What's the Difference Between Flautas and Taquitos?
Last updated on Apr 28, 2025Michale LeRoyWhen it comes to traditional Hispanic foods and Mexican-inspired cuisine, there's no shortage of tortilla-based dishes like burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. But what about some of the lesser-known (and equally delicious) options like flautas and taquitos? These two dishes are very similar but they do have some differences. While their descriptions may vary depending on whether you are north or south of the border, flautas are usually considered a main dish and taquitos are served as an appetizer or snack. Keep reading to learn more about these two dishes and what sets them apart from each other.
Shown here: Flautas are wrapped in flour tortillas and covered with toppings. Taquitos are wrapped in small corn tortillas and usually served with a dipping sauce.
What Are Flautas?
Flautas, which translates to "flutes" in Spanish, are a popular Mexican dish made by rolling a flour tortilla tightly around a filling, typically shredded meat such as chicken or beef. The rolled tortilla is then fried until crispy, resulting in a deliciously crunchy exterior that contrasts with the tender, flavorful filling inside.
One key feature of flautas is their shape - they are long and thin, resembling a flute or a rolled cigar, hence the name. This shape not only gives flautas their distinctive appearance but also helps to maximize the crispy texture of the fried tortilla. Flautas are often served with a variety of toppings and accompaniments, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce, adding layers of flavor and texture to the dish.
What Are Flautas Made Of?
Most commonly, a dish of flautas is comprised of two to three rolled flour tortillas with shredded chicken inside. The rolled tortillas are fried and then covered with toppings.
How to Pronounce Flautas?
Flautas is pronounced flau-tuhz. If you're referring to a single flauta, you would pronounce it flau-tuh.
Where Do Flautas Come From?
The exact origins of flautas are not definitively documented, but they are thought to have roots in Mexican culinary traditions.
What Are Taquitos?
Taquitos are small, tightly rolled tortillas filled with ingredients such as seasoned shredded meat, cheese, and sometimes vegetables. The filled tortillas are then deep-fried until they are crispy and golden brown. The result is a flavorful and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed on its own or as an appetizer.
One interesting fact about taquitos is that the name itself translates to "little tacos" in Spanish. This makes sense considering that taquitos share some similarities with traditional tacos, such as the use of tortillas and savory fillings. However, the unique preparation method of deep-frying sets taquitos apart and gives them their signature crunchy texture.
What Are Taquitos Made Of?
Taquitos are made with small corn tortillas wrapped around a filling of shredded meat or different types of Mexican cheeses. They're usually served with a dipping sauce.
How to Pronounce Taquitos?
The correct pronunciation of taquitos is tuh-kee-towz.
Where Do Taquitos Come From?
There are several different origin stories floating around for taquitos. One theory is that taquitos originated in Mexico as a way to use up leftover tortillas. Another version claims that taquitos were invented by a tortilla factory owner in San Diego. It's also been claimed that taquitos have roots that go all the way back to Mayan foods. No matter what the true origin story is, taquitos have become a beloved Mexican-American food enjoyed by many countries.
Flautas vs Taquitos
Flautas are typically rolled with a larger flour tortilla, giving them a longer and slimmer shape resembling a flute. On the other hand, taquitos are rolled with smaller corn tortillas, resulting in a more compact and bite-sized cylindrical shape. In terms of size, flautas are generally larger than taquitos due to the difference in tortilla size. Flautas are longer and thicker, making them a heartier option for those looking for a more substantial dish. Taquitos are smaller and perfect for snacking or serving as appetizers. Keep in mind that in some Mexican communities, flautas and taquitos both refer to the same dish.
We highlight some of the main differences between flautas and taquitos below:
- Size: Flautas are longer and thicker than taquitos, which are small and snackable.
- Serving: Flautas are served in smaller quantities, with one plate typically containing around 2-3 flautas. Taquitos are often served in larger quantities, with a plate typically containing 4-6 taquitos.
- Texture: Taquitos are a crispy snack that can be finished in a few crunchy bites, while flautas are slightly softer and may require a knife and fork to eat.
Flautas and Taquitos FAQ
We answer commonly asked questions about flautas and taquitos below:
Are Flautas Made with Corn or Flour Tortillas?
You can use the tortilla of your choice to make flautas, but large flour tortillas or even oval-shaped flour tortillas help achieve the signature cigar-like shape.
Are Taquitos Mexican or American?
The true origin of taquitos is disputed, but it's a guarantee that their roots are based in Mexican cuisine.
What's the Difference Between Tacos and Taquitos?
Tacos are served with a soft or hard shell filled with ingredients like seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa, while taquitos are smaller, rolled-up tortillas filled with meat and cheese, then fried to crispy perfection.
For restaurant owners, being familiar with popular Mexican dishes like flautas and taquitos can open up new opportunities to attract customers looking for authentic and flavorful options. Offering traditional Mexican dishes can help restaurants tap into the growing demand for international cuisine, providing a unique dining experience that keeps customers coming back for more.
