If you’ve never heard of xango (pronounced CHAN-go), you’re in for a delicious surprise. This Mexican dessert brings together multiple flavors and textures, combining creamy cheesecake with crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated pastry. If you only associate Mexican food with savory and spicy flavors, trying xango is the perfect way to explore the sweeter side of Mexican cuisine.
We love sharing delicious Mexican food with our customers at Los Reyes. Here’s everything you need to know about sweet and crispy xango.
What Is Xango?
Explained simply, xango is a fried tortilla with a cheesecake filling. A rich, sweet cheesecake is wrapped in a flour tortilla and then deep-fried until golden brown. Because it is rolled and fried, xango resembles a small chimichanga, giving it the nickname “cheesecake chimichanga.” Just after coming out of the fryer, it is rolled in cinnamon sugar to create a crispy, caramelized exterior. Combined with the warm, creamy center that melts in your mouth, the flavors and textures of xango make it a treat that’s not to be missed. To add a little extra sweetness, many serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, caramel drizzle, or fruit sauces like strawberry or mango.
Where Did It Come From?
The origins of xango are a bit fuzzy. It’s common in Mexican restaurants in the United States and Canada, and most consider it a modern Mexican-American creation rather than a traditional Mexican dessert. It most likely emerged from the Tex-Mex culinary scene, where traditional Mexican elements fused with American tastes, creating beloved dishes like its namesake, the chimichanga. Over the years, xango has earned its place as a favorite Mexican food. Today, you’ll find it in restaurant chains, hole-in-the-wall family establishments, and food trucks alike.
How and When Do You Serve It?
The best way to enjoy xango is hot and fresh, straight out of the fryer if you can get it. To keep the cheesecake filling firm and creamy, it’s usually pre-chilled before it goes into the fryer. The cinnamon sugar coating is reminiscent of a churro, but the crunchy exterior and creamy filling set xango apart.
Unlike other Mexican desserts, xango isn’t tied to a specific holiday or celebration, but you’re still likely to find it at a party. Its pleasing appearance and delicious flavor make it a popular choice for birthdays, family gatherings, and other celebrations. But you don’t have to save xango for a special occasion. Visit Los Reyes for some delicious Mexican food and treat yourself!
