Craving crispy taquitos but dreading the oven? We’ve got your back—and your microwave. This 5-minute dip turns frozen taquitos into a melty, shareable snack without a single pan.
Got a bag of frozen taquitos and a need for speed? This lazy hack skips frying (and oven preheating drama), delivering crunchy rolls smothered in gooey cheese dip. Bonus: your kitchen stays cooler than a jalapeño’s shade.
We’ll walk through microwaving tricks, flavor upgrades, and how to dodge common “why is my dip soggy?!” meltdowns.
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Lazy Microwave Frozen Taquitos Dip
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: Appetizer, SnackCuisine: Mexican-American4
5
minutes3
minutes250
kcal8
minutesIf you've ever craved the taste of taquitos but wanted something a little easier to prepare, this Lazy Microwave Frozen Taquitos Dip is the answer. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a delightful dip that's packed with flavor and perfect for sharing. Great for parties or watching a game, this dip is a hit for all occasions.
Ingredients
of frozen taquitos about 10
shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
salsa
sour cream optional
jalapeños optional for garnish
cilantro optional for garnish
chips . for serving
Directions
- Remove the frozen taquitos from the packaging and place them in a microwave-safe bowl, Pour the salsa over the taquitos to coat them evenly, Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the taquitos and salsa mixture, Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid, Microwave on high for 3 minutes, Stop the microwave halfway through to stir the taquitos and check for even heating, Continue microwaving until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, Let the dip cool for a minute before serving, Garnish with sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro if desired, Serve with tortilla chips for dipping..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this dip with your favorite toppings. You can add black beans or corn for extra texture or spice it up with your favorite hot sauce. This dip works great as a quick snack or as part of a larger spread. Adjust the ingredients based on how cheesy or spicy you like it!
What Are Taquitos?
Taquitos (“little tacos” in Spanish) are rolled corn tortillas stuffed with shredded chicken, beef, or beans, then fried until golden. Imagine a flavor-packed cigar with crispy edges and steamy fillings—that’s the magic.
My mom Linda became a taquitos legend during 90s Cowboys games, hand-rolling them with leftover brisket. Today, frozen versions like Jose Ole or El Monterey let us skip the grease splatter. Just don’t tell her we’re microwaving them—some traditions evolve!
Can You Microwave Frozen Taquitos?
Yes—with caveats. Microwaving trades some crispiness for speed, but we’ve got fixes. At 1100W, nuke 6 taquitos for 2 minutes, flip, then 1.5 minutes more. 50% power prevents soggy ends while thawing the filling evenly. Interestingly, many foods, like taquitos, can actually taste better when microwaved compared to baking. This is true for several items, as some flavors become more pronounced, making them a delight to eat.
My sister Candice once microwaved them straight into queso during a babysitting crisis. The result? A dip so good, her kids now request “Candice’s lava tubes.” Pro tip: layer chips underneath to catch drips and add crunch. For a delicious twist, try making crunchy veggie chips in the microwave. They add a healthy and satisfying crunch to any snack time.
Up next: we’ll transform those microwaved taquitos into a dippable masterpiece with three ingredients and one dirty mug. For those wondering about easy meals, leftover lazy microwave mug omelets can be a great option too. They can be reheated quickly, making for a simple and satisfying snack at any time.
Ingredients for Lazy Microwave Taquitos Dip
Grab three things: frozen taquitos (Jose Ole or El Monterey work great), a 15oz jar of queso or salsa con queso, and ½ cup shredded cheddar. That’s the lazy base. But we’re here to play—let’s jazz it up. For a fun twist, consider lazy microwave frozen mini pizza quesadillas, which are just as easy and delicious. They make for a quick snack or meal that combines pizza flavors with the convenience of quesadillas.
Dip Base Alternatives
Out of queso? No sweat. Mix 8oz cream cheese + ½ cup salsa for a tangy base. Greek yogurt + lime zest creates a lighter dip (we’ve all been January-healthy). My college hack: melt Velveeta with Rotel tomatoes—it’s liquid nostalgia.
Flavor Enhancers &Amp; Substitutes
Add pickled jalapeños (1 tbsp) or chipotle powder (½ tsp) for smoke. Fresh cilantro? Yes. Taco seasoning? Always. Crushed Tostitos on top add crunch without oven drama. Vegan? Swap dairy for cashew queso—it’s shockingly good. If you’re looking for a quick and easy dish, microwave cornbread with jalapeños is a fantastic keto-friendly option. This versatile recipe can elevate any meal or snack with its delightful flavors and simplicity.
Also See: Easy Microwave Mug Lasagna: Ready in Minutes!
How to Make Lazy Microwave Taquitos Dip
Arrange 8 frozen taquitos in a microwave-safe dish (we use Grandma’s old pie plate). Pour queso over them, sprinkle cheddar, then nuke. Resist stirring—it’s science, not soup. To ensure the best texture, using a microwave to heat taco shells in the microwave is an efficient way to enjoy your meal. Heating taco shells in the microwave allows them to soften just right, making them easier to bite into.
Step-by-step Microwaving Instructions
- Place taquitos in a single layer (no stacking!).
- Cover with 1 cup queso and ¼ cup shredded cheese.
- Microwave at 1100W for 2 minutes.
- Pause, rotate dish, add toppings (like diced tomatoes).
- Nuke 1 more minute. Let sit 60 seconds—molten cheese waits for no tongue.
Tips for Perfect Microwave Taquitos
Use 50% power if your microwave runs hot (looking at you, 2015 Panasonic). Layer chips underneath to catch drips and create nacho-taquito hybrids. My roommate once skipped the “let sit” step—we still find cheese on the ceiling. Microwaves can get surprisingly hot microwaves, leading to uneven cooking. Always be cautious, as hot microwaves can easily overheat food or cause burns.
Also See: 2-minute Microwave Thai Peanut Noodles (Vegan)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Overcrowding the dish leads to cold spots. Use a 9” round dish max—no Tetris-ing. Microwaving on high the whole time? That’s how taquitos turn to rubber. 50% power is your friend.
Using watery salsa? Drain it first—unless you want dip soup. Forgot to rotate the dish? One side will be lava, the other Antarctica. Set a phone timer. Trust us.
Ready to taste your creation? Let’s explore why this dip hits different than solo taquitos…
What Does Taquitos Dip Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a crispy taquito coated in velvety cheese dip—it’s like nachos and tacos had a flavor baby. The corn tortilla shell stays crunchy (if microwaved right), while the queso melts into every crevice. My buddy Dave calls it “warm handshake for your taste buds” – savory, salty, and slightly smoky. When looking for a quick snack, lazy microwave frozen taquitos filled with gooey cheese can hit the spot perfectly, offering a delicious treat with minimal effort.
Chicken or beef taquitos bring shredded meat tenderness, while bean versions add earthy richness. The dip’s creaminess tempers the spice—unless you’ve added habanero jack cheese. Last Super Bowl, my cousin used chorizo taquitos, and we still debate if it topped his lazy microwave bean dip for the occasion.
Taquitos Dip Variations and Substitutes
Protein swaps: Swap beef for buffalo chicken taquitos (Tyson makes a solid frozen version). Vegetarian? Black bean taquitos + cilantro lime crema. My vegan niece swears by Trader Joe’s soy chorizo taquitos with cashew queso.
Cheese hacks: Out of cheddar? Pepper jack adds heat, muenster brings gooeyness. Once subbed Brie during a fridge cleanout—surprisingly decadent. Crunch boosters: Mix in crushed Fritos or air-fried tortilla strips pre-microwave.
Regional twists: Texas-style? Add pickled jalapeños and smoked paprika. Baja vibe? Top with pico de gallo post-nuke. My Denver friend layers green chile sauce under the taquitos—mountain-high flavor (especially if cooked in the microwave for that lazy afternoon snack).
Got leftover chili? Drizzle it over the dip for a Frito pie meets taquito mashup. Dairy-free? Daiya cheese melts decently at 50% power. Pro tip: keep emergency guac on standby for dipping diversions. For a quick meal option, try pairing that chili with a lazy microwave boxed mac and cheese. It’s an easy way to create a tasty, filling dish without much effort, perfect for nights when cooking feels like too much work.
Now that we’ve customized your dip, let’s tackle keeping leftovers edible (if any survive).
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
Microwaving frozen taquitos with dip is the ultimate lazy snack hack—crispy edges, melty cheese, and bold flavors in under 5 minutes. We love how customizable it is, whether you’re team salsa verde or creamy queso.
Got a favorite dip combo or a pro tip? Share your microwave taquitos masterpiece with us! Just remember: no metal plates, and always check for that perfect golden crunch before diving in.