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Quick Chimichangas
A fast and tasty Tex-Mex snack featuring Kraft cream cheese spread, hummus, and a hint of chili sauce, all crisped in a sandwich grill and served with spicy taco sauce.
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Cost Breakdown
Critical Success Points
- • Preheat the sandwich grill before assembling.
- • Fold the tortillas tightly to prevent filling leakage.
- • Monitor grilling time closely to avoid burning.
Safety Warnings
- • Handle the hot sandwich grill with oven mitts to avoid burns.
- • Be careful when squeezing the cream cheese spread as the container can be slippery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this recipe
What is the cultural significance and history of chimichangas in Mexican-American cuisine?
Chimichangas originated in the American Southwest as a deep‑fried burrito, becoming a staple of Tex‑Mex cuisine. They are celebrated for their crunchy exterior and flavorful fillings, often served at family gatherings and casual eateries.
What are traditional regional variations of chimichanga in Tex-Mex cuisine?
In Arizona and California, chimichangas are often filled with shredded chicken or beef and topped with cheese and guacamole. Some regions add beans or rice, while others serve them with a side of salsa or sour cream.
How is chimichanga traditionally served in Mexican-American households?
Traditionally, chimichangas are served hot, sliced in half, and accompanied by salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime. They may also be plated with Mexican rice and refried beans.
On what occasions are chimichangas typically enjoyed in Mexican-American culture?
Chimichangas are popular at casual gatherings, game nights, and weekend family meals. They are also a favorite street‑food snack at fairs and festivals across the Southwest.
How does the use of Kraft cream cheese spread change the traditional chimichanga recipe?
Kraft cream cheese spread adds a creamy, tangy richness that melts quickly in the grill, creating a softer interior compared to the classic cheese‑only filling. It also speeds up preparation because the spread is ready to use without softening.
What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with chimichanga?
Serve chimichangas alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, fresh guacamole, and a crisp green salad with lime dressing for a balanced Tex‑Mex meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making these quick cream cheese chimichangas?
Common mistakes include overfilling the tortillas, which causes leaks, and grilling for too long, which burns the tortilla. Also, not preheating the grill can result in uneven crispness.
Why does this recipe use a sandwich grill instead of deep‑frying?
A sandwich grill provides a quick, low‑fat cooking method that still gives a crisp exterior, making the recipe faster and healthier than traditional deep‑frying.
How do I know when the chimichanga is perfectly cooked and not burnt?
The tortilla should be golden‑brown and slightly firm to the touch. If the edges start to darken quickly, reduce the grill time or lower the heat and check every 30 seconds.
What does the YouTube channel Meals with Kraft specialize in?
The YouTube channel Meals with Kraft specializes in quick, everyday recipes that showcase Kraft products, offering easy-to‑follow tutorials for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Meals with Kraft's approach to quick snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Meals with Kraft focuses on using readily available Kraft pantry items to create snack‑size meals in under 15 minutes, emphasizing simplicity and minimal cleanup compared to many channels that use more elaborate techniques.
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