There is something utterly delightful about crispy, golden taquitos filled with warm, savory bean and melted cheese that just makes your taste buds dance with joy. This Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe is a perfect blend of creamy refried beans, rich cheddar, and gooey Monterey Jack cheese all rolled up in tender tortillas and baked to crispy perfection. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a fun appetizer, or a satisfying vegetarian meal, these taquitos offer a fantastic combination of flavor, texture, and comfort food goodness that anyone can enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create these crowd-pleasing taquitos. Each one plays an essential role in bringing out the taste, texture, and color that make this recipe a winner every time.
- Refried beans (1 ½ cups): The creamy, savory base that brings hearty flavor and smooth texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and melty, adding a delicious depth and golden color.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (½ cup): For extra creaminess and a subtle tang that balances perfectly.
- Ground cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds an earthy warmth that complements the beans beautifully.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses a mild savory punch without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Chili powder (¼ teaspoon): Gives a gentle hint of smoky spice to brighten the filling.
- Small flour or corn tortillas (10): Tender and pliable for rolling, forming the perfect taquito shell.
- Cooking spray or oil: Just a touch to crisp the taquitos so they bake golden and crunchy.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, jalapeños — your choice for added flavor and flair.
How to Make Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
The first step is to heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets you up for perfectly crispy taquitos without sticking or messy clean-up.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans with both cheeses, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a savory filling that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To make rolling easier, gently warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet. This softens them so they bend without cracking, which is key for that flawless wrap.
Step 4: Roll Up Your Taquitos
Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the bean and cheese filling onto the bottom third of each tortilla. Roll them tight starting from the filled end, tucking in the edges as you go. This keeps all those flavorful bits tucked inside.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling. Lightly spray or brush the tops with a bit of oil to help get that irresistible crunchy outside. Bake for 15–18 minutes until they are golden brown and delightfully crisp.
How to Serve Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Taquitos love a good topping — dollops of sour cream cool down the spices while guacamole adds creamy richness. Fresh salsa brings brightness and juiciness, cilantro lends a fresh herby note, and a few sliced jalapeños can crank up the heat if you like things spicy.
Side Dishes
Pair your bean and cheese taquitos with refreshing sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or even some simple black beans and rice. These sides complement the warm, cheesy crunch perfectly without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, line your taquitos on a platter and serve with colorful bowls of dips and toppings so everyone can build their own. Or slice them into bite-sized pieces to make perfect finger food for gatherings. Either way, they make a fun and inviting dish that sparks conversations and smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover taquitos (which might be rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay tasty for up to 3-4 days and can easily be reheated for a quick snack or meal.
Freezing
You can prepare these taquitos ahead and freeze them before baking. Just place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a fresh-baked taste any day.
Reheating
To reheat and keep them crispy, pop your taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain their crunch, but if you must, microwave briefly then finish in the skillet or oven to re-crisp.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe?
Absolutely! Both flour and corn tortillas work wonderfully. Just warm them well before rolling to prevent cracking and ensure they stay pliable.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe includes cheese, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you can swap the cheeses for your favorite vegan alternatives to make it plant-based and just as tasty.
Can I add other fillings to the taquitos?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Adding diced onions, bell peppers, or even some cooked veggies or spices can customize the filling to your liking.
How can I make the taquitos extra crispy?
Lightly brushing or spraying the taquitos with oil before baking helps with crispiness. For extra crunch, air frying them at 400°F for 7-9 minutes works perfectly.
What’s the best way to serve these for a party?
Arrange the taquitos on a large platter with small bowls of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh chopped toppings so guests can customize their bites. It makes a colorful and interactive presentation.
Final Thoughts
This Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe is hands-down one of those comforting, easy-to-make dishes that always brings warmth and smiles to the table. It’s quick, delicious, and endlessly adaptable, making it a fantastic go-to whether for a cozy night in or a lively get-together. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how delightful homemade taquitos can be!
Print
Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful Mexican-American snack perfect for a quick appetizer or kid-friendly treat. Made with refried beans, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and seasoned with cumin, garlic, and chili powder, these taquitos are baked to golden perfection and served with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Ingredients
Taquito Filling
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Taquitos
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for brushing
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, ground cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder until fully combined and evenly seasoned.
- Warm Tortillas: Slightly warm the tortillas either in the microwave for about 20 seconds or on a skillet for a minute on each side to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the bean and cheese mixture onto the lower third of each warm tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place the rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to hold its shape while baking.
- Add Oil for Crispiness: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking oil. This step helps them crisp up nicely in the oven for that perfect golden finish.
- Bake: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy, turning once if desired for even browning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, or jalapeños for extra flavor and zest.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, you can air fry the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 9 minutes instead of baking.
- These taquitos can be assembled ahead of time and frozen unbaked. When ready to eat, bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are fully heated through.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
