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### **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
2. **Prepare the Dough:**
Roll out your pizza dough on a flat surface into a rectangle shape. Once it’s rolled out, cut the dough into three long strips, making sure they’re evenly sized. These strips will form the base for your braided taco shell.
3. **Braiding the Dough:**
To create the braid, take the three strips of dough and place them next to each other. Begin braiding the dough as you would braid hair — gently fold one strip over the other, alternating until the entire length is braided. Once done, you’ll have a beautifully braided taco shell that is ready for filling!
4. **Brush with Olive Oil:**
Place the braided dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the top of the braid with olive oil to give it a golden, crispy finish. For an added layer of flavor, sprinkle taco seasoning on top of the dough. Brush with a light egg wash (beat one egg with a splash of water) to ensure it gets that beautiful shine.
5. **Bake the Braided Shell:**
Bake the braided dough in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, especially around the edges.
6. **Prepare the Taco Filling:**
While the dough is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef (or your chosen protein). Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in taco seasoning and a little water, following the instructions on the seasoning packet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully cooked and seasoned.
7. **Assemble the Tacos:**
Once the braided shell is out of the oven and cooled slightly, it’s time to fill your tacos. Spoon the seasoned meat into the middle of the braid. Add shredded cheese on top and let it melt slightly. You can also add sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or any toppings you like.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Carefully slice the braided taco into individual pieces, like a savory braided pizza. Serve with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and more cheese. Enjoy your Crispy Braided Tacos hot and fresh, and watch everyone marvel at your creative cooking skills!
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### **Customization Ideas:**
This recipe is versatile, and you can make it your own by experimenting with different fillings and toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:
– **Meatless Option**: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, beans, or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
– **Spicy**: Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
– **Breakfast Tacos**: Swap the beef for scrambled eggs, bacon, and a little bit of cheese for a breakfast twist on this recipe.
– **Mexican Street Corn Topping**: Add some Mexican street corn (elote) as a topping for extra flavor and texture.
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### **Conclusion:**
These **Crispy Braided Tacos** are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With their delicious flavor and impressive appearance, they make taco night more exciting and offer a fun, customizable meal for the whole family. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness of braided tacos that everyone will love!
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