Taquitos
Short Description
Taquitos are crispy, rolled tortillas filled with a savory mixture of meat, cheese, or beans, then fried or baked until golden brown. These Mexican-inspired snacks are perfect as an appetizer, party food, or quick family dinner, served with your favorite dips like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy and Flavorful: Golden shell with a deliciously seasoned filling.
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Customizable: Choose your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetarian options.
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Easy to Make: Quick prep and simple ingredients.
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Freezer-Friendly: Great for make-ahead meals or snacks.
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Kid-Approved: Fun to eat and perfect for dipping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (or beef, , or beans)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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½ cup salsa or enchilada sauce
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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12 small corn or flour tortillas
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Vegetable oil, for frying (or baking spray for oven method)
Directions
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Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas slightly in a damp towel in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.
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Assemble Taquitos: Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling near one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.
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Cook Taquitos:
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Fry: Heat ½ inch oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry taquitos in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
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Bake: Place taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
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Drain and Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve with dipping sauces.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 taquitos
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian: Use beans, cheese, and vegetables.
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Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
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Creamy: Mix in cream cheese or sour cream.
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Breakfast Version: Use scrambled eggs, and cheese.
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Different Meats: Try ground beef, or turkey.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
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Freezing: Freeze assembled (uncooked or cooked) taquitos in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas roll easier and are great for baking.
How do I keep taquitos from unrolling?
Roll tightly and place seam-side down when cooking.
Are taquitos and flautas the same?
Similar, but flautas are typically made with flour tortillas and slightly larger.
Can I air fry taquitos?
Yes, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
What can I serve with taquitos?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a side salad.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, assemble ahead and store in the fridge or freezer.
How do I prevent soggy taquitos?
Drain fried taquitos on paper towels and avoid overfilling.
What cheese works best?
Melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco.
Can I bake taquitos?
Yes, spray with oil and bake for a healthier version.
Are these gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas and check ingredients for gluten-free compliance.
Conclusion
Taquitos are a versatile, crispy, and delicious dish that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Whether fried or baked, filled with meat or veggies, they’re a perfect addition to any meal or party platter. Serve them with your favorite dips for a snack everyone will enjoy.
Taquitos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Taquitos are crispy rolled tortillas filled with savory meat, cheese, or beans, fried or baked to golden perfection. These Mexican-inspired snacks make an irresistible appetizer or quick family meal, perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or beef, or beans)
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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½ cup salsa or enchilada sauce
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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12 small corn or flour tortillas
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Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)
Instructions
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Prepare Filling: Mix shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly in a damp towel or skillet until pliable.
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Assemble Taquitos: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling near one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.
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Cook Taquitos:
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Frying: Heat ½ inch oil over medium-high heat. Fry taquitos 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
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Baking: Place seam-side down on a baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
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Drain and Serve: Drain fried taquitos on paper towels. Serve with your favorite dips.
Notes
For extra crispiness, make sure tortillas are warm and pliable before rolling.If baking, spray well with oil and flip halfway through for even crisping.Remove toothpicks before serving.
