Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a tried-and-true comfort food that pack big flavor into every crispy, golden bite. Picture melty cheese and seasoned refried beans, lovingly rolled up in corn tortillas and fried or baked until irresistibly crunchy. Each taquito is perfect for dipping, stacking, or savoring on its own, and serves up a little fiesta for your tastebuds. Best of all, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight and totally customizable for your favorite dips or add-ons—trust me, your friends and family will reach for seconds (or thirds) every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of staple ingredients to create the magic of Bean & Cheese Taquitos, but each one is essential for achieving perfect flavor and texture. The combination of creamy beans, rich cheese, fragrant spices, and crisp tortillas guarantee snack perfection time after time.
- Refried beans: The base of every great taquito; smooth, hearty, and wonderfully satisfying.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings bold, tangy flavor and that signature melty goodness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Milder but super creamy, this cheese creates a luscious cheese pull in every bite.
- Garlic powder: A little bit goes a long way for savory depth in the filling.
- Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin adds classic Mexican flavor notes.
- Chili powder: Adds just a hint of warmth and color—perfect for everyday eaters.
- Corn tortillas: Corn tortillas crisp up beautifully and hold the filling together, creating that signature taquito crunch.
- Vegetable oil: Used for either frying or brushing before baking to get those crispy, golden edges.
- Salt: Just enough to bring everything together and make the flavors pop.
How to Make Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Step 1: Mix the Filling
Begin by combining the refried beans with both cheeses, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until it’s fully mixed and you’ve got a thick, cheesy, savory filling. It should be easy to scoop and spread—don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning if you like a little more spice or salt!
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Gently warming your corn tortillas is the secret to taquitos that roll without tearing. You can layer them between damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or give them a quick toss in a dry skillet until they’re soft and flexible. This is a simple step, but trust me—it saves major frustration!
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your delicious bean and cheese mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla. Then, tightly roll each tortilla up around the filling, keeping the seam side down. If your tortillas are a little bouncy or loose, use a toothpick to hold them in place. Rolling snugly ensures the filling stays inside while cooking and creates a beautiful taquito shape.
Step 4: Bake or Fry
You’ve got two crave-worthy options for cooking Bean & Cheese Taquitos. For baked taquitos, preheat your oven to 425°F, brush each rolled taquito lightly with vegetable oil, arrange them seam-side down on a baking sheet, and bake for 15–20 minutes until crisp and golden brown. For fried taquitos, heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then fry the taquitos seam-side down in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with salt—you won’t believe how irresistible they smell!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the toothpicks (if used), and get ready to enjoy Bean & Cheese Taquitos hot and fresh. Whether you’re dipping, stacking, or serving with your favorite toppings, don’t forget to pile on the flavor and have fun with it!
How to Serve Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Garnishes
Give your Bean & Cheese Taquitos a little extra love with an array of tasty garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, freshly diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime instantly brightens the plate. Don’t forget a spoonful of creamy guacamole, dollop of sour cream, or your favorite salsa for that perfect finishing touch!
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with simple and vibrant sides for a complete meal. Classic Mexican rice, tangy black bean salad, or even a colorful corn and avocado salad make wonderful companions for Bean & Cheese Taquitos. For something lighter, a crisp green salad adds freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your platter of Bean & Cheese Taquitos into a party centerpiece by arranging them in a spiral or circular pattern around a bowl of dip. Stack them in a pyramid for visual drama, or cut them in half at an angle and stand them upright for a modern spin. You can even skewer mini taquitos for bite-sized party snacks—imagination is your only limit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Bean & Cheese Taquitos (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Freezing
Bean & Cheese Taquitos freeze beautifully, making them a smart choice for meal prep. Lay cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready to reheat straight from the freezer whenever a craving strikes!
Reheating
For best results, reheat taquitos in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes, or until hot and crisp. You can also use an air fryer for an extra-crispy finish. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, though the tortillas may soften a bit rather than stay crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work, but they produce a softer, less crispy taquito. If you like a tender bite, flour is a great swap, but for the classic crunch and authentic flavor, corn tortillas are the way to go.
How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Warming the tortillas first is key—they become much more flexible and less likely to break when you roll them! Microwave or skillet warming works wonders, or try wrapping them in a damp towel to steam slightly before filling.
Are Bean & Cheese Taquitos spicy?
They’re mildly seasoned, so they’re perfect for most palates. If you or your crew loves extra heat, feel free to add more chili powder, chopped jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce to the filling for a fiery kick.
Can I make these vegan?
Definitely! Just swap in your favorite dairy-free cheeses and ensure your refried beans are vegan-friendly. With so many plant-based cheeses available now, you can still enjoy the gooey, melty experience of Bean & Cheese Taquitos.
How can I prevent the taquitos from unrolling while they cook?
Rolling them tightly and placing the seam side down always helps. If you’re baking or frying larger batches, securing each with a toothpick is a foolproof method. Just remember to remove all toothpicks before serving!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a homemade Bean & Cheese Taquito—crunchy, gooey, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re throwing a party, feeding the family, or treating yourself to a cozy snack, these taquitos are bound to become a new favorite. Give them a try, get creative with the toppings, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious Bean & Cheese Taquitos at home with this easy recipe. These crispy, savory taquitos are filled with refried beans and a cheesy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Ingredients
For the Taquitos:
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying or brushing)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, mix refried beans, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder.
- Fill and Roll: Warm tortillas, place 2 tablespoons of filling on each, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Bake or Fry: Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes or fry in oil until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can use flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Add jalapeños or green chilies for heat.
- Pair with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
