The first time I made these Garlic Bread Taco Bites, my entire kitchen filled with the kind of cozy, savory aroma that instantly makes you feel like something amazing is about to come out of the oven. I actually stumbled across the idea when I wanted a quick appetizer that tasted like real comfort food but didn’t require complicated steps or fancy equipment. When I mixed everything together, the dough felt soft and perfectly cheesy, and as they baked, the edges crisped while the centers stayed tender. It was one of those moments where I knew immediately—this was a recipe I’d be making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love these Garlic Bread Taco Bites because they deliver that irresistible blend of warm biscuit dough, seasoned taco meat, and creamy cheese in one poppable bite. From my perspective, there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching people grab one, then another, and then look at the tray like they’re hoping more will magically appear. It’s a simple recipe with big flavor payoff, perfect for busy nights, parties, game days, or anytime you need a no-fuss crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 box Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix (including seasoning packet)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) mild diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
These ingredients work beautifully together, and each one actually serves a purpose. I’ve tried substituting other biscuit mixes, but the Cheddar Bay one really gives that garlicky, buttery flavor that makes these bites so addictive. If you don’t have Colby Jack, cheddar or a Mexican blend works too, but Colby Jack melts the smoothest. The diced tomatoes with chiles help keep the meat mixture from tasting too heavy while adding just the right amount of moisture and mild heat. And trust me—using softened cream cheese makes mixing everything easier and ensures the filling stays creamy instead of dry.
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
All of these tools make the process easier, but you can definitely adapt things if needed. For instance, if you don’t have parchment paper, lightly greasing your pan works fine; I just like parchment because it keeps cleanup quick. A cookie scoop really helps create evenly sized bites, which ensures they bake at the same rate, but your hands work just as well if you don’t mind getting a little messy. The skillet is essential for browning the beef properly, and a big mixing bowl allows you to fold everything together without spilling ingredients over the edges.
Step-by-Step Instructions
When I start cooking these Garlic Bread Taco Bites, the first thing I do is brown the ground beef in the skillet. Taking the time to get a good sear on the meat gives so much more flavor than just lightly cooking it. Once the beef is browned, I drain excess grease and stir in the taco seasoning along with the can of diced tomatoes and chiles. Letting it simmer for a few minutes helps everything blend together into this savory, slightly saucy mixture that smells incredible.
Next, I move over to the mixing bowl and prepare the Cheddar Bay biscuit mix. I pour the dry biscuit mix into the bowl and add the seasoning packet along with the water the box calls for. The dough comes together quickly, and once it forms, I fold in the softened cream cheese. At first it may seem a bit sticky, but after a couple of turns with a spatula, it smooths out beautifully. The warmth from the meat mixture helps soften the cream cheese even more when everything is combined.(See the next page below to continue…)