By If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with homemade flautas. Often called “rolled tacos,” flautas are a traditional Mexican dish where tortillas are filled with meat, beans, or cheese, then tightly rolled and fried until perfectly golden and crunchy.
Whether you’re preparing them for a casual dinner, a game day party, or Cinco de Mayo celebration, flautas are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Let’s dive into how to make authentic Mexican flautas from scratch — and how you can give them your own personal twist.
Ingredients for Flautas (Serves 4)
Here’s what you need to make classic chicken flautas, but you can swap the filling based on your preference:
For the filling:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
- ½ cup salsa verde or tomato salsa
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for a creamier texture)
For the flautas:
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- Vegetable oil for frying
For serving:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Mexican crema or sour cream
- Crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
- Hot sauce or salsa
How to Make Flautas: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, salsa, spices, and cheese (if using). Combine until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
Heat the tortillas slightly (in a skillet or microwave) to make them pliable and prevent tearing when rolling.
Step 3: Roll the Flautas
Place 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture near one edge of a tortilla. Tightly roll it up like a cigar and secure with a toothpick if needed to keep it from unrolling.
Step 4: Fry the Flautas
In a skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the flautas seam-side down. Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Tip: For a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Serve the hot flautas on a plate over shredded lettuce and top with tomatoes, guacamole, crema, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
Flautas Filling Variations
Flautas are incredibly versatile. Here are a few delicious filling ideas:
- Beef Flautas – Use cooked ground beef or shredded brisket with taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian Flautas – Fill with refried beans, sautéed peppers, onions, and cheese.
- Breakfast Flautas – Try scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese.
- Sweet Flautas – Use sweetened cream cheese and fruit preserves for a dessert version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store: Let flautas cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Freeze: You can freeze rolled, uncooked flautas for quick meals. Just thaw slightly and fry or bake as usual.
