Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos
If you’re searching for a deliciously satisfying snack that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, look no further! These Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos are the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a crispy tortilla. They’re not only easy to make but also packed with flavor, making them a go-to option for busy weeknights or game day gatherings. Plus, they’re baked, not fried, so you can enjoy a guilt-free treat that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into why these taquitos stand out and how you can whip them up in no time!
Why This Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos Stands Out
These taquitos are not just any ordinary snack. Here’s what makes them shine:
– **Creamy Filling**: The combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt creates a rich and velvety filling that’s both satisfying and lighter than traditional options.
– **Flavorful Ingredients**: Each bite is packed with spices that elevate the taste profile, thanks to chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin.
– **Quick and Easy**: With only a few simple steps, you can have a batch ready to go in under 30 minutes.
– **Versatile**: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a quick meal, these taquitos can be customized with your favorite toppings and dips.
What’s in the Bowl
To create these delicious Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 4 ounces less fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 8-10 small wheat flour tortillas
What’s in the Gear List
Before you get started, make sure you have the following gear on hand:
- Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet lined with parchment paper will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for mixing the filling ingredients thoroughly.
- Spoon: For filling the tortillas with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Sharp Knife: Use this for chopping green onions and cilantro finely.
Step-by-Step: Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos
Now, let’s get cooking with these easy steps to make your taquitos!
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salsa, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, Colby Jack cheese, green onion, and cilantro. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your taquitos will be crispy and golden when they come out.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Take a small wheat flour tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center. Roll it tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place the taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Bake the Taquitos
Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, there are a few substitutions you can make:
- Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional flour tortillas.
- Replace the Colby Jack cheese with a higher-fat cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a richer flavor.
- Omit the Greek yogurt for a creamier texture using full-fat cream cheese only.
- Consider adding more spices to enhance flavor without adding carbs.
What Could Go Wrong
While making these taquitos is straightforward, here are a few potential pitfalls to avoid:
- Overfilling: Too much filling can cause the taquitos to burst open while baking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per tortilla.
- Underbaking: Make sure the taquitos are golden brown for the best texture. If they look pale, give them a few more minutes.
- Sticking to the Pan: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking. If you don’t have any, make sure to grease the baking sheet well.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your taquitos fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips:
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but this may result in a softer texture.
Common Qs About Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute shredded beef, turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Just make sure the protein is cooked and shredded to mix well with the other ingredients.
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos in advance. Just cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply pop them in the oven.
Can I freeze the taquitos?
Yes, these taquitos freeze well. Assemble them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. To bake from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What dipping sauces pair well with these taquitos?
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a creamy avocado dip are all fantastic options to complement your taquitos. You can also try spicy ranch for a kick!
Try These Next
If you enjoyed making Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos, you might also like these delicious recipes:
The Last Word
Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos are a delightful snack that brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures to your table. Whether you’re enjoying them as an appetizer at a party or as a quick dinner option, these taquitos are sure to impress. With their creamy filling and crispy exterior, they’re a healthier twist on a classic favorite. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge! You won’t regret it.
Skinny Baked Cream Cheese Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, salsa, lime juice, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, Colby Jack cheese, green onion, and cilantro. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your taquitos will be crispy and golden when they come out.
- Take a small wheat flour tortilla and place about 2 tablespoons of the filling mixture in the center. Roll it tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place the taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with a little olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
Notes
- Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
- For a healthier option, use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps.
