Description
Crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, Taco Ranch Bites are the ultimate easy Mexican-inspired party appetizer. These bite-sized snacks combine seasoned beef, creamy ranch, and gooey cheese wrapped in flaky crescent dough—perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet (2 tbsp) taco seasoning
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cans (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Cooking spray or melted butter for brushing
- Optional: diced jalapeños, black beans, sweet corn, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water (if seasoning calls for it). Stir to coat and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in ranch seasoning, softened cream cheese, and shredded cheddar while the meat is still warm. Mix until cheese melts and filling is creamy. Add sliced green onions (reserve some for garnish if desired).
- Unroll crescent dough onto a lightly floured surface. Press seams to seal and cut into 24 squares or triangles.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of beef mixture in the center of each dough piece. Fold corners over to enclose filling and pinch edges to seal. Place seam side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush tops with melted butter or spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Rotate baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
- Let bites cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack or tray. Sprinkle with extra green onions and serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or ranch for dipping.
Notes
Don’t overfill the dough to prevent bursting. Pinch edges tightly to seal. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based meat. Make ahead: assemble up to a day in advance and bake before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispness. Freeze unbaked bites for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 290
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 9
- Protein: 6
Keywords: taco ranch bites, Mexican appetizer, party snack, crescent roll bites, easy appetizer, finger food, ranch, taco, beef, cheese, game day, potluck, kid friendly