Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

Introduction

Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema are the perfect fusion of savory, spicy, and creamy flavors, wrapped in a crispy corn tortilla. These taquitos are made with a flavorful pumpkin filling, blended with cheese and spices, offering a comforting and hearty bite. Paired with a smoky and spicy roasted jalapeño pepita crema, they create a deliciously unique dish that will satisfy any craving. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, preparing a family meal, or serving appetizers for a gathering, these taquitos are sure to impress. This Halal-friendly recipe is free from pork, bacon, wine, and alcohol, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Holiday gatherings
• Game day snacks
• Appetizer platters
• Vegetarian-friendly meals
• Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema will quickly become a new favorite for many reasons:

• Creamy and Flavorful Filling: The combination of creamy pumpkin and melted cheese creates a rich and satisfying filling for the taquitos, while a blend of spices enhances the overall taste.
• Crispy Texture: Once baked, the taquitos develop a golden-brown, crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling inside.
• Tasty Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema: The creamy, tangy, and smoky crema made from roasted jalapeños and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) provides a perfect dipping sauce that complements the spiciness and richness of the taquitos.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can prepare this dish in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level, add more veggies, or swap the cheese for your favorite variety to suit your preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8-10 taquitos
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 220-250 calories (without crema)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 9g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema:

For the Taquitos:

• 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 10-12 small corn tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil (for brushing)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema:

• 1 cup roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
• 2 roasted jalapeños (seeds and stems removed)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small clove garlic
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Pumpkin Puree: This provides a creamy base for the taquito filling and gives them a mild sweetness that balances the spices.
• Cheese: A melty, gooey cheese is essential for the taquito filling, adding both richness and flavor.
• Spices: Ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and coriander add warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the pumpkin flavor.
• Jalapeños: Roasted jalapeños bring smokiness and spice to the crema, giving it a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy texture.
• Pepitas: Roasted pumpkin seeds add texture and flavor to the crema, making it a unique and delicious dipping sauce.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema:

Prepare the Taquito Filling:

1. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Make the Pumpkin Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic. Mix everything until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
3. Prepare the Tortillas: If the tortillas are too stiff to roll, heat them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave them for 10-15 seconds to soften. This will make them easier to roll without cracking.

Roll and Bake the Taquitos:

4. Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the pumpkin filling onto the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortilla tightly around the filling, securing it with the seam facing down.
5. Brush with Oil: Place the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the taquitos with a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp up while baking.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the taquitos for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Make the Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema:

7. Roast the Jalapeños: If you haven’t already roasted the jalapeños, roast them on an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred. Remove the skins, stems, and seeds.
8. Blend the Crema: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted jalapeños, roasted pepitas, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Serve: Once the taquitos are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Serve the taquitos with the roasted jalapeño pepita crema for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

How to Serve Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema

Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them as part of a tapas or appetizer spread with other small bites like guacamole or salsa.
• For Game Day: Set up a taquito station with the crema and other dipping sauces to keep everyone satisfied during the game.
• As a Main Course: Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a quick and satisfying snack with a cold drink, perfect for any time of the day.

Additional Tips for Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema

Here are a few tips to make your taquitos even better:

• Use Fresh Tortillas: If possible, use fresh tortillas instead of store-bought ones. They will have a better texture and flavor when baked.
• Roast the Pepitas for Extra Flavor: For an added boost of flavor, toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before using them in the crema.
• Adjust the Heat Level: If you prefer a milder crema, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds entirely.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the fridge before baking. Just bake them right before serving for a fresh and hot meal.
• Serve with a Side of Salsa: A tangy tomato-based salsa or a creamy avocado salsa would complement the spicy crema perfectly.

Recipe Variations for Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema

Here are some creative variations of Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema to try:

• Black Bean and Corn Taquitos: Add a can of drained black beans and some corn kernels to the pumpkin filling for a more hearty and Tex-Mex inspired version.
• Sweet Potato Taquitos: Swap the pumpkin for mashed sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, more earthy flavor.
• Spicy Chicken Taquitos: If you’re not vegetarian, add shredded cooked chicken to the pumpkin filling and extra spices for a meatier version.
• Vegan Taquitos: Replace the cheese with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to make the taquitos vegan-friendly.
• Cheesy Spinach Taquitos: Add sautéed spinach or kale to the pumpkin mixture for a nutritious and flavorful twist.

Freezing and Storage for Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema

• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked taquitos for up to 3 months. Arrange the rolled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

Special Equipment for Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema

Here are some tools that will make your taquito-making experience easier:

• Blender or Food Processor: A good blender or food processor is essential for making the smooth and creamy jalapeño pepita crema.
• Baking Sheet: A large baking sheet will allow you to bake all the taquitos at once for even cooking.
• Silicone Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for mixing the pumpkin filling without sticking to the sides of the bowl.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to lightly coat the taquitos with oil, helping them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Tongs: Tongs are great for handling the taquitos when rolling or transferring them to the baking sheet.

FAQ Section about Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, flour tortillas work just as well, but corn tortillas offer a crispier texture and more authentic flavor for taquitos.
2. Can I make these taquitos without cheese? Yes, you can omit the cheese and make a dairy-free version. You can also substitute with a vegan cheese if you prefer.
3. Can I make the crema ahead of time? Yes, the crema can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before serving.
4. Can I freeze the crema? It’s best to use the crema fresh, as freezing can affect the texture. However, it should keep in the fridge for several days.
5. Can I add more vegetables to the taquito filling? Absolutely! You can add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Print

Conclusion

Cheesy Pumpkin Taquitos with Roasted Jalapeño Pepita Crema are a fun, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of savory and spicy ingredients in one crispy, cheesy package. Perfect for any occasion, these taquitos are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Easy to make, customizable, and irresistible, they offer a unique twist on traditional taquitos that will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy!