Picky Bits Tea & Dinner Ideas

June 01, 2026
Plates of Vegetarian Pumpkin Capsicum Tomato Nachos on a yellow surface

A picky bits dinner is the opposite of formal, it’s a table full of fun little nibbles where everyone can grab what they fancy. It’s relaxed, summery, and perfect for a laid-back tea or no-fuss dinner that still feels special.

If you’re looking for Mexican-inspired picky bits ideas, these recipes offer plenty of inspiration. Our selection of dishes from loaded nachos and crunchy quesadillas to mini tacos will help you to build a colourful picky bits board, mix and match recipes, and keep things simple, fun while providing Full Volume Flavour.

Nachos & Nachips The Heart Of Picky Bits Tea

Nachos are the hero of picky bits tea spreads! Crunchy, cheesy and easy to share, they’re brilliant for using up leftovers and sneaking in extra veggies.

easy chicken fifteen minute nachos

Easy Chicken Nachos

This Easy Chicken Nachos recipe offers the perfect dish for your picky bits spread. Layer tortilla chips with cooked chicken, cheese and your favourite Old El Paso seasoning, then bake until melty. Add fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, spring onions and coriander for colour and crunch, they’ll be ready to share in 15 minutes.
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Beer Queso Nachos

Beer Queso Nachos for Grown-Up Gatherings

Is your picky bits dinner for a grown-up gathering? Try this Beer Queso Nachos recipe for something rich and indulgent. Pour the beer cheese sauce over warm nachos, add your favourite toppings and you’re all set. Balance them out with plenty of fresh veggies and lighter dishes on the side for a full on picky bits feast!
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Salsas & Dips For Picky Bits 

Every picky bits board needs good dips. Salsas, guacamole and fresh sides add colour and balance, whether you’re serving them alongside meaty nachos or building a fully vegan picky bits platter.  

avocado corn salsa

Avocado Corn Salsa Dip

The Avocado Corn Salsa Dip is a fresh, zesty bowlful that works with almost everything. Creamy avocado pieces bring richness, while sweetcorn adds crunch and a touch of sweetness. Spoon it over nachos for a lighter twist, add it to your picky bits board for dipping veggie sticks, or add it to Stand ’N’ Stuff shells for a quick vegan picky bits.
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Traditional Salsa

Traditional Fresh Tomato Salsa

Looking for something bright and punchy? This traditional salsa is a must-have for any picky bits tea. Made with chopped tomatoes, onion, garlic, chilli and herbs, it brings a juicy, tangy hit to everything on the table. It lifts richer dishes with freshness and adds colour to your picky bits board!
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Quesadillas: Cheesy & Crispy Picky Bits 

Quesadillas are perfect for picky bits teas and dinner. They’re easy to slice into wedges, simple to hold, and work well with any fillings you’ve got. 

Quick Griddled Quesadillas

Quick Griddled Quesadillas

Our Griddled Quesadillas are cheesy, easy and fast. Fill tortillas with cheese and your favourite ingredients, then griddle until golden and gooey. Mix things up with fillings like leftover roast chicken with peppers and cheese, black beans with sweetcorn and spring onions for a veggie option, or spinach and mushrooms if you fancy sneaking in a bit of extra veggies.
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Cheesy Bacon Bean Quesadillas

Cheesy Bacon Bean Quesadillas

For something a bit more indulgent for your picky bits dinner, this Cheesy Bacon Bean Quesadillas recipe is a great shout. The dish is packed with smoky bacon, beans and plenty of melted cheese. Slice into small triangles and stack them on a board with pots of salsa and dips for an easy win.
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Cheesy Pork Quesadillas

Cheesy Pork Quesadillas

Cheesy Pork Quesadillas are great for using up any leftover pork. The crispy outside and cheesy centre make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser on any picky bits dinner table. Find out how they’re made and add them to your next summertime spread. 
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Stand ’N’ Stuff Tacos Dine Loud and Proud

Stand ’N’ Stuff tacos are easy to hold and fun to fill, making them perfect for picky bits dinners. Mix savoury and sweet versions on the same table for Full Volume Flavour from start to finish.

smoky bbq stand n stuff soft chicken tacos

Smoky BBQ Stand ’N’ Stuff Soft Chicken Tacos

These Smoky BBQ Stand ’N’ Stuff Soft Chicken Tacos bring sweet, smoky flavours that work brilliantly as part of a relaxed picky bits dinner. Set out bowls of diced chicken, salad, cheese and sauces so everyone can build their own. A perfect idea to add to your picky bits board.
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smoky bbq stand n stuff soft chicken tacos

Loaded Beef Stand ’N’ Stuff Tacos

Want something that’s still easy to hold but a bit more hearty on your picky bits board? Our loaded Beef Stand ’N’ Stuff Tacos recipe is packed with seasoned beef, cheese and crunchy toppings. Balance the richness with lighter sides like tomato salsa and salad for an easy picky bits idea that works every time.
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Vegan & Vegetarian Picky Bits Ideas

Vegan and vegetarian picky bits are easy to pull together. Use beans, roasted veggies or plant-based mince, then load up guacamole or salsa for richness. Here are some Mexican-style recipes that work well.

cheesy bean and sweet corn nachos

Cheese, Bean & Sweetcorn Nachos

For a hearty vegetarian picky bits option, go for Cheese, Bean & Sweetcorn Nachos. Beans and sweetcorn add protein and fibre, while melted cheese brings the comfort factor. Simply scatter over some sliced jalapeños if you fancy a bit of heat, add a side of crunchy salad or slaw for balance, and put out extra salsa and sour cream so everyone can load theirs up just how they like it.
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Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos

Vegan Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Wrap

Vegan wraps don't have to be boring. Try this delicious and wholesome option that incorporates seasoned chickpeas and roasted veggies! It’s the perfect easy vegan go-to for your picky bits board.
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Dessert Ideas for Your Picky Bits Board

Looking for something sweet after your picky bits dinner? How about some picky bits desserts to match. These Mexican-inspired dishes are easy to share and fun to decorate together, which adds the perfect playful finish. Let’s Make Some Noise!

Toffee Apple Tacos

Fancy a sweet twist on your picky bits board? These Toffee Apple Tacos bring autumn fairground vibes to your table. Soft shells filled with spiced apples and toffee add a cosy, comforting finish to your spread. What a treat without any fuss!
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mini churro taco boats

Mini Churro Tacos

Our Mini Churro Tacos recipe brings a lighter sweet option to your picky bits board. Coated in cinnamon sugar and filled with honey yoghurt and fresh fruit, this dish is an easy and refreshing finish that feels special without being heavy. 
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Make Some Noise With Your Next Picky Bits Dinner 

Ready to build your picky bits board? These Mexican-inspired picky bits ideas give you everything you need to Dine Loud and Proud this spring and summer. Pick a couple of recipes, grab what you’ve got in your fridge for toppings and dips and build your own colourful picky bits board for tea or dinner. Mix and match your favourite nachos, quesadillas, and then finish with something sweet. It’s a great way to Dine Loud and Proud with friends and family! 

For even more picky bits dinner inspiration, browse our range of quick and easy recipes here.

FAQs

  • What is a picky bits dinner and how can I use Old El Paso to make one?
    A picky bits dinner is a relaxed, help-yourself spread of small dishes, perfect for grazing in front of the telly or in the garden. To Make Some Noise with Old El Paso, mix and match our easy Mexican-inspired recipes like nachos, quesadillas, and tacos. Lay everything out on one big board or a few platters so everyone can grab what they fancy.
  • What are some easy picky bits ideas using nachos and Nachips?
    Set up a nacho station! Make a mix of meaty, cheesy and veggies loaded nachos. Put out bowls of plain Nachips with dips like salsa and guacamole so everyone can dive in.
  • How many picky bits dishes should I make for a group?
    Aim for 3 to 4 different recipes for a group. Mix things up! Maybe a couple of nacho options, a quesadilla, some dips, and you’re sorted.
  • Can I prep picky bits dinner in advance?
    Absolutely. Chop your veggies, grate a lot of cheese, and portion out toppings the night before. When it's time to eat, just warm your tortillas, assemble your quesadillas or load up the nachos as required.
  • How do I build and serve a picky bits board?
    Variety is key. Have some crunchy nachos, a protein or two like chicken or beans, with fresh salsas and dips. Spread them all out on a board or a couple of platters. Keep portions small so people can try a bit of everything.