These Cheesy Pulled Pork Taquitos with Chipotle Ranch Dressing are a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and savory treat, perfect for a casual dinner or snack. The crispy taquitos are filled with tender pulled pork, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. They’re paired with a creamy, smoky chipotle ranch dressing that elevates the dish with a perfect balance of spice and flavor. This easy recipe is great for using leftover pulled pork or making a fresh batch in your slow cooker.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Pulled Pork:

  • 3 to 3.5 pounds boneless pork shoulder

  • 14 oz chicken broth

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

  • 2 tsp chili powder

  • 2 tsp cumin

  • Salt, to taste

• For the Taquito Filling:

  • ¼ cup sour cream

  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

  • ½ tsp chili powder

  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

  • 10 corn or flour tortillas (small size)

• For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

  • ½ cup ranch dressing

  • ¼ tsp chipotle chili powder

  • ½ – 1 tsp lime juice (to taste)

Directions

1. Prepare the Pulled Pork:

   • Trim the fat from the pork shoulder and cut it into 8 pieces. Place them in a slow cooker with chicken broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt.

   • Cook on high for 5-6 hours until the pork is tender. Shred the pork using two forks, adding about ½ cup of the cooking juices to keep it moist. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Taquito Filling:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, softened cream cheese, BBQ sauce, and chili powder. Stir in the shredded pulled pork and grated cheddar cheese until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Taquitos:

   • Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side.

   • Place about ¼ cup of the filling mixture in the center of each tortilla and roll tightly.

   • Arrange the rolled tortillas seam-side down on a baking sheet, and brush the tops with olive oil.

4. Bake the Taquitos:

   • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

5. Prepare the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, chipotle chili powder, and lime juice. Adjust the lime juice to your taste.

6. Serve:

   • Once the taquitos are done, remove from the oven and place them on a serving platter. Drizzle with chipotle ranch dressing and add any additional toppings like guacamole, diced tomatoes, or cilantro.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 400

• Carbohydrates: 40 g

• Protein: 25 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Saturated Fat: 9 g

• Cholesterol: 50 mg

• Sodium: 800 mg

• Potassium: 400 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 6 g

Why This Recipe Works

Cheesy Pulled Pork Taquitos are the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The pulled pork is tender and flavorful, thanks to a slow-cooked process with aromatic spices, while the cheese adds a creamy, gooey element. The tortillas are crisped up in the oven, creating the perfect golden crunch. The smokiness from the chipotle ranch dressing brings the dish together, providing a tangy and spicy contrast to the richness of the pulled pork and cheese.

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, especially if you have leftover pulled pork. It’s a great way to use up any extras from a slow-cooked meal, and it works well with either corn or flour tortillas. Additionally, the chipotle ranch dressing can be adjusted to your desired level of heat, making it customizable to your preferences.

Making the Pulled Pork

The key to the success of these taquitos is the tender, flavorful pulled pork. Cooking the pork shoulder in a slow cooker with chicken broth, onions, garlic, and spices like chili powder and cumin allows the meat to become incredibly tender and infuse with deep, savory flavors. Once the pork is cooked, it’s shredded and mixed with some of the cooking juices to keep it moist.

Using a slow cooker for this step makes the process incredibly easy and ensures the pork is perfectly cooked every time. The seasoning in the cooking liquid adds flavor throughout, and the shredded pork becomes an irresistible filling for the taquitos.

The Taquito Filling

For the taquito filling, the shredded pulled pork is mixed with sour cream, cream cheese, BBQ sauce, chili powder, and sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of sour cream and cream cheese adds a creamy texture, while the BBQ sauce brings tang and sweetness to balance the richness of the cheese and pork. The sharp cheddar cheese melts perfectly when baked, creating a gooey, cheesy interior that contrasts with the crispiness of the tortilla.

The chili powder adds a bit of heat and warmth, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. This filling is easy to prepare and packed with savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors.

Assembling and Baking the Taquitos

Once the taquito filling is ready, the next step is to roll it up in warm tortillas. To make rolling easier, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side. This softens them, making them more pliable and easier to work with.

Place about ¼ cup of the filling mixture in the center of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly. Arrange the taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet, brush the tops with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes. The taquitos will bake to a golden brown and become perfectly crispy on the outside, while the cheese and pulled pork inside remain gooey and delicious.

Making the Chipotle Ranch Dressing

The chipotle ranch dressing is a simple yet flavorful addition that takes these taquitos to the next level. Mix together ranch dressing, chipotle chili powder, and lime juice to create a creamy, smoky, and tangy dipping sauce. The chipotle chili powder adds heat and smokiness, while the lime juice provides a zesty contrast to the richness of the dressing.

You can adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder based on how spicy you like your sauce. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. The lime juice can also be adjusted to taste for the right balance of acidity and creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Once the taquitos are done baking, remove them from the oven and serve hot, drizzled with the chipotle ranch dressing. For extra flavor, you can garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a few slices of avocado. The creamy, smoky chipotle ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the crispy taquitos, making each bite irresistible.

These taquitos can be served with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a simple salad for a complete meal. They’re great for a casual dinner, game day snacks, or a party appetizer that will definitely impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Pulled Pork Taquitos

Cheesy Pulled Pork Taquitos are everything you want in a flavorful, easy-to-make dish. The combination of tender pulled pork, melted cheddar cheese, and the crispy tortillas makes for a satisfying bite, while the smoky and tangy chipotle ranch dressing adds an irresistible kick. This recipe is versatile and can be made with leftover pulled pork, making it a great option for using up ingredients and creating a new, exciting meal.

The dish is simple to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight, but it’s also special enough to serve at gatherings or parties. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Conclusion

Cheesy Pulled Pork Taquitos with Chipotle Ranch Dressing are a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy, cheesy taquitos filled with tender pulled pork are complemented perfectly by the smoky, creamy chipotle ranch dressing. Whether you’re using leftover pork or making it fresh, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy a fun, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.