The Best Cheesy Spinach Taquitos Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Crispy cheesy spinach taquitos elevate ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Packed with vibrant green vegetables and gooey cheese, these rolled delights offer a mouthwatering experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Transforming simple tortillas into golden-brown masterpieces requires minimal effort and maximum flavor potential.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that balances creamy interior textures with crisp exterior edges.

Their versatility makes them perfect for diverse dining occasions, from casual gatherings to quick family meals.

Nutritious and indulgent, these taquitos blend comfort food with wholesome ingredients in every delectable roll.

Why Cheesy Spinach Taquitos Are the Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed

• Craft Speedy Comfort: Whip up these taquitos in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for quick weeknight dinners or spontaneous snack cravings.
• Indulge Cheesy Goodness: Experience a delightful blend of melted cream cheese and sharp cheddar that creates a rich, creamy filling packed with incredible flavor.
• Transform Simple Ingredients: Convert basic pantry staples like frozen spinach and tortillas into a mouthwatering dish that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy, with minimal culinary skills required.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy the flexibility of baking or pan-frying, allowing you to choose your preferred method without compromising on taste or texture.

All the Ingredients Behind These Crispy, Cheesy Rolls

• Tortillas: Soft, pliable base for rolling the filling, best when fresh and at room temperature.
• Spinach: Nutrient-rich green vegetable that provides a healthy and flavorful core to the taquitos.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy binding ingredient that adds richness and helps hold the filling together.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides a bold, tangy flavor to the filling.

• Onion: Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy cheese and spinach.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the overall taste of the filling.
• Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and depth to the taquito mixture.

• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when brushed on the taquitos before baking.
• Cooking Oil: Provides a crisp texture when pan-frying the taquitos, if preferred over baking.

How to Roll and Bake Spinach Taquitos That Stay Crunchy

Step 1: Drain Spinach

Grab a clean kitchen towel and place frozen spinach in the center. Squeeze firmly over the sink to remove all excess moisture completely.

Step 2: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Cheddar cheese
• Diced onion
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir the mixture thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Warm Tortillas

Wrap 3 tortillas in damp paper towels. Microwave for 20 seconds or until they become flexible and easy to roll without breaking.

Step 4: Fill and Roll Taquitos

Spread about of the spinach mixture along one end of each tortilla. Roll tightly from the filled edge, making sure the seam is facing down when placed on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6: Add Butter Coating

Lightly brush melted butter over the surface of each rolled taquito using a pastry brush or spoon.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Place taquitos in the preheated oven. Bake for 14-18 minutes until they turn a light golden brown and look crispy.

Alternative Cooking Method: Pan-Frying

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook taquitos in batches, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Drain excess oil on paper towels before serving.

Taquito Tips for Golden Edges and Creamy Centers

• Squeeze Spinach Thoroughly: Remove every drop of moisture from frozen spinach to prevent soggy taquitos and ensure a crispy texture.
• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Microwave cream cheese just until soft to make blending with spinach mixture smooth and effortless.
• Roll Tortillas Carefully: Warm tortillas slightly to prevent cracking and make rolling easier without tearing the delicate wrap.
• Seal Taquitos Securely: Position seams facing downward on baking sheet to keep filling locked inside during baking or frying.
• Achieve Golden Crispiness: Brush melted butter on exterior and watch closely during cooking to get that perfect golden-brown color without burning.

How to Keep Your Taquitos Crisp When Reheating

• Storing and Reheating Leftovers
• Refrigerate cooled taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain crispness.
• Freezing Option: Lay taquitos flat on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for storage up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheating Method: Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated taquitos in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the tortillas soggy and lose their delightful crunch. For best results, place taquitos on a wire rack over a baking sheet to ensure even heating and maintain their crispy exterior.

What to Serve with These Savory Taquitos for a Full Spread

• Pair with Zesty Salsa Verde: Complement the cheesy spinach taquitos with a bright, tangy salsa verde that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh kick to each bite.
• Serve Alongside Cool Cilantro Lime Crema: Whip up a creamy dipping sauce with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to balance the warm, crispy taquitos and provide a cooling contrast.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Grab a light, refreshing Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to wash down the cheesy, crunchy taquitos and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Create a Side of Mexican Rice Salad: Prepare a light, zesty rice salad with diced tomatoes, corn, and a lime vinaigrette to add a fresh, vibrant accompaniment that complements the taquitos' richness.

Fillings and Sauces to Change Up Your Taquito Routine

• Spicy Spinach Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling for a zesty, heat-packed version that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power: Incorporate cooked and shredded chicken or crumbled ground turkey into the spinach mixture to boost protein content and create a heartier taquito.
• Vegan Green Dream: Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream, use plant-based cheese, and ensure tortillas are vegan-friendly for a completely plant-based option.

Cheesy Spinach Taquitos Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired cheesy spinach taquitos deliver crispy magic with minimal effort. Creamy spinach and melted cheese wrapped in golden tortillas create a quick, irresistible appetizer you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 8 ounces frozen spinach (thawed)
• 11–12 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)

Aromatic Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup chopped red onion

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

1. Squeeze thawed frozen spinach in a clean kitchen towel over the sink, removing all excess moisture completely.
2. In a medium bowl, microwave cream cheese for 20 seconds until soft, then mash and blend thoroughly with the drained spinach.
3. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced onion, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
5. Soften tortillas by wrapping them in slightly damp paper towels and microwaving for 20 seconds, making them flexible and easy to roll.
6. Spread approximately of spinach mixture along one edge of each tortilla, creating a linear filling, then roll tightly from that edge, ensuring the seam faces downward when placed on the baking sheet.
7. Continue filling and rolling until all mixture is used, then gently brush melted unsalted butter across the surface of each taquito using a pastry brush.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 14-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through, until taquitos turn golden brown and crispy.
9. For an alternative cooking method, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, fry taquitos in batches, turning occasionally to ensure even browning, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Notes

• Storing these crispy taquitos in an airtight container keeps them fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat frozen or refrigerated taquitos by baking at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain their crunchy texture.
• Customize the filling by swapping spinach with other vegetables like kale, Swiss chard, or roasted bell peppers for variety.
• Dip these cheesy delights in salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to elevate their flavor profile and add extra excitement.
• Make a large batch and freeze uncooked taquitos between parchment paper layers for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 479mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 54mg