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posted by Christy Denneyon Mar 13, 2024102 comments »
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A Walking Taco are a deconstructed taco made right in the bag of chips. Great for parties and potlucks! If you’ve ever wondered how to make a Walking Taco bar, this easyMexicandinner is way easier than you think. This is the perfect party food great for football games, any game day, or birthday parties.
EASY WALKING TACOS RECIPE
If you’ve ever bought one of those huge variety packs of snack sized chips, what’s always the last kind of chip left in the bag? The Frito bag.
Maybe these aren’t new to you, but I first heard aboutWalking Tacosfrom my sister Shelly. The whole concept is that these are tacos on the run…or walk.
WHAT ARE WALKING TACOS?
Walking tacos are where you take a snack sized bag of Fritos (or any type of chips) and crush them up. Open the bag and fill it with taco meat and all of your favorite taco toppings.
Then you’re free to roam, work the crowd, or watch the game without being tied down to a table.
The best part is that there areno plates andeasy cleanup. Use a disposable fork or if you’re feeling fancy, aplastic fork from IKEA.
You know I love anything taco. Taco Grilled Cheese, Taco Pizza Rolls, Taco Pasta. Basically, I can incorporate any type of food into a taco recipe and this is an easy way to switch up taco night.
No, I don’t have big hairy man hands. My husband grabbed one to go.
THE MEAT
Traditionally these are made with ground beef that is seasoned with taco seasoning. You could definitely replace the beef with ground turkey or ground chicken.
TOPPINGS
The possibilities are endless:
- cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- sour cream
- guacamole
- black beans
- pinto beans
- kidney beans
- tomatoes
- red onions
- green onions
HOW TO ASSEMBLE WALKING TACOS
I know it’s hard so let mewalk you through this. First, crush your chips with the bag still closed.
Open the bag, scoop some taco meat inside, and thenadd your favorite toppings.
Our toppings included black beans (which add some bulk – a great option if you’re trying to feed a crowd), lettuce, tomato, sour cream, shredded cheese, red onions (or green onions) and salsa.
So you don’t really need a recipe for Walking Tacos. It’s basically taco meat made from ground beefin a chip bag and you can add whatever you want.
WHAT KIND OF CHIPS DO I USE?
These are traditionally made with a snack sized bag of Fritos or corn chips but you can also use tortilla chips, Chili Cheese Fritos, Cool Ranch Doritos, or Nacho Cheese Doritos. It’s really just personal preference.
OTHER TACO RECIPES
- Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Jalapeno Popper Chicken Taco
- Barbacoa Tacos
- Salsa Verde Beef Tacos
- Green Chile Turkey Tacos
- Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
- Grilled Chicken Tacos with Feta Cream
- Texas Tacos
OTHER POTLUCK RECIPES
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Cafe Rio Pork Salad
- Baked Ziti
- Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells
- BLT Pasta Salad
Walking Taco
4.48 from 19 votes
These Walking Tacos are tacos made right in the bag. Great for parties and potlucks! If you've ever wondered how to make Walking Tacos, it's way easier than you think.
PrintPinRate
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Servings: 6 -8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 (1 ounce) taco seasoning packet, or this homemade taco seasoning
- 6-8 snack sized bags of Fritos or Doritos
- Suggested Toppings:
- black beans
- lettuce
- tomato
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- salsa
- guacamole
Instructions
In a large skillet, brown beef or turkey over medium heat and drain the fat. Add the onion to the meat and sautee a couple of minutes until soft. Add the taco seasoning along with 1/2 cup of water and simmer until water is absorbed. If serving immediate pour in a bowl. You can also combine the meat and black beans if you want and keep them warm in a slow cooker.
Crush your chips with your hands and open your bag. Add your beef mixture and whatever toppings you desire. Eat with a fork as you walk around!
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Main Course
Author: Christy Denney
Beef Cinco De Mayo Feeding a Crowd Football Food Main Dishes Mexican Turkey
published on Mar 13, 2024
102 comments Leave a comment »
100 of my favorite recipes! This is the family-friendly cookbook for anyone looking to plan quick-and-easy meals and wants a way to bring people together, feasting on food which can only be described as scrumptious.
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102 comments on “Walking Taco”
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Grey Webb — Reply
Had these Walk Around tacos years ago in Santa Fe, NM. We serve them at our annual Super Bowl Party. They are always a big hit.
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Christy Denney — Reply
So glad you liked it!
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Peggy — Reply
My mother made taco salad with these ingredients back in the sixties. It was always a big hit with the family or at parties!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Yes so good!
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Patricia Lopez — Reply
Tacos are already perfect for eating without sitting at a table – they have their own edible containers – shells or tortillas – and you don’t need a utensil to eat them.
This recipe uses Fritos, the snack nobody wants, to replace the edible container, requires you to hold a hot bag, and requires a utensil.
See AlsoCHILI - Ernie Banks "Let's Make Two Pots" CHILI - 52 Church PotLuck Soups and Chili RecipesGarlic Butter Beef Tenderloin Recipe • Longbourn FarmBest High Altitude Chocolate Chip Cookie RecipeKalua Pork and Cabbage Recipe (Oven, Instant Pot, Slow Cooker)And it isn’t a ‘Mexican dinner’. In any way.
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Sancho — Reply
Thanks Patricia—you said *exactly* what I was thinking as I read this. This is about as far from Mexican as food gets
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Christy Denney — Reply
Haha yes definitely not authentic Mexican at all. Still a good party food!
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Cat — Reply
Well – I don’t imagine she is trying to pass it off as “authentic” anything. Its a fun dish that has a Mexican flavour. It is definitely more Mexican than Asian so we just scroll on by or enjoy. Feel free to comment on the taste of the recipe – Im sure she and others would appreciate constructive feedback on the actual recipe.
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Christy Denney — Reply
thx!
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Michele — Reply
Great to see other versions of Frito Pie! I remember them at football games in the 70’s in CA. Yummm!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Oh yeah! It’s a classic.
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Cameron Farmer — Reply
“Then your free to roam, work the crowd, or watch the game without being tied down to a table.”
*you’re (you are)
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks for the heads up. I’m very grammar conscious but somehow this slipped through. It’s my pet peeve too.
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Brittany — Reply
Frito pie is chili and chips so it’s not “the same thing” this is taco meat with lettuce tomatoes cheese etc ….
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Brittany — Reply
These do sound like a great snack! But may I add to all these comments about frito pie?! That’s with chili not taco meat! And all the taco toppings little bit different I would say,and sloppy joe meat used for tacos? I’m really confused with some of the comments! Lol I make my own taco seasoning and it’s nothing like sloppy joes for sure and chili powder is the only similar ingredient in chili ….. not the same taste at all , I’ll stick with taco seasoning to make the Burger for this recipe 😉 and Fritos go quick in my house I’m gonna do a variety of chips , spicy , ranch , and Fritos 😊
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks girl!
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Ivory — Reply
I’ve always wanted to know how to make this with the fritos, now thanks to you I can. Yum!
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Christy Denney — Reply
You’re welcome!
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Veronica L Bowen — Reply
In the early Sixties I worked at a Dairy Freeze. We made Frito Chili Pies by partially mashing small bag of Fritos, and adding chili, onions, bit of mustard, and cheese, then inserted plastic spoon. Sold it for 15 cents.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Ooh! I like that version!
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Les — Reply
Not trying to be a spoilsport – these sound great – but is it safe to eat hot food out of a Fritos bag? Just curious.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Hasn’t killed me yet.
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Marge Rose — Reply
The college where I teach make Walking Tacos here in Iowa. A club handed them out for free and they were a huge hit. Also have seen these at outdoor fairs…but never thought to try them at home!! Easy idea for a party…OK, for supper!
Must check out your website now 😉
Thanks for a really fun post!-
Marge Rose — Reply
“made” haha!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Oh thanks! You’re welcome!
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James Cobb — Reply
50+ years ago our Tasty Freeze was offering chilli fritoes in the bag like this and they were great.
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Stacey — Reply
There is actually a name for this, using chili, and it’s not frito pie, it’s called a Petro. First served at the World’s Fair in 1982, had to look up the year cause I was a little kid, but see wiki link below. Great idea!!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks for the info!
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sandra mckee — Reply
We used to eat these at carnivals as a kid….they called them gut-busters!! Yummy!
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Pamm Whittaker — Reply
There would be no leftover Fritos in my home… if we could get the in Australia 🙁 It’s one of the things we American expats most miss!
We do have Doritos though!
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Christy Denney — Reply
That works too!
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Will — Reply
I like walking tacos also, and I have found by experience that if you use a pair of scissors and open the package along a LONG side, filling the bag and eating is MUCH better. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks for the tip!
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Karen Howad — Reply
I tried this after hearing about some food truck that was doing it. It’s very yummy & makes less mess-but Be Warned-the food Is Hot-so use a Potholder to hold it while eating it! Enjoy!
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Debbie — Reply
So this is really a taco in a bag?!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Taco in a bag? Yep!
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michelle — Reply
Would you care if I used one of your images on my blog and linked it back here. I am listing meals that are great for camping on the Fairfield County Moms Blog.
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Christy Denney — Reply
That’s fine!
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David — Reply
I just heard about these from a friend and I didn’t believe it’s a thing. But now I know they’re real. And I know they’re for dinner tonight.
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Kelly — Reply
These were SOO Good! I love Fritos so we never have leftover bags but I was happy to buy more to make this recipe! Thank you for sharing a new favorite recipe! 🙂
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
Love that!!!
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Jeanette — Reply
Try Catalina dressing on them, its the best!
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Betty — Reply
we also did this with Doritos at a church meeting, they were good also.
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Ame — Reply
Mind. Blown…. Why am I JUST NOW finding this? Will anyone judge me if I do this as a regular weeknight dinner at home? I’m your newest fan! Thanks!
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
Welcome Ame!
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Jessica Burgess — Reply
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea. I’m going to be featuring all of my favorite summer snack ideas, and would love to feature this and have it link back to you, if that’s ok with you!?
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
Of course! Share away.
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Doris Owens — Reply
My church has sold these for years at our tows annual Old Settler days, and they are truly a hit!!
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Judy — Reply
How much black bean in the recipe?
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
It’s really up to your preference…
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Melissa — Reply
Instead of eating it with Fritos.. you ought to try it with Doritos. That’s what we all use here in Ohio! <3
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Sonja — Reply
This is a favorite in our family. But this is how we make them.. My husband is really good at making his chili, so when were on a budget he makes a big pot and the first night we have chili with cornbread, the next night we make elbow noodles and mix that into the chili, and for lunch we have frito chili pies with the left over chili. We use frito corn chips, topped with chili, shredded cheese, and mustard!! It is the best!:-) And you can also use the the left over chili to make chili hot dogs & chili cheese fries. But if we decide to eat it all in one night, then my husband and son eat their chili with noodles, and me and my daughter make our chili frito pies with mustard. Every time my husband makes his famous chili “in our family”;-) I always have to ask “did you get the fritos?” Haha He has had to go back to the store so many times that finially after 15yrs he’s got it down and doesn’t for get any more!lol And thank you Christy for this great idea! It’s something new we haven’t tried but now I’ve got dinner plans tonight!:-) btw this is my first time to your site and I’ve booked marked it and look forward to seeing your new ideas!thanks:-)
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
Thanks Sonja!
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Barbara — Reply
I served Frito Chili Pies when I worked at the A & W Root Beer restaurant in my hometown 54 years ago. They’ve been served in my home also for over half a century, and my Mom and Dad used to eat them too! We topped it with grated cheese and onions. Now I make the chili with my own home-made low sodium DIY seasoning in a large batch and divide it into individual portions to be used with a pound of ground beef. My hubby loves it so much I usually make two pounds because he always wants more, and I use leftover chili in soft corn tortillas or to make enchiladas with. This is a real kid-pleaser recipe!
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Tracy Hi — Reply
Had flagged this awhile back and decided it was time to have this on my menu for this week; after making them am wondering why it took me so long. My boys loved them and I loved clean up. Thank you.
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
Good to hear!
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The Dating Divas — Reply
Christy- We LOVE this idea!! It’s totally a family favorite now. Just wanted you to know it was featured on our site today: http://www.thedatingdivas.com/food/101-camping-tips-ideas/ Thanks so much for sharing!!!
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Vorece VAnderveer — Reply
Young lady, I’ve had so much fun with your recipes and getting them from you. My Grandmother made things like the walking tacos/frito pie. Leftover cornbread was the bass of the sandwich. Whatever was left over from dinner(lunch) was put on or in the cornbread. I had forgotten that, thank you for reminding me.
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Henriette — Reply
I just came across this and I absolutely love the idea! Not sure we can get Fritos in Germany but I will have a look around for something similar!
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Joann — Reply
I have a question made tacos last night, can i still make this? I was thinking about putting corn chips in a baking dish then layering the taco meat, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa. Put in oven and heat up for like 15-20 min.. What do you think?
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
Joann,
I would definitely heat up the meat and cheese. I wouldn’t top it with the tomatoes, lettuce, and salsa until after you pull it out of the oven… Sounds good though.
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linda — Reply
we have always had these since i remember i’m from Texas an we call them Frito pies we add chili with no bean nacho cheese and add anything u like in your nachos yummy
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Lyndsay — Reply
that’s almost like a “Frito pie” that’s what we call it in New Mexico. It is usually a bed of fritos, refried beans – most people prefer ground beef then the regular taco toppings.
It’s a favorite during the warm months. -
Judy Poll — Reply
This is the kids’ favorite meal at the camp I work at!
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Courtney — Reply
I recommend trying this recipe with Nacho Cheese Doritos as well! That is how they were served at our concession stands in Iowa. 🙂
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Life's a Bowl — Reply
Such a cute idea! It actually reminds me of Frito Pie- I’ve never tried it but one of my ex-boyfriends was from Texas and would always ask me to make it for him, haha!
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Hillary Benton — Reply
This is a very clever idea. Sounds easy enough to make. I actually think it’s kind of healthy because just a small snack size bag of Fritos will ensure you don’t overeat. Definitely can’t wait to try these!
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Toni — Reply
My friend does this too…she calls it Taco in a Bag! Awesome meal for camping!
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Hi, Im Kelly! — Reply
whata awesome idea!! I need to do this 🙂
http://www.yourcharmedlifeblog.com -
Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
@Anonymous,
I don’t know the guidelines for how long you can keep these out. I would think you should eat them hot too. -
Allison — Reply
My kids like this with the Dorito bags! Extra spicy!
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Sarah — Reply
Yum! These look really good. My husband loves them, but I’ve actually never tried them. FIrst time for everything, I guess!
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Anonymous — Reply
We used to have this for school lunches until we got new food guide lines.
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Anonymous — Reply
Can this be made ahead of time and place in a lunch pail to be eaten 3 – 4 hrs later? Sounds great
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Anonymous — Reply
We served these at the concession stands of my brother’s T-Ball games. That was about mid-70’s. But we called them Frito Pie, and I don’t remember seeing anyone crush the chips.
And Fritos are the last chips to be eaten? They’re first here, they’re great with bean dip, ok with queso if you’re out of regular corn chips, and Frito salads are awesome!
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Kristin T — Reply
Our school in MO has been selling these for years at football games. I organize an annual Christmas vendor fair, and made these last year to sell in our concession stand, but I made 20 pounds of hamburger into sloppy joes, and used it for sandwiches and walking tacos with Doritos. Very big sellers!
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Jenn — Reply
I think we’re gonna do this for my kids’ birthday party next year 🙂 What a wonderfully easy, but different idea!!!
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Tyrone Barton — Reply
Love the pictures!
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Im A Silly Mami — Reply
What a great I dea. I’ve never heard of it but canr wait to try it
Irene
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Heather of Kitchen Concoctions — Reply
I’ve seen this before but haven’t tried it yet. Will have to give it a go this football season!
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Christy {The Girl Who Ate Everything} — Reply
@Gina,
Yes, Jeanine’s right. Just equal parts salsa and ranch. -
Jacs — Reply
Walkin Tacos are a huge hit at our house and also at our Scout camps. Thanks for sharing, despite the fact that the “only from scratch” people will surely come after you for it. 😉
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triggerhappyfoodie — Reply
this is such a great idea! love your colorful bowls and spoons too 🙂
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Lynette @ My Craft Discovery — Reply
We had these in high school. The student government would make these for us and we’d go outside and eat them with live music and stuff. It was super fun- and they are super yummy. I will need to make these for my husband for fun sometime! 🙂
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In and Around Town — Reply
I LOVE this idea – so much fun!
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Stacy Makes Cents — Reply
These make great camping food! I love your photos. 🙂
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Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers — Reply
What a great idea! I love it!!
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Ingelheim Five — Reply
These are called Frito Pies and were invented at a Woolworths lunch counter in Santa Fe, New Mexico several decades ago. Just a little history…
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mamobetty — Reply
Woolworths lunch counter – now that is really history. Shopping in Independence, Missouri and then lunch at Woolworths – was really a treat way back when.
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Colleen — Reply
Yuppers! Us Texans call this yummy dish Frito Pie
Had my very first one at the Oklahoma State Fair over 20 years ago and has been a favorite in our household ever since. Great item while watching the Super Bowl.
ColleenB.
Texas -
Axelle the french cook — Reply
Cool idea 😉
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Jeanine B — Reply
Ranch/Salsa is just what it sounds like. 1 part ranch and 1 part salsa mixed together. Makes a great dressing for a salad or for these walking tacos. Guess what’s on my menu this weekend?
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Gina — Reply
Looks simple and.yummy 🙂
question about this “ranch/salsa” stuff though… sounds magical!! Can you please share the recipe with me ????? -
Anonymous — Reply
We had something similar at a campout. We had chips and chili. You just have to be careful that the chili has cooled down so you don’t burn your hands.
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Anonymous — Reply
Um, the Fritos are the FIRST to go in my house. They are divine.
I’ve seen this before at county fairs. I’m sure haters will say it’s cheap and bad for you…but, dang, it’s good.
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Kara — Reply
Those of us from Texas have been doing this for years! It’s a high school football favorite. Cut a snack sized bag of Fritos lengthwise, top with chili, cheese, and onions, and eat with a spoon out of the bag. It’s Frito Pie to go. Brings back memories of fall nights!
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Donna — Reply
Yes, I agree. We call them Frito Pies. Umm…umm…good!!!
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Jolene — Reply
Wow I like that idea. I’m from Texas. I wonder why I never saw this
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The Hall Family — Reply
Reminds me of my childhood and Frito Boats! Love!
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abigail — Reply
this tastes good I wish I can have it all day
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