Super Bowl Food Cheesy Vegetable Taquitos
Highlighted under: Special Inspiration
I absolutely love making a batch of these cheesy vegetable taquitos for the Super Bowl! They are the perfect game-day snack that everyone enjoys. The snug tortilla wrap is filled with a savory blend of cheese and fresh vegetables, creating a deliciously crispy treat. Not only are they satisfying to make, but they also give me a chance to try different vegetable combinations and spice levels. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making them an instant hit at any gathering.
When I first tried making taquitos, I was amazed at how simple and rewarding the process was. I experimented with several fillings, but the combination of melty cheese, bell peppers, and onions always won me over. I also discovered that lightly frying them gives the perfect crunch and enhances their flavor.
One crucial tip I learned along the way is to not overfill the tortillas. This ensures they roll tightly and don’t burst while cooking. Preparing a dipping sauce on the side, like guacamole or salsa, not only complements the taquitos but also adds a fresh twist they really need.
Why You Will Love These Taquitos
- Delicious blend of gooey cheese and vibrant veggies
- Crispy exterior with a warm, flavorful filling
- Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients
- A fun and interactive snack for gatherings
Perfectly Crispy Taquitos
Achieving a perfectly crispy taquito requires the right oil temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is hot enough, around 350°F (175°C) before frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the taquitos will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.
To ensure the filling stays snug inside the tortilla while frying, don't overfill them. About two tablespoons of filling per taquito is ideal. Wrap the tortillas tightly, and place the seam side down in the hot oil. This positioning helps keep them sealed during cooking and minimizes the chances of the filling spilling out.
Ingredient Choices and Tips
When it comes to the vegetable filling, feel free to get creative! While zucchini and bell peppers are great staples, you could also add mushrooms, spinach, or corn for a more colorful mix. Fresh herbs like cilantro can amp up the flavor. Just ensure that any vegetables you choose to use are cooked until soft, as this avoids excess moisture that can make the taquitos soggy.
The cheese is a crucial component too. Opting for a combination of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, creates a rich, gooey filling. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding pepper jack cheese to the mix. Remember, the cheese should be freshly shredded for the best meltability; pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can alter the melting ratio.
Ingredients
Taquito Filling
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup cooked and chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Wrapping and Frying
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Optional: salsa or guacamole for dipping
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, cooked vegetables, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Taquitos
Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet for about 10 seconds on each side to make them pliable. Lay a few tablespoons of the filling on one end of the tortillas and roll them tightly.
Fry the Taquitos
In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the taquitos seam side down. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Enjoy Your Snack!
Pro Tips
- Feel free to add additional spices such as cumin or chili powder for extra flavor in the filling. Consider baking them instead of frying for a healthier option: brush with oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until crispy.
Make-Ahead Tips
These taquitos make a fantastic make-ahead snack for game day. You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Once filled, if you want to save time on game day, you can also wrap the taquitos and freeze them before frying. Just place them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to cook your frozen taquitos, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just follow the frying instructions, slightly increasing the cooking time by a minute or two to ensure they're heated through. This method is not only convenient but also locks in freshness and flavor, making them the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your cheesy vegetable taquitos with a variety of dips elevates the experience. Salsa, guacamole, and sour cream are classic choices that provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, crispy taquitos. You can also enhance the flavor by offering a zesty lime crema or spicy chipotle sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
For an appealing presentation at your game day gathering, arrange the taquitos on a large platter, garnished with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. This not only looks beautiful but also invites guests to customize their dipping experience, enhancing the fun and interactive nature of this snack.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos ahead of time. Just keep them in the refrigerator and fry them right before serving.
→ What other vegetables can I use?
You can use any vegetables you enjoy! Spinach, mushrooms, or even sweet corn work great as alternatives.
→ How can I make them gluten-free?
Make sure to use gluten-free corn tortillas, and check your cheese brand for gluten-free certification.
→ Can these be frozen?
Absolutely! Assemble the taquitos, but instead of frying them, freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag and fry them straight from frozen when needed.
Super Bowl Food Cheesy Vegetable Taquitos
I absolutely love making a batch of these cheesy vegetable taquitos for the Super Bowl! They are the perfect game-day snack that everyone enjoys. The snug tortilla wrap is filled with a savory blend of cheese and fresh vegetables, creating a deliciously crispy treat. Not only are they satisfying to make, but they also give me a chance to try different vegetable combinations and spice levels. Each bite is bursting with flavor, making them an instant hit at any gathering.
Created by: Nell Abernathy
Recipe Type: Special Inspiration
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 taquitos
What You'll Need
Taquito Filling
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup cooked and chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Wrapping and Frying
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying
- Optional: salsa or guacamole for dipping
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese, cooked vegetables, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet for about 10 seconds on each side to make them pliable. Lay a few tablespoons of the filling on one end of the tortillas and roll them tightly.
In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the taquitos seam side down. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to add additional spices such as cumin or chili powder for extra flavor in the filling. Consider baking them instead of frying for a healthier option: brush with oil and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes until crispy.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 320mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g