Cheese For Taquitos: Melty, Stretchy, And Delicious Options

Taquitos are a classic Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses. While traditional taquitos are made with corn tortillas, flour tortillas can also be used, especially when making vegetarian taquitos, as they are easier to roll and keep together. For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are the way to go.

When it comes to cheese, a mix of shredded cheddar, pepper jack, and gouda can be used, or a Mexican blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Quesadilla cheeses. For a healthier option, fat-free cheddar can be used. The cheese acts as a glue to hold the taquitos together, and when melted, it helps to seal the rolled shape.

Corn or flour tortillas?

When it comes to choosing the right type of tortilla for your taquitos, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, let's look at the traditional option. Taquitos are traditionally made with corn tortillas. Corn tortillas give your taquitos that authentic Mexican flavour and crispiness that is hard to beat. Corn tortillas are also a good gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. However, they can be a bit tricky to work with as they tend to crumble and crack easily. But, fear not! There are some simple tricks to help with this issue. One method is to wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds to soften them up, making them more pliable and easier to roll. Another option is to spray them with olive oil and heat them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until they are soft and ready for rolling.

Now, let's talk about flour tortillas. Flour tortillas are a great alternative if you're looking for something a little easier to work with. They are more pliable and less likely to crack or crumble, making them a good choice for beginners. Flour tortillas are also a bit larger than corn tortillas, so they can hold more filling. This can be a bonus if you want to pack your taquitos with lots of delicious ingredients. However, it's important to note that flour tortillas are not gluten-free and may not be suitable for everyone.

So, which type of tortilla should you choose? It really depends on your personal preference and dietary needs. If you want to stick with tradition and don't mind the extra effort, go for corn tortillas. If you're looking for something a little easier to work with and don't need to avoid gluten, flour tortillas are a great option. Ultimately, the most important thing is to use what you have available and feel free to experiment with different options to see which one you prefer!

Baked or fried?

Taquitos are a classic Mexican dish that can be baked or fried. While frying is the traditional method, baking is a healthier alternative that can be just as delicious.

Baked Taquitos

Baking taquitos is a great option if you're looking for a healthier, less messy way to prepare this dish. Baked taquitos are typically placed on a greased baking sheet and cooked in the oven at a high temperature, such as 400 or 425 degrees Fahrenheit, for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. This method is also convenient if you want to make a large batch, as you can fit multiple taquitos on a single sheet pan.

To prepare the taquitos for baking, it's important to first soften the tortillas to make them pliable and easy to roll. This can be done by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 20-30 seconds, or by spraying them with olive oil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes. Once softened, you can fill and roll the tortillas, securing them with toothpicks if needed. Spraying the taquitos with nonstick cooking spray before baking will help ensure they get crispy in the oven.

Fried Taquitos

Frying is the traditional method for preparing taquitos and will give them a crispy texture and a distinctive flavour. To fry taquitos, you'll need a deep skillet or Dutch oven, and enough oil to cover the taquitos by about 2-3 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F before carefully adding the taquitos in batches and frying for 1-2 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of crispness.

As with baking, it's important to soften the tortillas before filling and rolling them. In addition to the microwave and oven methods mentioned above, another option is to shallow fry the tortillas on a griddle or in a skillet before filling and rolling them. This will give the tortillas a head start on cooking and make them easier to work with.

Both baking and frying have their advantages and disadvantages. Frying will give your taquitos a classic crispy texture and flavour, but it can be messier and more time-consuming, especially if you're working in batches. Baking is a healthier option that allows you to cook multiple taquitos at once, but it may not deliver the same level of crispness as frying. Ultimately, the best method depends on your personal preferences and how much time you want to spend in the kitchen.

Chicken, beef, or vegetarian?

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of fillings, including chicken, beef, or vegetarian options. Here are some ideas and instructions for each:

Chicken Taquitos:

Chicken taquitos are a great option for a quick and easy meal that can be made ahead of time or frozen for later. The key ingredients for chicken taquitos include shredded chicken, cream cheese, salsa, and tortillas. You can use corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. To make them, simply mix the shredded chicken with cream cheese, salsa, and any desired spices. Place a large spoonful of the mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and secure it with a toothpick if needed. You can then bake or fry the taquitos until they are golden and crispy. Serve them with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

Beef Taquitos:

Beef taquitos are a hearty option that can be made in a similar way to chicken taquitos. The key ingredients include ground beef, taco seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, and tortillas. As with chicken taquitos, you can use either corn or flour tortillas. To make them, cook the ground beef in a skillet and stir in the taco seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese until well combined. Place a few tablespoons of the mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and secure them with a toothpick if needed. Bake the taquitos in the oven until they are golden and crispy. Serve them with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Vegetarian Taquitos:

Vegetarian taquitos are a delicious and healthy option that can be made with a variety of fillings. One popular option includes a mixture of black beans, cheese, red pepper, corn, cilantro, green onion, lime juice, and spices. To make them, combine the filling ingredients in a bowl and place a heaping tablespoon of the mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkling with cheese. Roll the tortillas up tightly and place them seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Spray the taquitos with cooking spray and bake them in the oven until they are golden and crispy. Serve them with sour cream, Greek yogurt, salsa, or your favorite toppings.

Freezing and reheating

Taquitos are a great make-ahead meal that can be frozen and reheated whenever you need a quick snack or meal. Here are some detailed instructions on freezing and reheating taquitos:

Freezing:

Before freezing, it is important to let the taquitos cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. This will help them retain their shape and prevent them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer the taquitos to a large freezer bag, remove excess air, seal, and store them in the freezer. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

There are a few different ways to reheat taquitos:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the frozen taquitos on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching, and cook for 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Microwave: Place one or two taquitos on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 1 minute. If they are still frozen in the middle, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until warmed through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and number of taquitos you are reheating. Always ensure that the taquitos are heated thoroughly before serving.

Dipping sauces

Taquitos are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of dipping sauces to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces that will complement the cheese and other ingredients in your taquitos:

Salsa

A classic choice for Mexican cuisine, salsa adds a fresh and spicy kick to your taquitos. It pairs well with the cheese, beans, and vegetables commonly found in taquitos. You can find store-bought options or make your own by blending tomatoes, onions, chillies, and coriander to your desired consistency and spice level.

Guacamole

Creamy and flavourful, guacamole is another excellent option for taquitos. The cool, creamy avocado provides a nice contrast to the crispy taquito shell. You can make your own by mashing avocados and mixing in ingredients like lime juice, chopped onions, coriander, and a hint of spice.

Sour Cream

Sour cream offers a tangy and creamy dipping option for taquitos. It can be paired with other sauces or used as a base for additional flavours. Try adding some spice with chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of paprika.

Cheese Sauce

For an extra cheesy experience, dip your taquitos in a warm cheese sauce. You can make a simple cheese sauce by melting shredded cheese with a little milk or cream, and adding spices like paprika or cumin to taste.

Avocado Ranch

Avocado ranch dressing combines the cool, creamy texture of avocado with the tangy flavours of ranch dressing. It's a unique and refreshing option for dipping taquitos. You can make your own by blending avocado with buttermilk, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning.

Hot Sauce

For those who like their taquitos spicy, a dash of hot sauce can be the perfect complement. Choose from a variety of hot sauces available in stores, or make your own by blending chillies, vinegar, and spices.

Frequently asked questions