If you have ever craved the vibrant, mouthwatering flavors of Mexico’s bustling street stalls, then you are in for a treat with this Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe. These delightful baked antojitos bring together soft corn tortillas, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings that burst with flavor and color. Every bite offers a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that perfectly capture the essence of authentic Mexican street food. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or a light meal, this recipe will transport your senses straight to the lively streets of Mexico City.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients, each contributing to the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and color. From the soft tortillas that hold everything together to the tangy queso fresco and fresh cilantro that brighten every bite, these components work in harmony to create an unforgettable dish.
- 8 corn tortillas: Use fresh, pliable tortillas to achieve the authentic base for your antojitos.
- 1 cup refried beans: Creamy and rich, they provide a hearty filling enhanced with spices.
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to add gooey, comforting texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion: Adds a mild crunch and sharpness to balance the richness.
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, these bring vibrant color and light acidity.
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce: A refreshing crispness that finishes the dish perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: This herb delivers signature brightness and herbaceous notes.
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco: Adds a salty, crumbly contrast to the melted cheese inside.
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream: Offers a cool, velvety drizzle that balances all the bold flavors.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Used to brush the tortillas for a golden, crispy exterior when baked.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings warmth and earthiness to the bean mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds subtle heat and authentic Mexican flavor depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
- Optional toppings (avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, hot sauce): Customize your antojitos with extra creaminess, heat, or tangy punch as you like.
How to Make Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Bean Filling
Begin by combining the refried beans with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This seasoning step is crucial for infusing the beans with deep, authentic Mexican flavors that form the heart of the antojitos.
Step 2: Soften the Tortillas
Warm the corn tortillas either in a dry skillet or the microwave until they become soft and pliable. This step ensures that the tortillas will roll easily without cracking, making assembly smooth and fuss-free.
Step 3: Assemble the Antojitos
Spread about two tablespoons of the seasoned bean mixture evenly over each tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese along with some chopped white onion on top. The combination of creamy beans, melty cheese, and sharp onion creates the signature filling texture and taste.
Step 4: Roll and Bake to Perfection
Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down on a lightly greased baking sheet. Brush the outside lightly with vegetable oil to promote browning. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, until the antojitos turn golden and crisp on the outside, signaling they are perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool just slightly before topping each antojito with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream. Your beautiful, colorful, and flavorful street food experience is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to dress up your antojitos with sliced avocado for creamy richness, tangy pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick, and a splash of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the flavor even more. These garnishes add individuality and an extra layer of authenticity to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these antojitos with traditional sides such as Mexican rice or a fresh black bean salad to build a meal that’s satisfying and balanced. You could also offer elote-style Mexican street corn to keep the street food theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the antojitos on a vibrant platter lined with colorful napkins or banana leaves to enhance the street food vibe. For a party, present them buffet-style with little bowls of extra toppings and salsas, inviting guests to customize their own for a fun, interactive meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover antojitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen, and they will still reheat well, making them perfect for next-day snacking or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked antojitos by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed antojitos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that wonderful crisp texture on the outside.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas give a more authentic flavor and texture, flour tortillas can be used for a softer, slightly different twist if you prefer or have them on hand.
Is it possible to make these vegan?
Yes! Swap out the cheese and crema for plant-based alternatives and use vegan refried beans to keep all the delicious flavors while making this recipe fully vegan-friendly.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe is lightly spiced from the chili powder and cumin in the beans, but you can always adjust the heat with more chili powder or hot sauce according to your taste preferences.
Can I add meat or other fillings?
Definitely! You can incorporate cooked chicken, chorizo, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier version that still maintains the spirit of these Mexican street food antojitos.
What’s the best way to keep the tortillas from breaking when rolling?
Warming the tortillas until they are soft and flexible is key. You can warm them on a skillet, wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave, or even steam them briefly to prevent cracking.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made these before. The beautiful colors, the luscious fillings, and that crispy baked tortilla shell come together in a way that’s soulful, comforting, and downright addictive. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and bring a slice of authentic Mexican street food magic right into your own kitchen. You won’t regret it!
Print
Antojitos: An Amazing Ultimate Mexican Street Food Experience Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 antojitos per person)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these delicious baked antojitos, a classic street food snack featuring warm corn tortillas filled with seasoned refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal, these antojitos are easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Base
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fillings
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
Toppings
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Avocado slices
- Pickled jalapeños
- Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the antojitos.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave just until they become pliable and easy to roll without cracking.
- Season Beans: In a bowl, combine the refried beans with ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the flavors.
- Assemble Antojitos: Spread about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned beans onto each warmed tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheese and chopped white onion evenly over the bean layer.
- Roll Tortillas: Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down on a lightly greased baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Brush with Oil: Lightly brush the tops of the rolled tortillas with vegetable oil to help them crisp and become golden in the oven.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the antojitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the antojitos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to make handling easier and to let the flavors meld slightly.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Top each antojito with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of Mexican crema or sour cream. Add optional toppings like avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce as desired. Serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Feel free to customize these antojitos by adding cooked chicken, chorizo, or sautéed vegetables inside.
- For a crispier finish, you can pan-fry the rolled tortillas instead of baking them.
- This recipe is ideal for appetizers, snacks, or a light meal.
