It sounds like you're looking to recreate the deliciousness of Whataburger taquitos right in your own kitchen! While Whataburger doesn't officially have "taquitos" on their menu in the traditional sense (they offer Taquito with Cheese as a breakfast item, which is more like a breakfast burrito with a tortilla wrapped around eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat), we can certainly make something inspired by that concept, focusing on crispy, flavorful rolled tacos.
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will bring the taste of Texas (and its breakfast magic) to your home? Let's dive in!
Recreating the Whataburger Taquito Experience at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
The key to a great homemade taquito, inspired by Whataburger's breakfast offerings, lies in the perfect balance of a flavorful filling and a crispy, golden tortilla. We're going to focus on a hearty breakfast-style taquito, perfect for any time of day!
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| How To Make Whataburger Taquitos |
Step 1: Let's Get Our Ingredients Ready!
Before we even think about cooking, let's make sure our kitchen is stocked. This is where the magic begins! Imagine biting into that warm, cheesy, meaty goodness – it all starts with the right components.
What kind of protein are you craving today? Will it be savory sausage, perfectly seasoned bacon, or perhaps some tender diced potatoes for a vegetarian option? Choose your adventure!
Here's a comprehensive list of what you'll need:
For the Filling (Choose your adventure!):
Option A: Sausage: 1 lb breakfast sausage (like Jimmy Dean or similar, crumbled)
Option B: Bacon: 8-10 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Option C: Potato & Cheese (Vegetarian Friendly): 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced small; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like Colby Jack)
Option D: Scrambled Egg: 6-8 large eggs, lightly beaten
The Cheese Factor:
1-2 cups shredded Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a sharp cheddar cheese (the cheesier, the better!)
The Tortillas:
12-16 small corn tortillas (6-inch size is ideal for taquitos)
For Frying (or Baking):
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil for frying (enough to submerge half a taquito)
Alternatively, for baking: Cooking spray
Flavor Boosters (Optional but Recommended!):
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
A pinch of smoked paprika (for a deeper flavor)
For a little kick: A dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper
For Serving (The Authentic Experience!):
Your favorite salsa (picante sauce, verde, or a chunky mild salsa)
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Diced avocado or guacamole
Step 2: Preparing Your Delicious Filling
This is where the heart of your taquito comes alive! A well-seasoned and perfectly cooked filling is crucial for that authentic Whataburger-inspired taste.
2.1: Cooking Your Chosen Protein
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
If using Sausage:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled breakfast sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until thoroughly browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease. This step is important for preventing greasy taquitos.
If using Bacon:
Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove from the pan, drain on paper towels, and then crumble into small pieces. Keep a little of the bacon grease in the pan for the eggs, if you're adding them!
If using Potatoes (and no other meat):
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
If using Scrambled Eggs:
Whether you're adding eggs to sausage, bacon, or just having a cheesy egg taquito, prepare them now. Whisk your eggs with a splash of milk or water (for fluffiness), salt, and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, add a pat of butter or a little oil, and pour in the eggs. Cook, stirring gently, until set but still soft. Don't overcook them!
2.2: Combining Your Filling (The Flavor Fusion!)
Now, let's bring all those amazing flavors together. This is where you can customize to your heart's content!
For a Classic Breakfast Taquito:
In a large bowl, combine your cooked sausage (or crumbled bacon), the scrambled eggs (if using), and a generous amount of shredded cheese. Stir gently to combine.
For a Cheesy Potato Taquito:
In a bowl, combine the cooked diced potatoes and the shredded cheese. You can also add a small amount of scrambled egg here if you like!
Seasoning is Key! Taste your filling. Does it need more salt? A pinch of black pepper? Maybe a dash of garlic powder for an extra savory kick? Adjust to your preference. Remember, a well-seasoned filling makes all the difference!
Step 3: Warming and Preparing Your Tortillas
This is a critical step to prevent your taquitos from cracking when you roll them. Cold corn tortillas will break!
Microwave Method: Stack 5-6 tortillas on a plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until pliable. Repeat with remaining tortillas as you work.
Steamer Method: If you have a steamer basket, you can steam the tortillas for 1-2 minutes until soft.
Skillet Method: Quickly warm each tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds per side until soft and flexible. Be careful not to make them crispy yet!
Step 4: Assembling Your Taquitos – The Art of Rolling!
This is where your taquitos take shape! Get ready to roll.
Lay out a warm tortilla on a clean work surface.
Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of your prepared filling just off-center, closer to one edge of the tortilla. Don't overfill, or they'll be hard to roll and might burst!
Sprinkle a little extra cheese over the filling if you desire. (Because, why not?)
Tightly roll the tortilla from the filled side. You want it snug, but not so tight that it rips.
Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a plate while you assemble the rest. This helps them hold their shape.
Step 5: Cooking Your Taquitos to Crispy Perfection!
Now for the grand finale – achieving that irresistible crunch! You have two excellent options here: frying for classic crispiness or baking for a healthier twist.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling if you find value.
5.1: Deep Frying (The Classic Method for Ultimate Crispiness!)
Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven, pour enough vegetable, canola, or avocado oil to come about 1 to 1.5 inches up the sides. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can test it by dropping a tiny piece of tortilla in – it should sizzle immediately.
Fry in Batches: Carefully place 3-4 taquitos, seam-side down, into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make your taquitos soggy.
Cook Until Golden: Fry for 2-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy all over. Use tongs to carefully flip them.
Drain Excess Oil: Once golden, remove the taquitos from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off, keeping them crisp.
Sprinkle with Salt: Lightly sprinkle with a pinch of salt immediately after removing them from the oil.
5.2: Baking (A Healthier, Still Delicious Option!)
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
Arrange Taquitos: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Lightly Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray. This helps them crisp up.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. They won't be as deeply golden as fried ones, but still delicious!
Step 6: Serving Your Masterpiece!
The moment you've been waiting for! Your homemade Whataburger-inspired taquitos are ready to be devoured.
Pile them high! Arrange your crispy taquitos on a platter.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces:
Salsa: A must-have! Whether you prefer mild or spicy, a good salsa complements the taquitos perfectly.
Sour Cream: For a cool and creamy contrast.
Guacamole or Diced Avocado: Adds a rich, buttery texture and healthy fats.
Hot Sauce: For those who like an extra kick!
Optional: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or finely diced green onions for garnish.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Whataburger-inspired taquitos! They're perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or even a fun dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Taquitos
How to prevent my taquitos from getting soggy after frying?
To prevent soggy taquitos, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350-375°F/175-190°C) before frying, don't overcrowd the pan, and immediately transfer them to a wire rack set over paper towels after frying to allow excess oil to drain.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
How to keep corn tortillas from cracking when rolling?
The key to preventing cracking is to warm your corn tortillas until they are pliable before rolling. You can do this in the microwave (covered with a damp paper towel), by steaming them, or quickly warming them in a dry skillet.
How to make taquitos in an air fryer?
To make taquitos in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking oil spray, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (don't overcrowd). Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
How to store leftover taquitos?
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
How to reheat leftover taquitos to keep them crispy?
To reheat leftover taquitos and maintain crispiness, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soft.
How to make vegetarian taquitos?
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
To make vegetarian taquitos, focus on fillings like seasoned potatoes and cheese, black beans and corn, or scrambled eggs and cheese. Follow the same rolling and cooking steps as outlined above.
How to make taquitos ahead of time?
You can prepare and roll the taquitos ahead of time, then store them (unfried/unbaked) on a baking sheet, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, you can freeze them unbaked (see next FAQ).
How to freeze taquitos for later?
To freeze unbaked taquitos, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How to make taquitos spicy?
To make taquitos spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalape�os, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to your filling. You can also serve them with a spicier salsa or a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
How to know when the oil is hot enough for frying without a thermometer?
To test if your oil is hot enough without a thermometer, drop a tiny piece of a corn tortilla into the oil. If it immediately sizzles and floats to the top, the oil is ready (around 350-375°F). If it just sits there or barely bubbles, it's not hot enough. If it smokes immediately, it's too hot.
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