Looking for a flavorful, easy appetizer for your next gathering? These Traeger Carnitas Taquitos deliver tender shredded pork, melted cheese, and a satisfyingly crisp tortilla shell—perfect for game day, family dinners, or a casual party.
Traeger Carnitas Taquitos
If you love bold, smoky Mexican-inspired flavors, these Traeger Carnitas Taquitos should be on your regular rotation. Shredded, slow-smoked pork provides the hearty base, while cheddar cheese adds creamy richness. Baked until golden and crisp, the taquitos are handheld, crowd-pleasing, and easy to scale up for parties.
Use your favorite carnitas as the filling—homemade or store-bought both work. The recipe is versatile: swap in shredded chicken, shredded beef, or seasoned ground beef if you prefer. These taquitos also make excellent use of raw flour tortillas: they crisp up perfectly and deliver a texture you can’t get from pre-cooked shells.
Why use raw tortillas?
Raw flour tortillas produce the crispiest, most satisfying taquitos and make exceptional quesadillas as well. When baked or grilled from raw, they toast evenly and develop a crunch that pre-cooked shells can’t match. If you haven’t tried them, they’re worth seeking out.
Get 75+ favorite Traeger recipes from the creator for more grilling ideas.
Recipe Shopping List
Want to know if you need to stop at the store? Here’s what you’ll need. For exact quantities, see the ingredient list in the recipe card below.
- Raw flour tortillas
- Cooked carnitas (shredded pork)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Avocado oil spray or other cooking spray
Try Traeger Pork Verde Steak Tacos for another smoky taco-style option.
How to Make This Recipe — Overview
Below is a concise overview so you can see the simple steps. Use the full recipe card for exact quantities and timing when you cook.
- Preheat: Heat the pellet grill (or oven/griddle) to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble: Place cheese and carnitas on each tortilla, then roll tightly without tearing. Place seam-side down on a prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with oil.
- Cook: Bake or grill for about 15–20 minutes, flipping once, until the shells are golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.
- Rest: Let taquitos cool a couple of minutes so the filling sets and the cheese stops bubbling.
- Serve: Enjoy with sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, pickled onions, or shredded lettuce.
Explore more Traeger recipes from the same creator for grilling inspiration.
Recipe FAQ
Yes. You can assemble and store taquitos in the refrigerator or freezer before cooking, or cook them in advance and reheat later. Reheat on a grill, in an oven, or in an air fryer to restore crispness.
Can you use store-bought carnitas instead of homemade?
Absolutely. Store-bought carnitas work well and save time. Homemade carnitas may provide the best flavor, but convenience options—like prepared carnitas from a grocery store—produce excellent results too.
Can I make these on a regular grill or indoors?
Yes. You can cook taquitos on a gas or charcoal grill, a gas griddle, in the oven, or on a large pan over the stovetop. A pellet grill adds extra smoky flavor, but cook them wherever you prefer.
More Recipes
- Blackstone Mexican Fried Rice
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Traeger Mexican Street Corn
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Traeger Bean Tostadas
- Marinated Fish Tacos
- Shredded Beef Tamales
Pin For Later
Traeger Carnitas Taquitos
Cheese and tender smoked carnitas are wrapped in raw flour tortillas and baked or grilled until golden and crispy. This quick recipe is a great weeknight dinner and an ideal use for raw tortillas.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 large raw flour tortillas
- 3 cups cooked carnitas (shredded pork)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Avocado oil spray or other cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger, grill, or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Separate tortillas and let them come to room temperature. Prep a grill-safe baking sheet and coat with avocado oil spray.
- Divide carnitas and cheese among the tortillas. Roll each tortilla tightly without tearing and place seam-side down on the prepared sheet.
- Place the sheet or the rolled taquitos on the preheated grill or in the oven. Cook for 15–20 minutes, flipping once or twice, until golden brown and the filling is melted and hot.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings and serve warm.
Recommended Tools
- Locking kitchen tongs
- Parchment baking sheets
- Pellet grill or oven (optional)
Nutrition Information (estimated per serving)
Yield: 8 | Serving Size: 1
Calories: 402; Total Fat: 22g; Saturated Fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 63mg; Sodium: 567mg; Carbohydrates: 30g; Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 20g
Nutrition data provided here is an estimate.