Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
If you’re searching for a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing snack or quick weeknight meal, look no further than these Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos. Each bite delivers smoky chipotle heat, creamy black beans, melty cheese, and perfectly crisped tortillas. They’re oven-baked (not fried!), super customizable, and come together with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re whipping up an easy appetizer for friends or a fun family dinner, Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how such simple ingredients can bring so much flavor to the table. Each one is key to making these taquitos irresistibly crispy and boldly seasoned, so don’t skip anything if you can help it!
- Black Beans: The hearty base for your filling, providing creaminess and plant-based protein.
- Chipotle Pepper in Adobo: Adds that signature smokiness and a slow-building heat; mince it finely for even flavor.
- Adobo Sauce: Lends extra depth, a touch of tang, and more chipotle punch—don’t be shy!
- Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin ties all the spices together beautifully.
- Smoked Paprika: For a double dose of smokiness and a hint of sweet pepper flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts savoriness and rounds out the spice blend.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the best in all your ingredients.
- Salsa: Helps bind the filling and adds a burst of tangy, juicy freshness.
- Shredded Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese (optional): Melts into gooey perfection; go dairy-free or skip for a vegan version.
- Corn Tortillas: Classic, gluten-free, and get ultra crispy in the oven—make sure they’re fresh!
- Cooking Spray or Oil: A light spritz or brush on top transforms your taquitos from soft to shatteringly crisp.
How to Make Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos
Step 1: Prepare Your Filling
Start by draining and rinsing your black beans, then pour them into a medium bowl. Grab a fork and mash them until they’re mostly smooth, leaving just a few chunks for texture. Now, stir in the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, salsa, and cheese (if you’re using it). The mixture should look thick, creamy, and speckled with all those lovely spices.
Step 2: Warm Your Tortillas
Corn tortillas are prone to cracking if they’re not soft and warm. To prevent this, wrap your stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. This quick steam makes them pliable and easy to roll—absolutely key for perfect Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos!
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of your bean filling onto the lower third of each warm tortilla. Then, roll them up tightly and place each taquito seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The tighter you roll, the crispier and neater your taquitos will be.
Step 4: Oil and Bake
Lightly spray or brush the tops of your taquitos with oil. This step is essential for achieving that irresistible, golden-brown crunch. Slide the tray into a 425°F oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until your Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos are beautifully crisp and sizzling at the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the taquitos cool for just a minute or two (they’ll be piping hot!), then serve them up with your favorite toppings: guacamole, sour cream, or an extra splash of salsa. Dig in while they’re fresh and crispy!
How to Serve Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos
Garnishes
Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos absolutely shine with a sprinkle of fresh garnishes. Try topping them with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, thinly shredded lettuce, or a quick squeeze of lime. A dollop of guacamole or a swirl of sour cream adds cooling contrast to the smoky, spicy filling.
Side Dishes
Looking for the perfect plate mates? Pair your taquitos with Mexican rice, a simple black bean and corn salad, or classic refried beans. For something lighter, a crunchy cabbage slaw tossed with lime and cilantro is a fantastic match for the bold chipotle flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, arrange Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos upright in a mason jar or small glass for a fun, grab-and-go snack. For a dinner-style presentation, serve them layered over a bed of salad greens, drizzled with salsa verde, and sprinkled with cheese. They also make a playful addition to a taco bar or appetizer platter alongside mini quesadillas and fresh pico de gallo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover taquitos, let them cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll keep their flavor and reheat beautifully for lunch or a quick snack.
Freezing
These taquitos are freezer-friendly! Assemble and roll them up, then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag and stash in the freezer for up to two months. Bake straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re hot and crispy.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat taquitos in a 400°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes. You can also pop them in the air fryer for extra crunch. The microwave works in a pinch, but the tortillas will be softer.
FAQs
Can I make Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos gluten free?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas are naturally gluten free, making this recipe a great option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your tortillas and any store-bought salsa or cheese for hidden gluten ingredients.
Are these taquitos spicy?
The chipotle pepper and adobo sauce bring a gentle, smoky heat, but it isn’t overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, use just half a chipotle pepper or skip the adobo sauce. If you love extra fire, add another pepper or a pinch of cayenne!
How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Warming the tortillas in a damp paper towel before rolling is key. This makes them flexible and prevents cracks. If they cool down and start to stiffen while assembling, just warm them again in the microwave for another 10-15 seconds.
Can I use flour tortillas instead?
You can substitute small flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, chewier taquito. They’ll still get crisp in the oven, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different—delicious in their own way!
How can I make these vegan?
Just use your favorite dairy-free cheese or simply omit the cheese altogether. The filling is already totally plant-based, so you’ll still get all the great flavors of Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a tray of hot, golden Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos on the table. They’re fun to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes. Give them a try—you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation!
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Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these crispy chipotle black bean taquitos, a delicious baked Mexican-inspired appetizer or main course. Packed with smoky chipotle flavor, black beans, and optional cheese, they are easy to make, healthy, and perfect for a vegetarian or vegan diet when dairy-free cheese is used. Crisped to perfection in the oven or air fryer, these taquitos are great served with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (optional)
Tortillas & Cooking
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mash the Beans and Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, mash the drained and rinsed black beans with a fork until mostly smooth but still a bit textured. Stir in the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, salsa, and shredded cheese if using, until well combined.
- Warm the Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to soften them and make them pliable for rolling.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the bean mixture onto the lower third of each warmed tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them from unrolling.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the taquitos warm, accompanied by guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa for dipping.
Notes
- For a quicker cooking method, air fry the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy.
- To make this recipe vegan, omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- These taquitos freeze well before baking; bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
