.
• Avoid baking for an additional time, so the chips will not lose their crunchy texture.

STORAGE INFORMATION:

FRIDGE:

• Put the remaining in a tight box and stock for almost three days.

FREEZER:

• We do not suggest storing this loaded tray because the fresh veggies and chips will lose their texture after defrosting.

FAQs:

How can we maintain its crispy texture?

• You can bake the chips perfectly, make layers, and then serve them quickly.

Will we prepare this loaded tray without alcohol?

• Yes, you can use a small amount of smoked paprika and broth instead of bourbon.

May we prepare it as a vegetarian?

• Sure, you can use plant-based mince, lentils, or beans.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

Fiber: 5 g

Caloric Content: 520 kcal

Fats: 30 g

Sodium: 780 mg

Net carbs: 32 g

Sugar: 4 g

Proteins: 28 g

One single portion: 280 g

Total carbs: 37 g