Super Bowl Food Cheesy Vegetable Taquitos
Highlighted under: Holiday Festive Food Inspiration
As a fan of both comfort food and healthier choices, I love making these cheesy vegetable taquitos for game day. The crispy tortillas filled with a melty, savory mixture of veggies and cheese are always a hit at gatherings. Plus, they're easy to prepare, and I can customize the filling based on what I have on hand. I find that using a mix of fresh and sautéed vegetables, along with a blend of cheeses, creates a delightful combination that's perfect for sharing and dipping during the Super Bowl festivities.
Creating these taquitos allowed me to experiment with various vegetable combinations that work well with melted cheese. I usually go for spinach, bell peppers, and onions, as they not only provide rich flavors but also add a splash of color. Baking the taquitos instead of frying them keeps things lighter, without sacrificing that much-loved crispy texture.
One detail I absolutely recommend is brushing the taquitos with a little bit of olive oil before baking. This step enhances the crispiness and gives them a bronzed finish that makes them irresistible. They come out beautifully golden and crunchy, and I can’t get enough of the gooey cheese inside!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables
- A hit for parties and family gatherings
Choosing the Right Tortillas
For the best results in your taquitos, opt for small corn tortillas. These tortillas provide the perfect crispy texture on the outside while remaining pliable enough not to crack when rolled. If you can't find corn tortillas, flour tortillas can serve as a substitute, but keep in mind they won't provide the same authentic flavor. If using flour, lightly microwave them for about 10-15 seconds before assembling to ensure they roll easily.
A common hurdle when preparing taquitos is the tortillas breaking during assembly. To prevent this, warm the tortillas before filling—either in a dry skillet for 15-30 seconds or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them briefly. Warming helps to soften the tortillas, making them more flexible and easier to roll without splitting.
Vegetable Medley and Cheese Choice
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While I suggest a combination of spinach, bell peppers, and onion, feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking. If you're using vegetables with higher water content, like zucchini, be sure to sauté them longer to remove moisture; this helps prevent soggy taquitos.
Regarding cheese, using a blend of shredded cheeses elevates the dish. A standard cheddar adds sharpness, while a Mexican blend offers creaminess. For a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese shreds, but keep in mind they might require a slightly longer bake time to achieve that desired gooey texture. Ensure the cheese is distributed evenly within each taquito for a balanced flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Taquitos
On each tortilla, place a spoonful of the vegetable filling and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Bake
Brush the tops of the taquitos with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa or guacamole.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the filling. You can also try using flour tortillas for a different texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover taquitos, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Lay the taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer for one hour to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag; this prevents them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
To reheat refrigerated taquitos, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This method ensures they regain their crispiness. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the tortilla chewy and soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy vegetable taquitos pair beautifully with fresh toppings. Consider serving them with sides like homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, or a tangy cilantro-lime crema. For a fun twist, sprinkle fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top just before serving. Not only do these toppings add flavor, but they also provide a bright, colorful presentation that’s perfect for game day.
For a crunchier texture, consider adding a crumb coating before baking. You can crush tortilla chips or panko bread crumbs, mix them with a splash of olive oil, and press them onto the taquitos before baking. This addition gives your taquitos an extra layer of crunch that’s irresistible.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I freeze the taquitos?
Yes! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for easy storage.
→ What can I substitute for the cheese?
For a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based cheese, or simply omit it and focus on flavorful vegetables.
→ How should I reheat leftover taquitos?
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
→ Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos a few hours in advance before baking them.
Super Bowl Food Cheesy Vegetable Taquitos
As a fan of both comfort food and healthier choices, I love making these cheesy vegetable taquitos for game day. The crispy tortillas filled with a melty, savory mixture of veggies and cheese are always a hit at gatherings. Plus, they're easy to prepare, and I can customize the filling based on what I have on hand. I find that using a mix of fresh and sautéed vegetables, along with a blend of cheeses, creates a delightful combination that's perfect for sharing and dipping during the Super Bowl festivities.
Created by: Nicola Fairchild
Recipe Type: Holiday Festive Food Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
On each tortilla, place a spoonful of the vegetable filling and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the taquitos with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa or guacamole.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the filling. You can also try using flour tortillas for a different texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g