Mexican Blintzes
Mexican Blintzes are crispy, golden-fried cheese-filled tortillas infused with the flavors of Monterey Jack and green chilies. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they offer a delightful combination of cheesy richness and mildly spicy heat, appealing to cheese lovers and those craving a tasty, handheld treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut Monterey Jack cheese into 3 x 1 1/4-inch slices.
- Cut green chilies into strips.
- Heat a tortilla until warm; place one slice of cheese in the center.
- Place a chili strip on top of the cheese.
- Fold over the ends and roll up; secure with a toothpick.
- Repeat with each tortilla.
- Deep fry the blintzes at 400°F until golden brown, a few at a time.
- Drain on paper towels and remove toothpicks.
- Cut in half crosswise and stand on end to prevent cheese from running.
- Serve with guacamole or salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider baking the blintzes instead of deep frying them. You can also substitute Monterey Jack cheese with a blend of pepper jack for a spicier kick or use low-fat cheese for a healthier option. If you don't have whole green chilies, diced jalapeños or roasted red peppers can work well too. Serve these alongside Taco Dip With Tortilla Chips for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
These Mexican Blintzes are perfect as a snack or appetizer. Serve them with guacamole or salsa for dipping, and consider pairing them with a fresh salad to balance the rich flavors. They also go well with a side of Mexican Fruit Cake for dessert, making it a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the blintzes cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or use an air fryer for a few minutes for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Blintzes contains roughly 199 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the blintzes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the blintzes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before frying. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. When ready to serve, fry them directly from the fridge for best results.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are a great alternative. They may be a bit more fragile, so handle them carefully while assembling the blintzes. You can also try using large lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.
How can I make these vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but to add more texture and flavor, consider including sautéed mushrooms or spinach along with the cheese and chilies. They will enhance the filling and provide additional nutrients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).