One of the best things about Mexican food is that no two plates have to be exactly the same. Whether you love extra meat, want to pile on the cheese, prefer a little more salsa, or want to keep things simple, tacos and burritos are made to be customized.
At Backyard Taco, we believe your meal should be exactly how you like it. Every order is made fresh, which means you can adjust ingredients, add extras, or skip toppings to build the perfect combination for your taste.
Some guests go all in with extra carne asada and cheese. Others prefer lighter options with fresh toppings and salsa. Some like to mix different meats across their tacos, while others stick with their favorite every time.
The beauty of the Backyard Taco menu is that it gives you the freedom to build your meal your way. From tacos and burritos to quesadillas and bowls, there are countless ways to customize your order and enjoy the bold flavors of mesquite-grilled Mexican food.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can create your perfect Backyard Taco meal.
Why Mexican Food Is Naturally Customizable
One of the reasons Mexican food is so popular is because it is naturally designed for customization. Traditional dishes are built in layers, starting with a base like a tortilla and then adding proteins, toppings, sauces, and sides. This structure makes it easy for each person to build a meal that fits their taste.
Tacos are a perfect example. The tortilla provides the foundation, while ingredients like grilled meats, onions, cilantro, beans, cheese, and salsa add flavor and texture. Small adjustments can completely change the experience of a taco.
At Backyard Taco, that same idea carries through the entire menu. Whether you order tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or bowls, the ingredients are prepared fresh and assembled when you order. That means guests can add toppings, remove ingredients, or adjust portions to create a meal that works best for them.
The foundation of many of these dishes starts with the protein. From mesquite-grilled carne asada to pollo and al pastor, the meat you choose can shape the flavor of your entire meal. If you want to learn more about the different meats used in traditional Mexican cooking, check out our guide to Mexican meats and the flavors behind them.
Choosing the right base is the first step to building your perfect meal.
Start with Your Favorite Protein
When customizing your meal at Backyard Taco, the first choice most guests make is the protein. Our mesquite grill is at the heart of the BYT flavor, and the meats cooked over it are what made Backyard Taco famous.
Popular protein options include:
- Carne Asada
- Pollo Asado
- Al Pastor
- Birria
Each one brings its own flavor and texture to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, gorditas and bowls. Some guests prefer the bold flavor of carne asada, while others enjoy the savory richness of birria or the sweet, pineapple infused taste of al pastor.
Once you choose your protein, the rest of the meal can be built around it. You can keep things classic with simple toppings like onions and cilantro for the al pastor and the birria, and cabbage, onion and red sauce for the carne and pollo asada, or you can add extras like cheese, sour cream, or salsa to create a heartier meal.
If you’re exploring the full range of options, it can help to take a look at the Backyard Taco menu, where you can see how different proteins are used across tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other favorites.
From there, the real fun begins with toppings and extras that make every order unique.
Add the Toppings You Love
Once you’ve chosen your protein, the next step in customizing your meal is adding the toppings that bring everything together. Toppings add texture, freshness, and flavor, and even small changes can completely transform a taco or burrito.
At Backyard Taco, guests often personalize their meals with combinations like:
- Fresh squeezed lime and pickled onions
- Mild to VERY hot sauces
- Sour cream
- Extra cheese
- Beans
- Guacamole
Some people prefer a classic taco with our chosen taco toppings and salsa. Others like to load things up with cheese, sour cream, and extra toppings to make the meal a little more indulgent.
Because every meal is made fresh when you order it, it’s easy to ask for extra toppings or remove ingredients you don’t want. That flexibility allows guests to build meals that match their personal preferences while still enjoying the authentic mesquite-grilled flavor that Backyard Taco is known for.
For guests who enjoy experimenting with different combinations, there are plenty of creative ways to mix and match ingredients. In fact, some of our favorite ordering ideas come from customers who have discovered their own unique Backyard Taco menu hacks.
Trying new topping combinations can completely change the flavor of your favorite dish and make every visit a little different.
Make It Bigger (or Lighter)
Another great way to customize your Backyard Taco meal is by adjusting the portion size and ingredients to match your appetite.
Some guests come in ready for a big meal and like to add extra meat, extra cheese, or additional sides. Others prefer lighter options by removing certain ingredients or keeping their tacos simple with just a few toppings.
Common customization options include:
- Adding extra meat to burritos and bowls
- Adding beans for a more filling meal
- Including extra cheese or sour cream
- Skipping cheese or Mexican rice for a lighter option
- Keeping tacos simple with just meat and your tortilla of choice
Because every order is assembled fresh, these adjustments are easy to make. It’s one of the reasons Mexican food works so well for people with different preferences and appetites.
Customization can also be helpful for guests with specific dietary needs or preferences. Some people want more protein, others prefer lighter toppings, and some guests look for vegetarian-friendly combinations.
If you’re interested in learning more about the different dietary options available at Backyard Taco, you can explore our guide to menu options for different diets.
With so many ways to adjust your order, it’s easy to build a meal that fits your tastes and your appetite.
Build Your Perfect Backyard Taco Meal
One of the best parts about customizing your order at Backyard Taco is that there is no single “right” way to do it. Everyone builds their meal a little differently depending on what they are craving.
Some guests like to keep things traditional with simple tacos, while others enjoy mixing different meats, toppings, and sides to create a full meal experience. With so many options available, it’s easy to create combinations that match your appetite and taste preferences.
Here are a few popular ways guests build their Backyard Taco meals:
The Classic Taco Plate
Many guests keep things simple with tacos filled with carne asada or pollo asado, topped with onions, cabbage and our secret red sauce. This classic combination highlights the mesquite-grilled flavor that Backyard Taco is known for.
The Big Appetite Combo
For those looking for a heartier meal, burritos are a popular choice. Guests often add rice, cheese, and extra meat to create a filling meal that delivers bold flavor and plenty of satisfaction.
Mix-and-Match Tacos
Another great way to enjoy the menu is by ordering tacos with different meats. Some guests like to try carne asada, pollo, and al pastor in the same order so they can experience the variety of flavors Backyard Taco offers. We’ve even got a three taco combination plate that comes with beans and rice and your option of whatever three tacos you want.
Cheesy Comfort Favorites
If you’re in the mood for something rich and satisfying, quesadillas and quesabirrias are great options. The combination of grilled meat and melted cheese creates a flavorful and comforting meal.
The Papa Loca Favorite
For guests looking for something hearty and a little different, the Papa Loca (Crazy Potato) is a popular choice. This dish starts with a baked potato topped with butter, Mexican sour cream, and Monterey Jack cheese. Guests can then customize it with carne asada, pollo, al pastor, or birria to create a filling meal packed with flavor.
Because everything is made fresh when you order it, you have the freedom to experiment with different combinations until you find your personal favorite.
If you’re ready to build your own meal, you can explore the full Backyard Taco menu and see all the options available.
Once you’ve chosen your favorites, ordering is easy whether you’re dining in or grabbing food to go.
Your Taco, Your Way
At Backyard Taco, customization is part of the experience. From choosing your protein to adding toppings and adjusting portion sizes, every meal can be built exactly the way you like it.
Some guests keep their tacos simple and traditional. Others enjoy experimenting with different toppings, meats, and combinations. Either way, the goal is the same: fresh ingredients, mesquite-grilled flavor, and a meal that fits your tastes.
Whether you’re visiting for a quick lunch, dinner with friends, or grabbing tacos on the go, there are countless ways to customize your order and enjoy Backyard Taco your way.
If you’re ready to create your perfect meal, visit one of our locations across the Phoenix Valley or order Backyard Taco online for pickup or delivery to enjoy bold, fresh Mexican food whenever the craving hits.
Dr. Tyler loves tacos! He is one of the owners of Backyard Taco, and can sometimes be found moonlighting there at night or on the weekends.
Dr. Tyler Robison is an alum of Mesa’s Mountain View High School. He graduted from Brigham Young University before being accepted to the “Top Ten-nationally ranked” University of Louisville in Kentucky, where he earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine and a Master’s Degree in Oral Biology. He graduated with honors in the top ten percent of his class. Dr. Robison continued at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he received a second master’s degree in dental science and his orthodontic certification.
Dr. Tyler enjoys serving in his community. He is a provider for the Smile Back Foundation, which offers scholarships for free dental treatment to underprivileged East Valley students. He is also a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and served during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2008.
Dr. Tyler Robison’s favorite pastimes include spending time with his family on the lake, at the beach, or on the slopes. He is an avid and crazy snowboarder! He has three incredible sons and one sweet daughter: Caden, Jace, Crew, and Bliss.
