Easy Mexican Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Potatoes
Are you a fan of Taco Bell’s Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes? Well, get ready to experience the sensation from the comfort of your own home with this delicious copycat recipe! These potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, smothered in a creamy cheese-like sauce, and topped off with a spicy pico de gallo.
The good news is that you don’t have to leave your house or drive-thru anymore for this tasty treat. With this recipe, you can make it anytime you want and customize it to your liking by adding your preferred toppings or adjusting the level of spiciness. Trust me; once you taste these fiesta potatoes, you’ll be glad you tried this copycat recipe!
Whether you’re hosting a movie night with friends, an outdoor barbecue party, or just craving some comfort food, these cheesy fiesta potatoes won’t disappoint. So grab your apron and prepare to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey with this Taco Bell-inspired cheesy fiesta potatoes recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you someone who can’t resist the delicious, crave-worthy dishes from Taco Bell? Do you love their Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes but hate the idea of ordering fast food all the time? Well, then this recipe is just for you! I promise that this copycat recipe for Taco Bell’s Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes will hit the spot and make it so you never have to leave the comfort of your own home again when those cravings strike.
Not only is this recipe super easy to follow, but it also uses simple ingredients that you probably have in your pantry already. Your taste buds will thank you for taking the time to make these cheesy fiesta potatoes with their perfect blend of spices and a deliciously crispy exterior. And if that’s not enough to convince you, just imagine the satisfaction of knowing that you made this deliciousness all by yourself without needing to drive through Taco Bell.
Plus, with the added bonus of being able to customize the recipe to fit your preferences by adjusting the spice levels or adding extra pico de gallo or tomatoes on top, you can make this recipe as unique and flavorful as your heart desires. Trust me when I say that these Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes will become a staple in your recipe collection, and your family and friends will be begging for more every time. So why not give it a try today? You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided into two 3/4 tsp portions)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Velveeta cheese
- Cheddar cheese
For the Pico de Gallo:
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Diced green bell pepper
- Yellow onion
- Kosher salt
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- Red wine vinegar
- Tomato paste
- Whole black peppercorns
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin
- Sour cream
The Recipe How-To
Get your apron on and preheat your oven! This is where the magic of Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes begins.
The Ingredients
First things first, gather all the necessary ingredients. Peel and cut 2 pounds of russet potatoes into small cubes. In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Add the cubed potatoes to the mixture and toss until they are all well-coated.
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Baking the Potatoes
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spread the seasoned potatoes evenly on it. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Adding Cheesy Goodness
Once the potatoes are finished in the oven, it’s time to add the cheesy goodness. In a medium saucepan, melt together 8 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of water, and 1/2 packet (or about 1 tablespoon) of Taco Bell Fiesta seasoning. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and mixed well.
Final Touches
Now for some final touches! On top of your cooked potatoes, add a dollop of sour cream, drizzle some nacho cheese, sprinkle with chopped fresh tomatoes or even better if you have some homemade pico de gallo on hand.
Time to Savor Those Bites
Your copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are ready to be served! Get ready to savor every crispy, cheesy bite. Enjoy as a satisfying snack or as a perfect side dish complementing any meal.
Substitutions and Variations
Making substitutions and variations to a recipe can take it to places you never thought possible. With this Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Recipe, there are a few ingredient swaps and mix-ins that you can try to make it your own.
If you’re looking for a spicier kick, add more chili powder, cumin or even some cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend. You can also swap out the Velveeta cheese for your favorite melty cheese, like Pepper Jack or Colby.
For a vegetarian option, try omitting the frozen fries and replacing them with roasted sweet potatoes or zucchinis instead. You could also add some sliced avocado or jalapeno peppers on top for extra flavor.
If you’re not a fan of tomatoes, you can substitute them for red bell peppers, which will bring sweetness and crunch to the dish. The pico de gallo can also be swapped for fresh salsa if you prefer.
Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can oven-bake the potatoes until crispy or even deep-fry them if you’re feeling adventurous (and have proper equipment).
By experimenting with different ingredients and methods, you can create your own unique version of this Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Recipe that will wow your taste buds every time.
Serving and Pairing
When you’re ready to serve up these copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, make sure to have a big appetite because these bad boys are filling! They make a great main dish for lunch or dinner on their own, or you could serve them up as a side dish to complement your main course.
One way to serve them up is to top the potatoes with some fresh pico de gallo (made from diced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, and red wine vinegar) and a dollop of sour cream. The acidity from the pico de gallo pairs well with the creamy potato and cheese mixture. Another popular topping option is nacho cheese sauce. Simply drizzle some over the potatoes for an extra cheesy kick.
If you’re looking for more ways to pair this delicious side dish, try serving it alongside some grilled chicken or steak fajitas. The smoky flavors of the meat will contrast nicely with the cheesy richness of the potatoes. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for something vegetarian, try pairing them with a fresh salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.
No matter how you choose to serve these Taco Bell copycat Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal prepping, the cheesy fiesta potatoes recipe is a great option. You can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.
To make ahead: Once you have fully prepared the dish, let it cool down at room temperature. Then, portion it out into airtight containers and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
To store: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them when you are ready to eat.
To reheat: There are several ways to reheat your cheesy fiesta potatoes. For best results, use a conventional oven or an air fryer to avoid making them soggy.
For oven reheating, preheat your oven at 350F and bake your potatoes for 10-15 minutes until they are warmed up and crispy again.
For air fryer reheating, preheat your air fryer at 375F and add your potatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and crispy again.
It’s important to note that microwaving may cause the potatoes to become soft and mushy so it’s not recommended for reheating.
Overall, this recipe is great for meal prepping and its leftovers can easily be reheated with proper technique, ensuring that they maintain their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, you need some helpful tips that I’ve gathered from my experience in replicating Taco Bell’s recipe. Here are some pointers to help you make your own version of the popular fast-food item:
Firstly, ensure that the potatoes are cut into equally sized pieces so they all cook evenly. This is important as unevenly cooked potatoes can result in a mixture of undercooked and overcooked potatoes in one batch, which can mess up the texture.
Secondly, it’s crucial to use a flavorful blend of spices, including cumin, garlic powder, chili powder and sweet paprika, to season the frozen fries (or air-fried cubes). Be generous with your spice blend so the fries are fully coated in flavor.
Thirdly, for added creaminess, you can mix Velveeta cheese with cheddar cheese for the cheese sauce. Alternatively, you can use nacho cheese sauce or any other cheese sauce that you prefer. But if you are opting for homemade cheese sauce then make sure to whisk constantly to prevent clumping.
Fourthly, add a touch of tanginess to your Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes by adding red wine vinegar and tomato paste to your pico de gallo. These two ingredients add depth of flavor and balance out the rich cheesiness of the dish.
Fifthly, when it comes to building the dish, start with a layer of fries before topping them with the cheesy sauce and spicy pico de gallo mixture. Repeat this process until all the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes ingredients are layered in.
And last but not least, don’t forget to top your Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle some cilantro on top for an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Follow these tips closely and you’ll get perfect results every time you make this delicious copycat Taco Bell recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes recipe is a budget-friendly and delicious alternative to ordering takeout. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can successfully recreate this well-loved fast food dish in the comfort of their own home.
Plus, with the option to customize the recipe by adding or substituting ingredients, you can make it your own and cater to your personal taste preferences. Whether you choose to serve it as a side dish or as a main course, this recipe is sure to impress.
So why settle for subpar takeout when you can make these mouth-watering Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes yourself? Whip up a batch today and enjoy a satisfying meal that your entire family will love.
Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
Fiesta Seasoning Oil
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Potatoes
- 6 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 6ths
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 yellow onion, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese, grated
- 1 (32 ounce) bag frozen french fries
French Fry Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Toppings
- 1 1/4 cups sour cream
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2/3 cup pico de gallo, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Make seasoning oil:
- In a large bowl combine Fiesta Seasoning Oil ingredients, stirring well to combine.
- For Potatoes:
- Place potatoes into a large pot of lukewarm water. Add salt. Bring to a simmer over high heat. Cook until potatoes are softened, but not fully cooked, 10 to 12 minutes total. Drain potatoes through colander, shaking a few times to release steam and soften edges. Allow to rest 5 minutes.
- Gently toss boiled potatoes in bowl with Fiesta Seasoning Oil coating thoroughly. Divide potatoes evenly between two rimmed baking sheets. Cook, tossing potatoes once, and rotating baking sheets; until potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, 25 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile make Nacho Cheese sauce.
- Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium, heat oil. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally until onion has softened about 5 to 7 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk, tomato paste, and vinegar, until well combined; allow to steep for 20 minutes.
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine grated cheeses, Place a fine mesh strainer over the bowl containing the cheese. Strain milk mixture into the bowl. Discard solids from strainer.
- Using a wooden spoon stir cheese mixture until smooth and saucy. If cheese doesn’t melt completely, set bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir until cheese melts and mixture comes together.
- Top Copycat Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes with 3 cups Nacho Cheese Sauce, Sour Cream, tomatoes and pico de gallo if desired. Serve immediately.
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.