Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
If you’re looking for a crunchy, cheesy, utterly satisfying vegetarian snack or meal that comes together with kitchen staples, look no further than these Bean & Cheese Taquitos. This recipe transforms the humble duo of refried beans and shredded cheese into golden, crispy rolls that’ll win over everyone at your table. Whether you’re hosting game night, craving a weeknight comfort fix, or just need something easy to dunk into salsa and guacamole, Bean & Cheese Taquitos deliver the crunch, flavor, and fun you want!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Bean & Cheese Taquitos is in their simplicity: every ingredient plays an important role, adding flavor, texture, or that irresistible cheesy stretch. Get ready for something genuinely delicious with these easy-to-find essentials!
- Refried beans: The creamy, hearty base that gives each taquito plenty of substance and savory flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharper, bolder cheese presence in every bite.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Known for its meltiness and mildness, this balances the cheddar and makes the filling gooey and rich.
- Cumin: Adds a nutty, earthy warmth that ties all the flavors together with a traditional Mexican note.
- Chili powder: Gives your taquitos a subtle kick and lovely color—don’t worry, it’s mild!
- Garlic powder: Brings a hint of savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
- Corn tortillas: The classic choice for taquitos; they bake or fry up extra crispy and add that authentic touch.
- Vegetable oil: For brushing (if baking) or frying to get that addictive, golden crunch.
- Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream (optional): For dipping, dunking, or drizzling—these toppings boost every bite!
How to Make Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Step 1: Mix Up the Cheesy Bean Filling
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and combining the refried beans, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Stir it all together until you see an even blend of cheese ribbons and velvety beans. This mixture is quick to come together and forms the tasty, satisfying core of every Bean & Cheese Taquito.
Step 2: Warm and Soften the Tortillas
Nobody likes cracked tortillas! To keep things easy, stack your tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30—45 seconds. This step makes the corn tortillas soft and flexible, so they roll up without tearing and bake or fry up perfectly.
Step 3: Fill and Roll Your Taquitos
Working with one tortilla at a time, spread about 2 tablespoons of your bean and cheese filling across the bottom third. Roll it up tightly but gently, tucking the filling inside as you go. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down onto a parchment-lined baking sheet to help seal the edges.
Step 4: Crisp Up — Bake or Fry!
For baking, simply brush the tops lightly with vegetable oil, then slide them into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 15—18 minutes. If you love classic crunch, heat half an inch of oil in a skillet, and fry the taquitos in batches for 2—3 minutes per side until deeply golden. Transfer them to paper towels to drain—try not to eat them all at once!
Step 5: Serve with Your Favorite Dips
Now for the best part: enjoy your hot, crispy Bean & Cheese Taquitos with bowls of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Every dip and dunk just makes these irresistible rolls taste better!
How to Serve Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or crumbled queso fresco brings a burst of color and extra flavor to your Bean & Cheese Taquitos. Even a squeeze of lime adds a pop of freshness that brightens every bite—feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!
Side Dishes
Balance out the cheesy, crispy taquitos with cooling sides like Mexican rice, charred corn salad, tangy slaw, or a simple black bean salad. These sides round out the meal, whether you’re serving Bean & Cheese Taquitos as an appetizer, or making them the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, stand your taquitos up in a tall glass or mug for eye-catching finger food, or slice them in half for bite-sized appetizers. Feeling extra festive? Arrange them in a circle around a bowl of guacamole for a playful “taquito wreath.” Bean & Cheese Taquitos are endlessly flexible for any get-together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the taquitos cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a little crispness, but the flavor stays bold and delicious.
Freezing
Bean & Cheese Taquitos freeze beautifully before baking or frying! Place the rolled, uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add 5 to 7 minutes to the cooking time and enjoy nearly-instant taquitos any night.
Reheating
To recapture that signature crunch, warm refrigerated or frozen taquitos in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8—10 minutes, or until crisp and heated through. Avoid the microwave for best texture—the oven brings them right back to crispy, cheesy perfection!
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas create a slightly softer, chewier taquito. They work great if you prefer a different texture or want to make larger taquitos for a meal.
What can I add to the filling for more flavor?
Chopped green chiles, pickled jalapeños, finely diced onions, or even a handful of fresh cilantro all add extra zip and personality to your Bean & Cheese Taquitos. Try mixing and matching until you find your favorite combination!
How do I keep taquitos from unrolling while baking?
Make sure to place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet. If you’re finding they still unroll, you can secure them with a toothpick while baking or frying (just remember to remove it before serving).
Can I make Bean & Cheese Taquitos ahead for a party?
Yes! Roll up your taquitos, store them in the fridge or freezer, and bake or fry just before your guests arrive. They’re a lifesaver for stress-free parties and make delicious, hand-held appetizers everyone will love.
Are Bean & Cheese Taquitos gluten-free?
If you use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your beans and spices, this dish is naturally gluten-free! Just watch out for flour tortillas if you’re cooking for gluten-sensitive friends.
Final Thoughts
Bean & Cheese Taquitos are that rare recipe that’s easy, affordable, and always a hit, no matter the occasion. I hope you find as much joy sharing them as I do—give them a try, and get ready for crunchy, cheesy, dippable goodness right at home!
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Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired snack or appetizer. Crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful combination of refried beans and melted cheese, they are perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- vegetable oil for brushing or frying
- salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil in a skillet. Mix refried beans, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Assemble: Microwave tortillas to soften. Spread bean and cheese mixture on each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake or Fry: Brush with oil if baking and bake for 15–18 minutes. If frying, fry in batches until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Notes
- Enhance the filling with green chiles or jalapeños. Flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture. Freeze unbaked taquitos for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
