Ultimate Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Bites: Your Perfect Game Day Appetizer Recipe
As January swiftly comes to a close, the excitement for the Super Bowl is already in the air! For many, Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just about the big game; it’s a fantastic excuse to indulge in an array of delicious snacks, mouth-watering dips, and irresistible appetizers. It’s often the only thing that can truly convince us to settle down and watch an entire football game. And when it comes to game day food, my cravings invariably turn towards vibrant, flavorful Mexican cuisine. Is there anything better than a generous helping of fresh guacamole? Or perhaps a plate piled high with your favorite tacos? What if we could have the best of both worlds?
This is where our star appetizer shines: crispy slow cooker carnitas taco bites! These adorable, homemade mini tortilla cups are generously filled with succulent, fall-apart carnitas, then crowned with creamy Sabra Classic Guacamole, finely chopped white onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. What makes this recipe truly special, beyond its incredible flavor, is the effortless preparation of the carnitas in a slow cooker. It’s a classic “set-it-and-forget-it” situation that transforms a simple pork shoulder into a culinary masterpiece over 10 to 12 hours. If you haven’t embraced the magic of a slow cooker yet, prepare for a revelation that will change your cooking game!
This post is in partnership with Sabra, a brand I proudly collaborate with as a Tastemaker. Thank you for supporting the brands that make delicious recipes like this possible.
Why Go Mini? The Irresistible Charm of Bite-Sized Taco Bites
You might be wondering, why bite-sized tacos when full-sized ones are already so good? Well, I confess to a slight, long-standing obsession with all things mini. From sweet treats to savory delights, there’s an undeniable charm and “wow factor” that comes with perfectly proportioned miniature foods. My fascination likely stems from my early days working in the restaurant industry, where I often curated platters of hors d’oeuvres for special events. I always loved seeing how familiar favorites could be transformed into elegant, tiny versions – mini BLTs, delicate nori chips, or even miniature marshmallows. The list was endless, and the joy of creating (and eating!) them never faded.
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, there are several practical advantages to these mini carnitas taco bites, especially for entertaining. First and foremost, they are significantly less messy than traditional tacos, making them ideal for mingling at parties. No more worrying about fillings spilling out or guests struggling to manage a large, unwieldy taco! These neat little cups are designed for effortless enjoyment. You can arrange them beautifully on a platter, allowing your friends and family to easily grab and savor them without missing a moment of the game. They offer convenience, elegance, and a delightful explosion of flavor in every single bite, making them a standout game day appetizer or any party food.
The Magic of Overnight Slow Cooker Carnitas
The secret to unbelievably tender and flavorful carnitas lies in the slow cooker. This method ensures the pork shoulder cooks slowly over many hours, breaking down the connective tissues and infusing the meat with rich, savory flavors. The beauty of this recipe is that a significant portion of the work—the long cooking time—can be done while you’re asleep! I highly recommend preparing the homemade carnitas in your slow cooker the night before you plan to serve this dish. Simply set it on low, cover, and let it work its magic for 10 to 12 hours.
Imagine waking up to the intoxicating aroma of perfectly seasoned pork wafting through your kitchen – it’s a truly delightful (and delicious) wake-up call! By cooking the carnitas overnight, you knock out almost all of the time-intensive work ahead of time, leaving you with minimal effort on the day of your event. This strategy is a game-changer for busy hosts or anyone who loves the idea of a truly make-ahead appetizer. If you’re new to the concept of overnight slow cooking, or simply need convincing, resources like this article from The Kitchn offer compelling reasons why it might just become your new favorite culinary hack. It’s safe, efficient, and delivers incredible results, ensuring your pork carnitas are melt-in-your-mouth tender every time.
Crafting Your Crispy Mini Tortilla Cups
A crucial element of these delightful mini tacos is the crispy, homemade tortilla cup. Creating them is surprisingly simple and adds a wonderful texture to the dish. You’ll need soft corn tortillas, a standard muffin tin, and a little patience. The process involves cutting tortilla discs, gently pressing them into the muffin cups, and baking them until they’re perfectly golden brown and crisp. For the best results, look for “extra thin” soft corn tortillas. Standard tortillas can sometimes be a bit too thick, making them harder to mold and less likely to achieve that desired crispness without excessive baking.
Before cutting and shaping, it’s essential to warm your corn tortillas slightly. This makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking or tearing when you press them into the muffin tin. A few seconds in the microwave or a quick pass over a warm skillet will do the trick. Once baked and cooled, these sturdy yet delicate cups are ready to hold your delicious fillings. If you’re short on time or prefer a shortcut, you could use scoop-style tortilla chips as a base, though be aware they are much smaller and might make assembly a bit more fiddly. Alternatively, if the “mini” concept isn’t for you, there’s absolutely no judgment in setting up a full-sized taco bar with your amazing slow cooker carnitas!
Assembling Your Perfect Carnitas Taco Bites
Once your carnitas are slow-cooked to perfection and crisped under the broiler (a crucial step for that authentic carnitas texture!), and your tortilla cups are golden and crunchy, it’s time for the grand assembly. This is where the dish truly comes alive! Each crispy tortilla cup serves as the perfect vessel for a generous spoonful of the savory, shredded pork. The rich flavors of the crispy carnitas are then beautifully complemented by a dollop of creamy Sabra Classic Guacamole. The vibrant green of the guacamole, combined with the zing of finely diced white onion and the fresh, aromatic burst of chopped cilantro, creates a balanced and irresistible flavor profile. Serve these immediately with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy brightness, and watch them disappear!
Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Bites
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Equipment
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All-Clad 4 Quart Slow Cooker
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Muffin Pan, 12 Cup
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas:
- 3 lbs (1.3 kg) bone-in pork shoulder see notes
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- juice 1 navel orange
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 2 jalapeno peppers seeds removed and finely diced
- 4 large garlic cloves smashed
- 1 dried bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) extra virgin olive oil
For Assembly:
- 24 (6-inch) extra thin, soft corn tortillas or use scoop tortilla chips
- 1 (8-ounce) container Sabra Classic Guacamole or homemade guacamole
- 1 medium white onion finely diced
- fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
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The Night Before: Rub the outside of the pork shoulder with the ground cumin. Season liberally on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the pork shoulder, with the fat cap facing up, in a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the orange juice, sliced onion, diced jalapeño peppers, garlic cloves, and bay leaf. Cover and cook on low for 10 to 12 hours, or until the meat is very tender and begins to fall off the bone. See notes for prepping tips.
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Before Serving: Make the mini tortilla cups: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack in the center position. Set aside two 12-cup muffin tins (if you only have one muffin tin, you will need to make the tortilla cups in batches).
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Warm the corn tortillas until they are pliable. Stack 6 tortillas at a time. Use a biscuit cutter, mug, or small bowl (4-inches in diameter) as a guide, cut the corn tortillas into 4-inch-diameter circles. Discard the scraps. Spray both sides of the tortilla discs with cooking spray. Gently press each disc into the cups of the muffin tin, and sprinkle them lightly with salt. If the tortillas crack or tear, it is because they have not been warmed sufficiently. Bake for 12 to 18 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, or until the tortilla cups are completely crisp and golden brown. Allow them to cool before removing.
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Preheat the broiler to high and set an oven rack about 4 to 5 inches below the broiler element. Once the pork is tender (and nearly falling apart), use two forks to shred it. Discard any large pieces of fat and bay leaf. Use a large slotted spoon to transfer the meat and any onions/garlic cloves to a half sheet pan. Spread into a thin layer. Drizzle the meat with the tablespoon of olive oil. Place the sheet pan under the broiler for 3 to 7 minutes – watching carefully – or until the carnitas are crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
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Before serving, fill the tortilla cups with carnitas, top with a spoonful of guacamole, and garnish with chopped onion and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Tips for Success:
- To save time on the big day, prep and cook the carnitas the night before you wish to serve this dish.
- Prep and turn on the slow cooker and let it run overnight (if you feel comfortable). You’ll wake up to the smell of carnitas cooking in your kitchen and 99% of the work for this recipe will be done ahead of time.
- Always use *extra thin* soft corn tortillas for the cups. Warming them gently before pressing into the muffin tin is crucial to prevent cracking.
- Don’t skip the broiler step for the carnitas! This is what gives them that authentic, irresistible crispy texture. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
- For an extra pop of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished taco bites right before serving is highly recommended.
Tips for Elevating Your Carnitas Taco Bites Experience
- Overnight Slow Cooking for Flavor & Convenience: As mentioned, cooking the pork carnitas overnight is truly a game-changer. Not only does it deepen the flavor of the pork, but it also means less stress on the day of your party. The extended cooking time ensures maximum tenderness and allows the spices to fully meld with the meat.
- Perfecting the Tortilla Cups: The key to successful homemade taco cups is using extra-thin corn tortillas and ensuring they are warm and pliable before pressing them into the muffin tin. If they crack, don’t fret – simply warm them a little longer. A light spray of cooking oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- The Crispy Carnitas Finish: Don’t skip the broiler step! This high-heat blast after slow cooking is essential for achieving those coveted crispy, caramelized edges that define authentic carnitas. Keep a close eye on them, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
- Fresh Toppings are Non-Negotiable: The combination of creamy Sabra guacamole, crisp onion, and fresh cilantro is what makes these bites sing. Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an extra layer of complexity.
- Make-Ahead Mastery: The carnitas can be cooked and even shredded a day or two in advance. Store them in the slow cooker liquids in the refrigerator. Reheat gently and then proceed with the broiling step before assembly. The tortilla cups can also be baked a few hours ahead and stored at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- Serving Suggestions: While perfect on their own, a small dish of salsa roja or a spicy crema could also be offered on the side for those who love a little extra kick. And don’t forget those fresh lime wedges to brighten everything up!
Concluding Your Culinary Journey
These Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Bites are more than just an appetizer; they are a flavorful celebration, perfect for any gathering, especially a lively game day or casual get-together. Combining the ease of slow cooking with the fun of miniature, homemade elements, they offer a delightful culinary experience without the fuss. The tender, crispy carnitas, paired with creamy guacamole and fresh toppings in a crunchy tortilla cup, create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your guests coming back for more. So, whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or simply enjoying good company, these taco bites are guaranteed to be a winning addition to your spread. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and prepare for rave reviews!
This recipe post is in partnership with Sabra. I am proud member of the Sabra Tastemaker program! Thank you for supporting brands that I love and that help bring delicious recipes like this one to your kitchen.