Appetizer > Mexican Appetizers

Cheesy Spinach Quesitos Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1 small onion, diced
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
-1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
-1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
-1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
-1/4 teaspoon chili powder
-2 (8 count) packages small flour tortillas

Special Equipment Needed:
-Skillet
-Baking sheet
-Parchment paper
-Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Stir in spinach mixture.
4. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling onto each tortilla. Roll up and place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 16 quesitos

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 173
Fat: 11.6 g
Carbohydrates: 13.7 g
Protein: 6.3 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
-For the cream cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese.
-For the Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with mozzarella cheese.
-For the Cheddar cheese, you can substitute with Colby cheese.

Variations:
-For a spicy variation, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the filling.
-For a vegetarian variation, omit the garlic and onion and use vegetable broth instead of olive oil.
-For a vegan variation, use vegan cream cheese, vegan cheese, and vegetable broth instead of olive oil.

Tips and Tricks:
-Make sure to drain the spinach well before adding it to the filling.
-To make the quesitos easier to roll, you can warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds before adding the filling.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a delicious appetizer.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and/or sliced jalapenos.

Pairings:
Pair with a light beer or a crisp white wine.

Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of Spanish rice or refried beans.

Troubleshooting Advice:
If the quesitos are not browning, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to cook the quesitos until they are golden brown and heated through.

Food History:
Quesitos are a popular Mexican snack that are usually filled with cheese and other savory ingredients.

Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor with hints of garlic, onion, and spices.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish with a side of rice and beans.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Crunchy, Tangy