If you’re craving a snack that delivers a perfect combo of smoky heat, creamy texture, and unbeatable crunch, look no further than this Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe. These golden-baked delights burst with flavors from chipotle peppers and cumin, balanced with the comforting creaminess of melted cheese and black beans. Crisped to perfection and baked rather than fried, they offer a healthier twist on a traditional favorite without skimping on joy or flavor. Whether you want a quick appetizer to impress friends or a satisfying vegetarian meal, these taquitos bring the fiesta right to your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From smoky chipotle peppers to fresh lime juice, every element plays an essential role in making these taquitos truly irresistible.
- Black beans (1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed): The hearty base that gives these taquitos their creamy, protein-packed filling.
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully to add gooey richness and slight tang.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds smoky heat that wakes up your taste buds—use less to keep it mild.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Offers a sharp bite and a subtle crunch for an extra layer of texture.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Infuses the filling with deep, savory warmth.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a warm earthiness that complements the smoky chipotle perfectly.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the smoky profile for that authentic Mexican flavor punch.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances and highlights all the other beautiful flavors.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, refreshing lift that keeps the filling from feeling too heavy.
- Corn tortillas (8 small): The crispy vessels that hold your delicious filling; warming them up makes rolling much easier.
- Olive oil spray or olive oil (2 tablespoons): For brushing the taquitos to achieve that irresistible golden crisp.
- Chopped cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream or salsa (for serving): Fresh, creamy, and tangy toppings that bring your taquitos to life when served.
How to Make Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mashing the black beans in a bowl until mostly smooth; this creates a creamy yet textured base. Then, stir in the shredded cheese, finely chopped chipotle peppers, red onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and lime juice. Combining these ingredients well ensures every bite is bursting with layers of smoky, tangy, and savory goodness.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. This simple trick makes the tortillas pliable and much easier to roll without cracking, which is key to forming perfect taquitos.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Place roughly 2 tablespoons of the filling on one edge of each warmed tortilla, then roll tightly to enclose the filling. Laying the rolled taquitos seam-side down onto a baking sheet helps keep them sealed during baking and preserves their lovely cylindrical shape.
Step 4: Crisp and Bake
Brush or lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil to encourage crispness. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crunchy. For even browning, flip the taquitos halfway through cooking if you like an all-around crispy texture.
How to Serve Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes help reinvigorate the rich, smoky flavors of the taquitos. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds herbaceous brightness, creamy avocado slices soften the heat with cool richness, and dollops of sour cream or your favorite salsa introduce tangy, zesty contrasts that make every bite sing.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with a crisp Mexican-style salad, such as a simple cabbage slaw with lime dressing, or a bowl of seasoned black beans and rice to round out the meal. Even a small bowl of guacamole or pico de gallo can elevate your taquito feast to the next level.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to jazz things up for a party? Serve the Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe standing upright in a large glass or vase to show off their golden crispy charm. Alternatively, slice into bite-size pieces and arrange them on a colorful platter with various dips and fresh lime wedges for a fun, shareable appetizer experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for easy grab-and-go snacks or quick meals later in the week without any loss in flavor or texture.
Freezing
Taquitos freeze beautifully! Roll the taquitos as directed but freeze them on a baking sheet individually before transferring them to freezer bags. That way, you can bake them straight from frozen in a hot oven, adding a few extra minutes to crisp them up. It’s a lifesaver for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This method helps restore their crisp exterior without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I make these taquitos vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely, and your Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe will be both vegan and delicious.
What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
You can use chipotle powder or smoked paprika as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor and heat level might be slightly different. Adjust quantities to taste to maintain that smoky kick.
Is it necessary to bake the taquitos seam-side down?
Placing them seam-side down helps keep the rolls from unrolling during cooking, ensuring that your taquitos stay perfectly formed and crisp on all sides.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
You can, but baking is a healthier method that still achieves a crispy texture. If you prefer frying, just be cautious to avoid overcrowding the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels to keep them light.
What dipping sauces go well with this recipe?
Sour cream, fresh salsa, guacamole, or a cool cilantro-lime crema all pair wonderfully with the smoky, spicy notes of the taquitos. Experiment to find your favorite combo!
Final Thoughts
If you’re excited to add a deliciously crispy, smoky, and satisfying treat to your recipe rotation, this Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family any day of the week. Once you roll your first batch, it’s hard to stop at just a few, so get ready to enjoy these crispy pockets of happiness again and again!
Print
Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 taquitos each)
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously crispy and flavorful chipotle black bean taquitos baked to perfection. These vegetarian Mexican-inspired appetizers are filled with spiced black beans, cheese, and smoky chipotle peppers, then baked until golden and crunchy. Perfect as a main course or party snack, they’re easy to make and serve with avocado, cilantro, and your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (use less for milder heat)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Assembly
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
Serving
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or salsa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, mash the drained black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth. Stir in the shredded cheese, finely chopped chipotle peppers, red onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and lime juice until everything is well combined for a flavorful filling.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds. This softens them, making them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the bean filling onto one edge of each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed during baking.
- Oil the Taquitos: Lightly brush or spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil to help them crisp up and achieve a beautiful golden color in the oven.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake the taquitos for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and crispy. For even crispness, you can flip them halfway through the baking time if desired.
- Serve: Remove the taquitos from the oven and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and your choice of sour cream or salsa for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- To make these taquitos vegan, use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
- For an air fryer alternative: Cook the taquitos at 400°F for 8–10 minutes until crisp.
- Freeze any extra taquitos before baking for a quick meal later—bake straight from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Warming tortillas before rolling is key to avoiding cracks and tears.
