Crispy Spinach Taquitos Recipe

Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Spinach Taquitos Recipe for All Ages

Crispy, golden taquitos stuffed with creamy cheesy spinach taquitos recipe burst with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.

These delightful rolls pack a punch of cheesy goodness and vibrant green spinach in every single bite.

Melted cheese and tender spinach create a mouthwatering combination that turns an ordinary snack into something spectacular.

Perfect for game day, movie nights, or when you want a quick and satisfying treat, these taquitos deliver serious flavor.

Rolled tightly and baked to crunchy perfection, they’re a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

Serve them with your favorite salsa or sour cream for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible appetizer that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 43 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 7

Spinach and Cheese? Yes Please! Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Taquitos

For Filling Base:
  • Frozen Spinach: Provides green nutrition and moisture, choose organic for best flavor, squeeze out excess water completely before mixing.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients, select full-fat version for smooth texture.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold cheesy punch, opt for freshly grated for maximum melting potential.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Red Onion: Introduces sharp, zesty undertone, finely chop for even distribution.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies overall taste, use kosher salt for cleaner seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides more vibrant flavor.
For Wrapping and Finishing:
  • Corn Tortillas: Traditional choice with authentic texture, warm slightly to prevent cracking.
  • Flour Tortillas: Softer alternative with more flexibility, choose fresh and pliable.
  • Melted Butter: Creates golden, crispy exterior, brush evenly for consistent browning.

The Only Tools You Need for Taquito

  • Kitchen towel: For squeezing excess moisture from spinach.
  • Medium-sized bowl: To mix spinach and cheese filling.
  • Fork: For blending cream cheese into spinach.
  • Baking sheet: To arrange and bake taquitos.
  • Parchment paper: For easy cleanup and preventing sticking.
  • Microwave: To soften cream cheese and warm tortillas.
  • Pastry brush or spoon: To spread melted butter on taquitos.
  • Frying pan: Alternative cooking method for crispy taquitos.
  • Paper towels: To drain excess oil when pan-frying.

How to Roll and Bake Cheesy Spinach Taquitos

  • Spinach Prep

Grab a kitchen towel and squeeze those frozen spinach leaves dry over the sink. Get rid of every last drop of moisture.

  • Creamy Mixture

Soften cream cheese in the microwave and mix it into the spinach. Toss in some cheddar, chopped onions, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until everything looks wonderfully combined.

  • Tortilla Setup

Warm up your tortillas in the microwave, wrapped in damp paper towels. This makes them super flexible and ready to roll.

  • Rolling Magic

Spread a generous scoop of the cheesy spinach mixture along one edge of each tortilla. Roll them up tight, making sure the seam stays tucked underneath.

  • Crispy Transformation

Brush the rolled taquitos with melted butter and slide them into a 400-degree oven. Bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and look irresistibly crispy – about 15 minutes.

  • Serving Options

Choose your adventure: Bake them for a lighter touch or pan-fry for extra crunch. If frying, cook in hot oil until each side is beautifully bronzed and drain on paper towels.

Flavor Hacks for Better Spinach Taquitos

  • Choose fresh or frozen spinach – both work wonderfully! Frozen spinach saves time and provides consistent moisture levels for perfect taquito filling.
  • Mix different cheese varieties like monterey jack, pepper jack, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the basic recipe.
  • Corn tortillas offer authentic crunch while flour tortillas provide softer texture. Warm tortillas gently to prevent cracking during rolling for seamless preparation.
  • Serve taquitos with quick homemade sauces like tangy salsa verde, creamy avocado ranch, or zesty chipotle mayo to complement the cheesy spinach filling.
  • Assemble taquitos ahead of time and freeze uncooked. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen state, adding 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time for perfectly crispy results.

How to Serve Taquitos for Any Occasion

  • Fiesta Fresh Dips: Pair these cheesy spinach taquitos with zesty salsa, cool sour cream, or creamy guacamole for an explosion of complementary flavors that enhance each crispy bite.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange taquitos on a large serving board surrounded by colorful garnishes like chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños to create an eye-catching presentation that's perfect for gatherings.
  • Protein Power Combo: Transform these taquitos into a complete meal by serving alongside black beans, Mexican rice, or a light mixed green salad to add nutritional balance and make the dish more substantial for hungry guests.
  • Dipping Delight Variety: Create a fun multi-dip experience by offering several sauce options like chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or a tangy green sauce to let everyone customize their taquito-eating adventure with different flavor profiles.

Store Spinach Taquitos Without Sacrificing Crisp

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Freezer Stash Strategy: Prepare a batch of uncooked taquitos and freeze them flat on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to freezer bags for quick future meals. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheating Magic: Bring cold taquitos back to crispy life by using an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Oven method works great too – spread on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crunchy.
  • Meal Prep Genius: Create a double batch during weekend cooking. Pack individual portions in lunch containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the work week. These protein-packed rolls work wonderfully as quick lunches or after-school snacks.
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Crispy Spinach Taquitos Recipe

Crispy Spinach Taquitos Recipe


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4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

These crispy cheesy spinach taquitos deliver Mexican-inspired comfort with golden tortillas packed with creamy cheese and wilted spinach. Crisp exterior and melted interior promise a delightful snack you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz frozen spinach (thawed)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • ⅓ cup chopped red onion
  • 1112 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Filling: Thoroughly drain thawed spinach using a kitchen towel, then blend with softened cream cheese until smooth and uniform.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Incorporate shredded cheddar, diced onion, kosher salt, and ground black pepper into the spinach mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  3. Warm Tortillas: Wrap tortillas in slightly damp paper towels and microwave briefly to enhance flexibility, making them easier to manipulate.
  4. Assemble Taquitos: Spread spinach mixture along one edge of each tortilla, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Finish and Bake: Brush melted unsalted butter over rolled taquitos, then bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 14-18 minutes, rotating midway to achieve golden, crispy exteriors.
  6. Alternative Cooking Method: For a pan-fried version, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, fry taquitos in batches until evenly browned, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Notes

  • Moisture Matters: Thoroughly drain spinach to prevent soggy taquitos and ensure a crispy texture.
  • Cheese Softening Trick: Microwave cream cheese briefly to create a smooth, easy-to-blend consistency.
  • Tortilla Flexibility Hack: Wrap tortillas in damp paper towels to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
  • Sealing Technique: Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent unrolling during cooking.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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