Cheese Taco Shells

by KetoFocus.com

Easy keto taco shells with 1-ingredient

As long as you have cheese, you can make keto tacos! These crispy, cheese taco shells are made from baked cheddar cheese formed into a taco shape. Fill with your favorite taco fixings for an easy low carb taco night!

Cheese is a staple ingredient in many keto recipes. Not only is it used to make fathead dough, but cheese can be used to make keto tacos without adding too many carbs. With these keto cheese taco shells, we don’t add any carbs! They are ZERO CARBS!!

Hard shell tacos made out of cheddar cheese and filled with taco fixings on a tray with slices of lime nearby.

Made with one ingredient, cheese! You can have crispy hard shell tacos by just melting cheese and molding it into a taco shape. No need to get those expensive low carb tortillas you find at the store. This is an easy, gluten-free solution that is much less expensive and just as tasty!

Even though cheddar cheese was used to make these tacos, most any cheese will work – Pepper Jack cheese, Colby Jack, even parmesan!

Crispy hard shell taco made out of cheese and filled with beef, lettuce and pico de gallo next to cilantro and limes.

How to make cheese taco shells

  1. Add cheese to parchment paper. Can use shredded cheese or slice cheese. Shredded cheese is easier to form a circle shape. If using sliced cheese, you may have to trim the edges to get those rounded corners similar to a tortilla.
  2. Bake in the oven. Bake cheese shells in the oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
  3. Mold into taco shape. Let the melted cheese circles cook on the tray for a few minutes. Then drape over a spatula propped up with cups. A taco holder works great too. Just drape your cheese tortilla over the hump of the taco tray. Let sit until cooled completely.
  4. Blot off excess grease and oil. This will keep your hands from getting too greasy when you hold your taco.
  5. Add your favorite taco fixings – seasoned beef, chicken, shredded lettuce, tomato, more cheese!!

Cheese Taco Shells Recipe Video

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Cheese Taco Shells Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby jack, Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
  • parchment paper

Cheese Taco Shells Directions

  • Cheese Taco Shells
  • Three tacos with hard shells made of cheddar cheese on a tray with a small bowl of salsa nearby.

    Types of cheese to use

    When it comes to making keto cheese taco shells, you can use just about any flavor of cheese as long as it melts and can solidify. Some very soft cheese like feta, brie or fontina may not be the best options for making crispy tacos.

    Here are some recommended cheeses to use when making cheese shells. Try them on by themselves or in combination for different flavors. 

    • Cheddar cheese
    • Pepper jack cheese
    • Monterey jack cheese
    • Colby jack cheese
    • Parmesan cheese

     

    Shredded vs sliced cheese

    Besides the types of cheese, the form of your cheese doesn’t really matter either. It’s easiest to use shredded cheese because you can just sprinkle it on the parchment paper in an even circle.

    Sliced cheese will work but it may take two slices to make a large enough circle for a taco shell. Plus you would have to trim the edges to get that classic taco shape. This can lead to wasting some of the cheese but you can add that to the top of your taco when it comes time to add the fixings.

    Three tacos filled with ground beef, lettuce and tomato and a taco shell made out of cheese on a parchment lined tray with limes slices nearby.

    Taco fillings

    Once your cheese shells have hardened, it’s time to make tacos! Fill your tacos with your favorite low carb fillings like:

    Storage information

    It’s best to use your cheese shells right away in order to keep them crispy and peak flavor. They are easy to make so there’s not really a need meal prep these.

    • Store: Keep these low carb taco shells in the fridge; however, they will lose some of their crispness.
    • Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as the texture will change. The shell may break easier and there is no way to reheat the cheese as it will lose it’s shape and melt.

    Cheese Taco Shells: FAQS

    Is pre-shredded cheese okay on keto?

    Pre-shredded cheese that you get from the store is very low in carbs and is still keto; however, some people avoid it because they do contain anti-caking agents like potato starch. This can also affect how well the cheese melts too.

    My cheese shell didn't harden. What can I do?

    If your cheese taco shell didn't harden very much, you may need to cook them longer in the oven or place them under the broiler for a minute.

    Can I make cheese taco shells in the air fryer?

    Yes! To make cheese shells in the air fryer, bake at 350 degrees for 2-4 minutes or until golden brown.

    Can you make other shapes from the melted cheese?

    Yes, besides a keto taco, you can use muffin tins to mold cheese to form a taco salad bowl.

    Nutritional information & Macros

    Nutrition Information

    Cheese Taco Shells

    Servings: 4

    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 110
    Fat 9g
    Protein 7g
    Total Carbs 0g
    Net Carbs 0g

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