Crispy Leftover Turkey Taquitos for Flavor-Packed Fun

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Aniela Recipes Team

After a festive gathering, I often find myself staring into the fridge, wondering what to do with leftover turkey. That s when I discovered the magic of Leftover Turkey Taquitos! Picture soft tortillas cradling a creamy, spicy filling that s packed with flavor suddenly those leftovers transform into a crispy, satisfying snack that everyone will love.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of ingredients come together in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. It s perfect for those evenings when you crave something homemade but don t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, these taquitos are not just easy to prepare; they re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them an ideal option for everything from casual weeknight dinners to game day snacking.

So, let s take that turkey and give it the delicious encore it deserves!

Why are leftover turkey taquitos a must-try?

Irresistible Flavor: The creamy, spicy filling blends seamlessly with the crispy tortillas, creating a flavor explosion.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to whip up, taking little time from prep to frying perfect for busy evenings!
Perfect for Leftovers: Transform your leftover turkey into a delightful dish that feels brand new.
Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty bites, making mealtime a hit!
For another delicious way to repurpose leftovers, check out my guide on creating scrumptious turkey skillet meals.
Crispy Perfection: The golden-brown exterior offers a satisfying crunch with every bite, elevating your snacking game!

Leftover Turkey Taquitos Ingredients

For the Filling

• Leftover cooked turkey Use turkey that s been chopped finely for easy mixing and flavor absorption.
• Chopped green onion Adds a fresh, vibrant crunch to your filling.
• Cream cheese Provides a creamy texture that binds the ingredients together beautifully.
• Sour cream Enhances the creaminess and adds a tangy flavor.
• Chili powder Imparts a warm, spicy kick to the flavor profile of the leftover turkey taquitos.
• Cumin This seasoning brings an earthy depth that complements the turkey perfectly.
• Garlic powder Offers a subtle garlicky essence that elevates the taste.
• Salt Essential for boosting all the flavors in this savory filling.
• Sharp cheddar Adds richness and melty goodness; you can substitute with your favorite cheese if necessary.

For the Taquitos

• Corn tortillas Opt for store-bought or homemade; warming them first makes them pliable for rolling.
• Vegetable oil Choose a neutral oil for frying, helping to achieve that crispy golden exterior.

These leftover turkey taquitos are not only simple to make but also incredibly satisfying, turning your usual turkey leftovers into a fun snack or meal that everyone will gobble up!

How to Make Leftover Turkey Taquitos

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the leftover cooked turkey, green onion, cream cheese, sour cream, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Use a fork to ensure everything is well blended and creamy.

2. Warm the Tortillas: Place the corn tortillas on a plate and cover them with a very damp napkin or paper towel. Microwave on high for about 1 minute to soften them, making them easier to roll.

3. Fill the Tortillas: Working quickly while the tortillas are warm, place about 2 tablespoons of the turkey mixture in the center of each tortilla, spreading it evenly from end to end. Sprinkle with a bit of sharp cheddar for that gooey, melty goodness.

4. Roll Up: Tightly roll each tortilla and secure them with 2 toothpicks through the center to keep everything in place. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until all are ready.

5. Fry the Taquitos: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet or dutch oven until it reaches 375 °F. Carefully fry the taquitos until they are golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Enjoy them hot and crispy!

Optional: Serve with salsa or guacamole for an extra flavor kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Leftover Turkey Taquitos?

Pairing your flavorful leftover turkey taquitos with the right sides can transform your meal into a delightful feast that tantalizes the taste buds.

• Fresh Guacamole: This creamy dip brings a cooling contrast paired with the spicy taquitos, enhancing every bite.

• Zesty Salsa: A burst of tangy flavor from fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro makes a perfect accompaniment, adding a refreshing zing.

• Crispy Green Salad: A bed of mixed greens with crisp vegetables adds texture and lightness, balancing out the rich flavors of the taquitos.

• Mexican Street Corn: This sweet and spicy treat complements the savory crunch of the taquitos for an exciting flavor contrast that can t be missed.

• Spanish Rice: The fluffy, seasoned rice serves as a perfect side, providing a hearty base that rounds out the meal beautifully.

• Pickled Jalapeños: Add some fire with these tangy bites. They enhance the taste while providing a satisfying crunch for spice lovers.

• Creamy Cilantro Dressing: Drizzle this bright dressing over your salad or use it as a dip for your taquitos to tie all the flavors together.

• Margaritas: For the perfect sip, serve up these refreshing cocktails made with lime juice and tequila, setting the stage for a fun gathering.

• Chocolate Flan: End your meal on a sweet note with this velvety dessert, balancing the savory and spicy notes of the meal flawlessly.

Leftover Turkey Taquitos Variations & Substitutions

Get creative with your leftover turkey taquitos by trying out these fun and flavorful twists!

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture for an extra layer of heat that will tantalize your taste buds. Just a few peppers can transform the flavor profile completely!

• Cheese Lover s Delight: Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a delightful peppery zing. The melty texture combined with spices will take your taquitos to the next level.

• Gluten-Free: Use corn or gluten-free tortillas instead of regular ones to accommodate gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy them without worry.

• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh cilantro or parsley with the filling for a burst of freshness that will brighten each bite. A sprinkle on top post-frying will elevate the dish visually and taste-wise!

• Veggie Boost: Add finely chopped bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms to the filling for added texture and flavor. This will create a heartier taquito everyone will love.

• Crispy Coating: For extra crunch, roll the taquitos in panko breadcrumbs before frying. This will give a wonderful texture contrast to the soft filling inside.

• Cream Cheese Twist: Try flavored cream cheeses like garlic & herb or jalapeño cheddar for a flavor boost that complements the turkey deliciously. It ll add depth and richness to your taquitos!

• Oven-Baked Option: For a healthier twist, brush lightly with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400 °F for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Crunchy, less greasy, and just as delightful!

How to Store and Freeze Leftover Turkey Taquitos

Fridge: Store leftover turkey taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 °F for crispiness.

Freezer: Freeze taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy this keeps the texture delightful!

Room Temperature: If you re serving them immediately, keep taquitos at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours to ensure freshness.

Make Ahead Options

These Leftover Turkey Taquitos are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can prepare the turkey filling up to 3 days in advance, ensuring all those fabulous flavors meld together beautifully. Simply combine the leftover cooked turkey, green onion, cream cheese, sour cream, and spices in a bowl and refrigerate it until you re ready to assemble. For convenience, you can also roll the taquitos and secure them with toothpicks, then refrigerate them; just remember to fry them within 24 hours for the best quality. When you re ready to enjoy, heat that oil and fry them straight from the fridge these taquitos will be just as delicious as when they were made fresh!

Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Taquitos

• Tortilla Trick: Warm tortillas properly in the microwave; this prevents them from cracking when you roll them, ensuring a tight seal.
• Filling Consistency: Ensure the filling is creamy but not too runny; this will help prevent soggy taquitos. Aim for a spoonable texture.
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying; this maintains the oil temperature, yielding crispy taquitos instead of greasy ones.
• Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to keep the taquitos together during frying; just remember to remove them before serving!
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients where possible, especially green onions and spices, to enhance the flavor of your leftover turkey taquitos.

Leftover Turkey Taquitos Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right leftover turkey?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use turkey that s well-cooked and seasoned. Look for turkey that is moist and tender, avoiding any that appears dry or has dark spots all over. If you re using frozen turkey, ensure it s completely thawed before using it in your taquitos for the best creamy filling experience.

What s the best way to store leftover turkey taquitos?
I recommend placing any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge. They ll stay fresh for up to 3 days this way. For reheating, pop them in the oven at 350 °F to restore their crispy glory. The key is to avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Can I freeze leftover turkey taquitos?
Very much! To freeze taquitos, line them up in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm about 1-2 hours then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you re ready to indulge, just reheat them directly from frozen; no need to thaw first. Bake at 400 °F for about 15-20 minutes until hot and crispy.

What if my taquitos are falling apart while frying?
Don t worry! Ensure your tortillas are warm and pliable before filling and rolling them up tightly. Also, be sure to secure each taquito with toothpicks, preventing the filling from leaking out. If the oil isn t hot enough (375 °F), they may absorb too much oil, becoming soggy. Use a thermometer for accuracy!

Can I customize the filling based on dietary needs?
Absolutely! These leftover turkey taquitos are incredibly versatile. You can substitute the turkey with shredded chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of any allergies like dairy with the cream cheese and cheese. Plant-based alternatives are available if you want a dairy-free version!

How long can I keep taquitos at room temperature?
I recommend keeping taquitos at room temperature for no longer than 2 hours. If they re out longer, they can start to lose their freshness and crispiness. If they re cooling down quickly, consider serving them on a warm plate to keep the party going!

Enjoy diving into these questions and making your taquitos even more delightful!