There’s something magical about crispy, creamy, and cheesy taquitos that makes them an instant hit. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, hosting a game night with friends, or just craving something comforting for yourself, these cream taquitos are your ticket to deliciousness. Imagine biting into a crispy shell filled with smooth, flavorful cream cheese and savory goodness, each bite offering the perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. It’s cozy, it’s satisfying, and it’s got that “just one more bite” effect that keeps you coming back for more.
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Why You’ll Love Cream Taquitos
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of these taquitos—they’re made with just a few simple ingredients that come together in a big way. Let’s break it down:
Tortillas: The crispy outer shell that holds all the creamy goodness inside. Choose your favorite tortilla, whether it’s flour or corn—either will do the trick!
Cream Cheese: The heart of the creaminess. It’s soft, tangy, and smooth, making every bite melt in your mouth. You can use regular or light cream cheese depending on your preference.
Shredded Chicken: Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. You can easily use leftover rotisserie chicken, making this dish even quicker to prepare.
Shredded Cheese: The cheesy goodness that stretches as you bite into these taquitos, adding that perfect savory touch. A blend of Mexican cheeses works best, but feel free to use what you’ve got on hand.
Garlic Powder: A little sprinkle of garlic brings this dish to life, adding depth and warmth to the creamy filling.
Onion Powder: Another layer of flavor to round out the cream cheese mixture and enhance the savory chicken filling.
Chili Powder: Adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the dish. Adjust the amount based on how much heat you prefer.
Cumin: A hint of cumin adds an earthy depth, making these taquitos irresistibly flavorful.
Cilantro (Optional): For a fresh, vibrant kick! If you love cilantro, sprinkle some inside the taquitos or use it as a garnish on top.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious, crispy taquitos:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your taquitos cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.
Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded chicken, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro. Stir everything together until smooth and well-mixed. You’ll want the filling to be creamy but still thick enough to hold inside the tortillas.
Prepare the Tortillas: Warm your tortillas in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make them pliable. This will make rolling them much easier.
Assemble the Taquitos: Spread a generous amount of the filling down the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly, making sure the seam is tucked underneath.
Place on a Baking Sheet: Lay the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This helps them crisp up without sticking.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure to check them halfway through to ensure they’re getting that perfect crispy texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve them warm with a side of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for dipping!
How to Serve Cream Taquitos
These taquitos are great on their own or paired with any of the following for a full meal experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair them with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the taquitos.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread for a little extra indulgence.
Creamy Accompaniments: Top with sour cream, guacamole, or a creamy dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn add color and balance to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these taquitos are so satisfying on their own, you don’t need anything else! Just a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top is all you need.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just roll up the taquitos and bake!
Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle extra chili flakes on top before baking.
Dietary Adjustments: Make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for black beans or a mix of sautéed vegetables. You can also use gluten-free tortillas to make it a gluten-free dish.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that crispy texture.
Double the Batch: These taquitos freeze beautifully! Make extra and store them in a freezer-safe bag for a quick meal on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?
A1: You can try using sour cream or Greek yogurt, though the texture and taste may vary slightly. If you prefer a lighter version, cream cheese is the way to go!
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to bring back that crispy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Absolutely! Freeze the taquitos after assembling and before baking. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat these taquitos?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will keep them crispy on the outside.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers. Just make sure you have enough space on your baking sheet!
Q7: Can I make these taquitos without chicken?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with black beans, shredded beef, or even sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Q8: How do I make them extra crispy?
A8: Make sure to roll the taquitos tightly and place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. You can also brush them with a bit of olive oil before baking for extra crispiness.
Q9: Can I use store-bought tortillas?
A9: Absolutely! Store-bought tortillas work perfectly. Just make sure to warm them up slightly before rolling for easier handling.
Q10: Can I add more spice to this recipe?
A10: Of course! If you love heat, add more chili powder, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the filling to give your taquitos a spicy kick.
Conclusion
These cream taquitos are the ultimate comfort food, blending crispy tortillas with creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, an appetizer, or a main dish, they’re guaranteed to hit the spot. I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think—trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat! Happy cooking!
Cream Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Crispy, golden taquitos filled with a creamy chicken and spinach mixture, these are perfect for a quick appetizer or a fun main dish. Serve with fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and sour cream for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa, store-bought or homemade
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- Toppings: Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, Pico de Gallo
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Fill a saucepan with ½ inch of oil and heat over medium heat to 350°F, using a candy or deep-fry thermometer.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cream cheese, spinach, Colby Jack cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Taquitos: Once the oil is hot, add a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture to the center of a tortilla. Spread out and roll up the tortilla tightly, securing the seam side down.
- Fry Taquitos: Use tongs to gently place the rolled tortilla into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Repeat until all taquitos are cooked. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, and Pico de Gallo.
Notes
- For a healthier version, you can bake these taquitos instead of frying them. Simply brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas, but corn tortillas hold up better to the frying process.
- Adjust the spice level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg