Cooktop Cove: Get all the flavor of pizza in a healthier, bite-sized taquito
By Emily Monaco
Italian flavors and Tex-Mex technique unite in this recipe for pizza taquitos. To make these bites, layer pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni on tortillas. Rolled into cigars and baked, these pizza taquitos are crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Traditionally taquitos are fried, but this version is healthier and even easier to make. Spraying the outside of the taquitos with cooking spray before baking them makes them perfectly crisp outside without all of the fat of deep-frying. Feel free to change the fillings with some of your favorite pizza toppings, such as cooked mushrooms, sausage or even anchovies.
Pizza taquitos
12
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
12 small (4-inch) corn tortillas
1 cup pizza sauce, divided
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
48 slices pepperoni
cooking spray
Heat the oven to 425 F. Spray a nonstick baking sheet with cooking spray.
Place 5 or 6 tortillas on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 40 to 45 seconds to soften the tortilla.
Place a tortilla on a flat surface.
Spread with 1 teaspoon of pizza sauce and 2 teaspoon of cheese on the left or right side.
Arrange a row of 3 pepperoni slices on top of the sauce and cheese.
Roll the tortilla tightly and place, seam-side down, on the baking sheet. Place toothpick to hold, if necessary.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 until all of the tortillas have been rolled. About half of the pizza sauce should remain.
Spray the tops of the prepared taquitos with cooking spray.
Put in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until crisp.
Heat the remaining pizza sauce and transfer to a small ramekin.
Stack the taquitos on a serving tray, and serve the warmed pizza sauce on the side for dipping.
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