If you have ever dreamed of indulging in the vibrant, bold flavors that make Mexican cuisine so beloved, then this Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe is your golden ticket. These little rolled treasures combine the creaminess of refried beans, the melty goodness of cheese, and the fresh zing of traditional toppings, all hugging tender corn tortillas that crisp to perfection on the griddle. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or a satisfying meal, these antojitos deliver an irresistible blend of textures and tastes that will transport your palate straight to a lively Mexican street market.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe to life. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the soft tortillas forming the perfect base to the layers of beans and cheese that create that unforgettable richness and warmth.
- Small corn tortillas (12): The authentic foundation; soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the fillings once warmed.
- Refried beans (1 ½ cups): Creamy, flavorful, and perfect for spreading, they lend depth and hearty texture.
- Shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully to bind everything together, adding gooey goodness in every bite.
- Cooked, shredded chicken or beef (1 cup, optional): Adds protein and savory richness for those who want a meatier version.
- White onion, finely chopped (½ cup): Brings fresh crunch and a sharp bite to balance the richness.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (½ cup): Offers an herbal brightness, elevating the overall flavor experience.
- Jalapeño, finely chopped (1, optional): Adds just the right kick of heat if you’re craving a little spice.
- Queso fresco, crumbled (¼ cup): Delivers a tangy, crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the melted cheese.
- Mexican crema or sour cream (½ cup): Creamy, cooling, and the perfect way to mellow the spices.
- Salsa or hot sauce (¼ cup): Injects vibrant color and layers of flavor, making every bite exciting.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for brushing on top, helping the tortillas crisp up with a golden finish.
- Salt (to taste): Enhances and balances all the other flavors.
How to Make Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe
Step 1: Warm the Tortillas
Begin by heating a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly warming the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds per side makes them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking—this first step is crucial to the success of the dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla. The beans act as a delicious glue while imparting a creamy texture. Next, sprinkle the shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, and if you’re using meat, add a portion of your cooked, shredded chicken or beef right on top.
Step 3: Roll and Prepare for Cooking
Tightly roll each loaded tortilla into a tube, then gently press down using your hand to flatten them slightly. Don’t forget to brush a little vegetable oil on top—it’s the secret to achieving that perfect golden crisp.
Step 4: Crisp the Rolls
Place the sealed side of the rolled tortillas down on the hot griddle and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until beautifully golden and crispy. This step transforms simple rolled tortillas into irresistible crunchy bites bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the antojitos from the heat, arrange them on a serving plate, and top generously with chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño if you like, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of Mexican crema, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce. Serve hot for the ultimate Mexican street food experience.
How to Serve Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your antojitos is where you can get creative and add fresh, zesty, or creamy accents that complement the warm, crispy rolls. Fresh white onions and cilantro provide brightness, jalapeños introduce heat, queso fresco adds a tangy, crumbly contrast, and a drizzle of crema gives a luscious finishing touch.
Side Dishes
While these antojitos are delicious on their own, pairing them with traditional Mexican side dishes such as fragrant Mexican rice, slow-cooked refried beans, or a crisp jicama salad can enhance the meal and bring a well-rounded experience to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these antojitos stacked in a rustic basket lined with colorful cloth or presenting them on a large platter garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs for a festive touch. For a party, offer an array of salsas and crema in small bowls so guests can customize their bites just like at a local street vendor’s stand.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let the antojitos cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They may lose some crispness, but reheating will help restore their texture.
Freezing
To keep these antojitos for longer, you can freeze them once cooked and cooled. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen antojitos keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
For best results when reheating, warm the antojitos in a skillet or oven to regain their crispiness rather than using the microwave, which tends to make them soggy. A quick 3–5 minute toast on each side in a preheated pan or oven will bring back that mouthwatering crunch.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the optional chicken or beef and feel free to add sautéed veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. The refried beans and cheese make it satisfying enough on their own.
What type of cheese should I use?
Oaxaca cheese is traditional for its delicious melting qualities, but mozzarella works perfectly as a readily available alternative, providing that gooey, stretchy texture that this recipe needs.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness is totally up to you. If you like heat, include the chopped jalapeño or serve with a fiery salsa. Otherwise, you can omit the jalapeño for a milder, family-friendly version.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
Yes! You can assemble and roll the antojitos first, then refrigerate them un-cooked for a few hours. Just brush with oil and cook on the griddle right before serving to maintain that crispy texture.
What salsa pairs best with these antojitos?
Traditional red salsa made with tomatoes, onion, and chili works beautifully, or try out smoky chipotle salsa or a vibrant green salsa verde for a zesty twist.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe a try at home — it’s one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite and invites you to gather friends and family around for a warm, delicious celebration. With straightforward steps and ingredients you likely have on hand, making authentic Mexican street food has never been so effortless or rewarding. Dive in and let those flavors brighten your day!
Print
Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these delicious Antojitos, a classic Mexican street food featuring rolled corn tortillas stuffed with refried beans, cheese, and optional shredded chicken or beef. Crisped to golden perfection on a griddle and topped with fresh onion, cilantro, jalapeño, queso fresco, crema, and salsa, these bites make a perfect appetizer or fun dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1 ½ cups refried beans
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken or beef (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco
- ½ cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Warm Tortillas: Preheat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable, making them easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the Rolls: Spread a thin layer of refried beans evenly over each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese and add the optional cooked shredded chicken or beef if desired. Roll each tortilla tightly into a tube shape and lightly flatten them with your hand to form a compact roll.
- Prepare for Cooking: Brush the tops of each rolled tortilla with a small amount of vegetable oil to help achieve a crisp texture.
- Cook the Antojitos: Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down on the hot griddle to seal them. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning carefully until each side is golden and crisp.
- Serve with Toppings: Remove the cooked rolls from the griddle and arrange them on a serving plate. Generously top with finely chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, jalapeño, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best experience.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, brush the tortillas with a little oil before rolling.
- To make a vegetarian version, omit meat and optionally add sautéed vegetables instead.
- These antomitos are perfect as appetizers or a festive dinner when paired with rice and beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
