If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with smoky, spicy flavor and a satisfying crunch, you’ve got to try this Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe. These golden rolls pack a delicious punch with creamy black beans, zesty chipotle peppers, and melty cheese, all wrapped snugly in crispy baked tortillas. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just need a comforting vegetarian treat, these taquitos bring warmth, texture, and a touch of smoky heat that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy black beans providing protein and heartiness to the chipotle pepper adding that signature smoky heat. The cheese melts into a rich binder, while spices like cumin and garlic powder elevate every bite. And of course, the tortillas hold it all together with that perfect crunch once baked.
- Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): The creamy base packed with fiber and protein to keep you satisfied.
- Chipotle pepper in adobo (1, minced): Adds smoky, spicy depth that’s totally addictive.
- Adobo sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances the chipotle’s flavor with a tangy kick.
- Cumin (½ teaspoon): Gives a warm, earthy undertone that complements the peppers beautifully.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Boosts savory richness without overpowering.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- Shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese (½ cup): Melts perfectly for cheesy goodness with a little spice if using pepper jack.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling with a fresh, tangy contrast.
- Small corn tortillas (8): The crispy shell that’s light and perfect for rolling.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brushed on top for that tempting golden crunch when baked.
How to Make Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by mashing the black beans in a bowl until you get a mostly smooth texture with a bit of chunkiness to keep things interesting. Then, mix in the finely minced chipotle pepper alongside its smoky adobo sauce, followed by cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and shredded cheese. This filling is where the flavor party really begins — creamy, smoky, and with a subtle zip that makes every bite exciting.
Step 2: Soften the Tortillas
Before rolling, warm the corn tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20–30 seconds. This simple step makes the tortillas pliable and much easier to roll tightly without cracking or breaking, which is key for those crisp taquitos.
Step 3: Roll the Taquitos
Spoon roughly 2 tablespoons of the black bean filling along one edge of each tortilla. Then roll them up snugly, making sure to tuck in the filling tightly so nothing spills out during baking. Place each taquito seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet — this helps hold their shape and ensures maximum crispiness on top.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Lightly brush each rolled taquito with olive oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides are evenly golden and crunchy. The aroma as they bake will have your kitchen smelling incredible and your mouth watering in anticipation.
How to Serve Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t overlook the simple garnishes that can elevate these taquitos by leaps and bounds. A dollop of cool sour cream or creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the smoky heat inside. Fresh salsa adds a bright, juicy punch, while a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime wedge bring fresh herbaceous and citrus notes that really awaken your taste buds.
Side Dishes
These taquitos shine on their own but also play beautifully with sides like Mexican street corn, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or a simple avocado salad. Beans and rice make for a hearty complement, rounding out the meal with additional textures and flavors without stealing the spotlight from your star appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe in a colorful platter with small bowls of different dips so everyone can customize their bites. You can also stack them vertically in a tall glass or mason jar for party finger food vibes. For a festive touch, scatter extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges around the plate for guests to grab as they please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover taquitos (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them sealed well helps maintain their crispness and preserves the vibrant flavors of the chipotle and spices.
Freezing
Want to make these taquitos ahead of time? Roll and assemble them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake them straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To revive that signature crisp, gently reheat taquitos in a preheated oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This method ensures the tortillas stay crunchy and the filling warms evenly without becoming soggy or dried out.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas can be used if you prefer a softer, less crunchy shell. Just remember to warm them properly to avoid tearing during rolling. Baking times remain similar, though you might get a slightly different texture.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The chipotle pepper brings a smoky heat that’s moderate but can be adjusted to your taste by adding more or less adobo sauce or chipotle peppers. If you want to tone it down, start with half a pepper and taste as you go.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply skip the cheese or substitute with your favorite vegan cheese to keep the filling creamy and melty. The other flavors hold strong to keep the taquitos delicious without dairy.
What dips go best with these taquitos?
Sour cream, guacamole, and fresh tomato salsa are classic pairings. For extra zest, try a cilantro lime crema or a smoky chipotle mayo to enhance the flavors even further.
Is it possible to air fry these taquitos?
Definitely! Air frying at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes works wonderfully and delivers that crisp exterior without using much oil. Just be sure to flip halfway for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe — it’s cozy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these taquitos are sure to become a new favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a snack that’s bursting with warmth, crunch, and a perfect smoky kick.
Print
Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos (serves 2–4)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Chipotle Black Bean Taquitos are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian Mexican-inspired appetizer. Made with a smoky chipotle pepper and black bean filling, wrapped in corn tortillas and baked until crispy, they offer a perfect balance of spice, texture, and cheesy richness. Served with classic toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, these taquitos are easy to prepare and ideal for sharing at any gathering.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Taquitos
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
For Serving (Optional)
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mash the black beans with a fork or potato masher until mostly smooth but retaining some texture for bite. Stir in the minced chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and shredded cheese until thoroughly combined.
- Warm Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds to soften and make them pliable for rolling.
- Roll Taquitos: Place about 2 tablespoons of the black bean filling along one edge of each warm tortilla. Roll tightly to enclose the filling, and place each taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them sealed during baking.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the taquitos on top with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping the taquitos halfway through to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
- Serve: Remove from the oven once golden and crisp. Serve warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the taquitos with cooking oil before baking.
- Taquitos can be air-fried at 400°F (204°C) for 8–10 minutes as an alternative cooking method.
- Flour tortillas can be substituted for corn tortillas based on personal preference.
