Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe

If you’re looking for a Halloween-themed appetizer that’s fun, festive, and surprisingly simple, this Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how spooky yet approachable these taco cups are — they’re perfect for parties, a family snack, or even a quirky dinner. You’ll find that with a few creative touches and easy ingredients, you’re serving up a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe strike a great balance between bold, creamy, and savory flavors. The combo of black beans and avocado creates that classic taco vibe, while the pizza crust gives you the perfect blank canvas for your spooky shapes. When you’re shopping, keep an eye out for ripe avocados and a good-quality flatbread crust to make this deliciously easy.

• FlatOut pizza crusts: These are super convenient for shaping and they crisp nicely in the oven.
• Refried black beans: A creamy base that adds great texture and is perfect for layering.
• Avocados: Choose ripe but firm ones for smooth guacamole without being mushy.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives that punch of flavor that wakes up the guac.
• Lime juice: The acidity brightens every bite and balances the richness of the avocado.
• Black olives: Chopped for a salty, briny contrast—in true graveyard decor style, think “little tombstones.”
• Green onion: Adds a fresh, mild bite as a finishing touch on your cups.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. The basic structure is so flexible, you’ll find it easy to make it your own—with meat, vegetarian, or even vegan versions!

• Add ground meat: For a heartier version, I sometimes brown some ground beef or turkey, then mix it with taco seasoning and layer it under the beans. My family goes crazy for this twist.
• Use vegan cheese or salsa: To keep it vegan, swap any dairy toppings for vegan cheese or add a spicy salsa instead of olives.
• Swap chips for the crust: If you want even quicker prep, tortilla chips shaped like tombstones can be a fun alternative for a kid-friendly snack.

How to Make Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Shapes and Preheat

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I like to make stencils by cutting tree and tombstone shapes out of paper—this helps keep your pizza crusts neat and spooky. If you don’t want to draw your own, Halloween-themed cookie cutters can save time, especially when you’re helping kids get involved. I use an Exact-O knife for precision, but if you’re cooking with kids, make sure to supervise closely!

Step 2: Cut and Bake Your Crusts

Place the stencils on the FlatOut pizza crusts and carefully cut out your shapes. Lightly coat each piece with olive oil and sprinkle a little sea salt on top. Lay them on a baking sheet and bake for 5–8 minutes, just until they start to turn golden around the edges—it’s important they’re crispy but not too dark. Let them cool completely so they hold their shape and don’t become soggy when layered later.

Step 3: Write Your Spooky Messages

Using an edible pen, write “R.I.P.” on each tombstone crust. This step adds a cute Halloween touch that always gets compliments. I discovered this trick when making these for my nephew’s party, and it instantly upped the fun factor!

Step 4: Warm and Prep Your Fillings

Heat the refried black beans over medium-low heat until they’re warmed through—stir occasionally to avoid burning. Meanwhile, scoop out your avocado flesh into a bowl; add minced garlic, fresh lime juice, and sea salt, then mash everything together until smooth but still a little chunky. This guacamole will be the creamy, zesty layer that balances the meal.

Step 5: Assemble Your Graveyard Taco Cups

Now for the fun part! Start by spooning a layer of warm black beans into each crust cup. Next, add a generous dollop of your homemade guacamole. Top everything with chopped black olives and green onion for those final bursts of flavor and color. Once assembled, they’re ready to eat right away or chill slightly if you prefer cooler bites!

How to Serve Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of adding a little extra color with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or a dash of smoked paprika on top. Sometimes, I also like to add tiny dollops of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeño slices for a spicy kick. These simple garnishes make the cups pop both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

These graveyard taco cups pair perfectly with fresh salsa or a colorful corn salad. I also love serving them alongside sweet potato fries or a simple green salad with cumin-lime dressing—it rounds out the meal without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a Halloween party, I’ve arranged the taco cups on trays layered with crushed black tortilla chips to mimic “dirt.” Adding plastic spiders or edible eyes around the tray really amps up the spooky vibe and gets everyone chatting before they dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover taco cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Make sure to keep the guacamole and beans layered so the crust doesn’t get soggy too quickly. When I reheat, I separate the crust and toppings if possible to keep that crunch intact.

Freezing

Freezing these isn’t my favorite method because the crust tends to lose its crispness, and the guacamole texture changes after thawing. However, you can freeze the refried beans separately and make the cups fresh when you’re ready.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the crusts back in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Warm the beans on the stovetop or microwave, then assemble with fresh guacamole before serving. This way, you keep a great balance of textures and flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Graveyard Taco Cups Recipe has become one of my favorite seasonal snacks because it’s simple, playful, and downright delicious. I love sharing it at Halloween celebrations but honestly, your family will enjoy it any time of year. It’s got that perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and savory that makes everyone ask for seconds. So go ahead, have fun cutting those spooky shapes, and enjoy the smiles around your table when you serve these. You won’t regret it!

Print