Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsEscalante's Fine Tex-Mex & TequilaAppetizer Sampler Recipe

Appetizer Sampler Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves8

Appetizer sampler of chicken and steak nachos, chicken and ground beef empanadas, chicken and steak quesadillas, and chicken flauta, served with sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, creamy cilantro, pickled jalapeños, chile con queso

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Ingredients

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Nachos

Method

Nachos

  1. 1

    Prepare the Nachos

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a large baking sheet, spread the tortilla chips evenly. Layer the shredded chicken, shredded steak, and shredded cheese on top of the chips. Add sliced jalapeños as desired.

  2. 2

    Bake the Nachos

    Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with sour cream and guacamole.

Empanadas

  1. 3

    Prepare the Filling

    In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add ground chicken and beef, cooking until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, and salt to taste. Allow the mixture to cool.

  2. 4

    Assemble the Empanadas

    Take an empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the filling in the center. Fold the disc in half and seal the edges by pressing with a fork. Repeat until all filling is used.

  3. 5

    Cook the Empanadas

    In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Quesadillas

  1. 6

    Prepare the Quesadillas

    Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla in the skillet and layer one half with shredded chicken, shredded steak, and shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla over.

  2. 7

    Cook the Quesadillas

    Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the tortilla is golden and the cheese is melted. Remove from heat, slice into wedges, and serve.

Flautas

  1. 8

    Prepare the Flautas

    Take a corn tortilla and place a spoonful of shredded chicken on one edge. Roll tightly into a log shape and secure with a toothpick. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.

  2. 9

    Fry the Flautas

    In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the flautas in batches until crispy and golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Condiments

  1. 10

    Prepare the Condiments

    In separate bowls, serve the pico de gallo, creamy cilantro dressing, pickled jalapeños, and chile con queso alongside the appetizer sampler for dipping.

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