Toasted Chapulines and Quesillo Tlayuda with Avocado Crema

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Oaxacan tlayuda topped with crunchy toasted grasshoppers, melted quesillo cheese, and a smooth avocado crema. This mexican-inspired snacks ready in about 22 minutes turns shredded quesillo (Oaxaca cheese), toasted chapulines (grasshoppers), warmed refried black beans into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and place 1 large tlayuda tortilla on a baking sheet; spread 1/2 cup warmed refried black beans evenly over the surface.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded quesillo cheese over the beans; bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and edges of tortilla are slightly crisp.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup Mexican crema, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 tsp salt; blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Remove the tlayuda from oven; immediately scatter 1/2 cup toasted chapulines evenly over the melted cheese.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the avocado crema generously over the top, then garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup sliced radishes, and 2 tbsp chopped green onion.
  6. Step 6: Slice into quarters and serve warm as a flavorful snack or light meal.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Toasted Chapulines and Quesillo Tlayuda with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Toasted Chapulines and Quesillo Tlayuda with Avocado Crema?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Chapulines and Quesillo Tlayuda with Avocado Crema?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Toasted Chapulines and Quesillo Tlayuda with Avocado Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Toasted Chapulines and Quesillo Tlayuda with Avocado Crema?

Mexican snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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