Get ready to fall head-over-heels for these Bean & Cheese Taquitos! This classic Mexican-inspired favorite wraps seasoned refried beans and gooey cheese in a tender corn tortilla, all baked to golden crisp perfection. It’s the kind of craveable, crowd-pleasing snack you make once and instantly know you’ll make again—whether it’s for a game night, an easy weeknight dinner, or a late-night treat. From the melty center to the shatteringly crisp shell, Bean & Cheese Taquitos are pure comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Bean & Cheese Taquitos comes from a handful of humble ingredients working together to create big flavors and crunch. Each one plays its own part, bringing tasty, melty, and crispy vibes you can’t skip! Here’s how the lineup breaks down:
- 10 small corn tortillas: The heart of any taquito, corn tortillas become tender and golden when baked, keeping everything snuggly wrapped inside.
- 1 1/2 cups refried beans (canned or homemade): These give your filling a rich, creamy texture and a comforting depth—feel free to go vegetarian or classic!
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese: For that signature melty, cheesy pull; Mexican blend melts beautifully, while cheddar adds big flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Cumin brings a warm, earthy undertone and a hint of smokiness to your beans.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder lifts the flavor and makes everything extra savory.
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder: This gives a touch of gentle heat and a pop of color—use more if you love it spicy!
- Salt to taste: Just a pinch to round out all the flavors in your filling.
- Vegetable oil for brushing or spraying: Helps the taquitos bake up super crisp and golden without deep frying.
How to Make Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by cranking your oven up to 425°F (220°C). You want it nice and hot so your Bean & Cheese Taquitos get that irresistible, crispy finish without frying. Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper helps keep them from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Corn tortillas can be a little stiff when cold, so bundle them in a damp paper towel and pop them in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. You want them soft and pliable—this way, they’ll roll without cracking and seal up tight around your cheesy bean filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
Grab a mixing bowl and spoon in your refried beans. Stir in the cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt so your filling has tons of flavor in every bite. If you’re feeling spicy, this is the moment to add some finely chopped jalapeños or green chiles too!
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of your jazzed-up bean filling down the center of each tortilla, then toss a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese over the beans. Gently but firmly roll up each tortilla, tucking the filling inside, and place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Brush with Oil and Bake
Now, it’s time for that golden finish. Lightly brush or spray the tops of your Bean & Cheese Taquitos with vegetable oil. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re crisp and golden brown. If you want even more crunch, you can use an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Pull your taquitos out of the oven and let them cool for just a minute (the cheese will be molten!). Serve warm with your favorite dips—think salsa, creamy guacamole, or a dollop of cool sour cream. They’re best eaten right away, so dig in!
How to Serve Bean & Cheese Taquitos
Garnishes
The little details make all the difference! Shower your Bean & Cheese Taquitos with freshly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a squeeze of lime for a pop of color and zing. If you’re feeling extra, a crumble of cotija cheese or a few pickled jalapeños add both flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
Round out your plate with fresh accompaniments. A bright tomato salsa, creamy guacamole, or cool sour cream are classics that pair beautifully. For a more filling meal, serve alongside Mexican rice, black beans, or even a zippy corn salad. Each brings something special to the table and lets the taquitos shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
Taquitos are endlessly fun to serve! Stack them in a pyramid for a party platter, or stand them upright in a tall glass or mason jar for an appetizer spread with personality. For game days, set up a DIY taquito bar with little bowls of dips and toppings so everyone can build their perfect bite. Presentation transforms the experience into a true fiesta!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Bean & Cheese Taquitos, tuck them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days and make an easy, ready-to-heat snack or quick lunch whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Bean & Cheese Taquitos are freezer-friendly wonders! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and go straight from freezer to oven or air fryer for a fuss-free meal.
Reheating
For best results, reheat taquitos in a hot oven or air fryer to revive their crispy exterior. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can make them a bit chewy. A quick blast at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes will bring back all that golden, crunchy glory.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas are traditional for Bean & Cheese Taquitos and provide that classic flavor and texture, flour tortillas work if that’s what you have—just know they might be softer and not quite as crunchy.
What refried beans should I use?
You can use your favorite canned refried beans (vegetarian or regular), or make your own from scratch for an even richer flavor. Both black and pinto beans work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?
The secret is warming the tortillas before filling and rolling. Keeping them wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave will make them flexible and easy to handle—no more splitting!
Can I add other fillings?
Of course! Get creative by stirring in sautéed onions, bell peppers, shredded chicken, or even corn. Just make sure not to overfill so you can still roll them up tightly.
What’s the best way to make them extra crispy?
For extra crispy Bean & Cheese Taquitos, an air fryer is your friend, or use a little more oil and bake directly on a wire rack in your oven. Both ways boost crunch without deep frying!
Final Thoughts
Once you try these warm, melty, and perfectly crisp Bean & Cheese Taquitos, there’s no turning back—they’re classic comfort wrapped in a golden bite. Whether you’re new to taquitos or a seasoned fan, this recipe always hits the spot. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and get rolling—your new favorite snack awaits!
Print
Bean & Cheese Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Bean & Cheese Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired appetizer perfect for any occasion. Crispy on the outside and filled with savory beans and gooey cheese, they are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups refried beans (canned or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for brushing or spraying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30–45 seconds to make them pliable.
- Prepare bean mixture: In a bowl, mix the refried beans with cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Fill tortillas: Spread 2–3 tablespoons of the bean mixture across the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Roll taquitos: Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with oil: Lightly brush or spray the tops with vegetable oil.
- Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
- You can also pan-fry them in a little oil.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños or green chiles for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
