If you love Mexican food [1], you've probably wondered about the differences between flautas and taquitos [2]. If this has kept you up at night, you're in good company. Both consist of a tortilla rolled around various fillings then fried to greasy, culinary perfection. While some use the terms interchangeably, some devout Mexican cuisine [3] foodies distinguish between the two on the basis of size, shape, and type of tortilla.

Flautas vs. Taquitos — Size

In Spanish, flauta means "flute," which leads us to our first distinction. Flautas are often made using larger, burrito-size [4] tortillas that make a shape resembling a flute when they're rolled around filling. Taquitos are often shorter, made with taco-size [5] tortillas, and are considered a dish more appropriate for an appetizer.

Flautas vs. Taquitos — Shape

Both flautas and taquitos are rolled around filling for a cylindrical shape, convenient for handheld consumption. Those committed to the subtle distinctions between the two, however, may roll flautas with one end wider than the other, creating a cone shape.

Flautas vs. Taquitos — Type of Tortilla

The type of tortilla may be the most well-known distinction between the two Mexican dishes. Taquitos are most often made with corn tortillas, while flautas are typically made using flour tortillas [6].

Now enlightened by these three distinguishing elements, it's important to remember that many five-star chefs and occasional home cookers alike don't consider these differentiators significant. You may order a flauta off the menu and be met by a large, cylindrical corn tortilla. So in the spirit of these mouthwatering Mexican dishes, just roll with it.