Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
If you’ve ever ordered the Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes from Taco Bell, you already know how delicious they are. Crispy, golden potatoes smothered in creamy nacho cheese sauce and topped with cool sour cream. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish or snack.
Try these Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes and these Smothered Potatoes next!
You can make these cheesy fiesta potatoes at home with just a few simple ingredients, and they taste even better than the fast-food version!
Ingredients for Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
If you grab a bag of russet potatoes, the possibilities are truly endless! What make these cheesy potato bites so special are the spices that turn them into a masterpiece. Here’s what you need
- Potatoes: russet potatoes are best because they crisp-up perfectly. You can use yukon potatoes or red potatoes as well.
- Nacho Cheese sauce: all you need for the cheese sauce is butter, flour, sharp cheddar cheese, and milk.
- Seasonings: smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin are the most important seasonings for these fiesta potatoes.
How to Make Taco Bell Copycat Potatoes
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
One of the best parts about these well seasoned Mexican potatoes is how easy they are to make!
Dice the russet potatoes into small cubes.
Add all of the seasonings and olive oil to the potatoes.
Mix the seasonings and oil in well.
Add the seasoned potatoes to an air fryer.
Once the potatoes are crispy it’s time to serve.
Add your nacho cheese sauce and other favorite toppings.
Flavor Variations
Make them spicy by adding cayenne pepper, chipotle powder, or a spicy salsa!
You can make them for breakfast and add scrambled eggs, bacon, or your favorite breakfast toppings!
Making Nacho Cheese Sauce
To make the nacho cheese sauce for your cheesy fiesta potatoes, you will start by melting butter in a skillet. Once the butter is melted, add your flour and mix it in well.
Then you will add heavy cream and shredded cheese and mix it together until the cheese is fully melted.
Topping Ideas
This cheesy fiesta potato recipe is better than Taco Bell because of the unlimited toppings you can add! Here are a few toppings that make them extra delicious:
- Classic Taco Bell Style: Nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, and green onions.
- Tex-Mex Toppings: Salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo for freshness.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack melted on top.
- Crunch Factor: Crushed tortilla chips or Doritos sprinkled over for added texture.
- Creamy Kick: Chipotle ranch or spicy queso drizzle.
- Fiesta Bowl Style: Pile on taco meat (ground beef), lettuce, tomatoes, jalapeños, and avocado slices to make it a full meal.
FAQ
What kind of potatoes work best for fiesta potatoes?
Russet potatoes are ideal for crispy edges, but Yukon golds work great too for a creamier texture.
How can I make cheesy fiesta potatoes healthier?
Air fry the potatoes with minimal oil and use light sour cream or Greek yogurt as a topping.
Can I make the potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the potatoes and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven or air fryer, then add cheese and toppings.
After you try this Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more delicious recipes!
Ingredients
- 4 medium Russet potatoes peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoon each Garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt and pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted is best
- 2 tablespoons All purpose flour
- 1 cup Heavy cream substitute whole milk
- 1 1/2 cup Sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dice the potatoes into bite-sized cubes and add them into a bowl. Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel for crispier results.
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, then add in all of the seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are coated evenly.
- Add the seasoned potatoes to your air fryer basket (check the notes below for alternative cooking methods). Cook on the air fry setting, 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Cheese Sauce
- Melt your butter in a medium skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly (this thickens the sauce).
- Slowly whisk in your heavy cream or whole milk until there are no more lumps of flour. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Add more milk if it gets too thick, you want it to be slightly runnier than yogurt.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Keep stirring until it's fully melted and creamy.
- Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt and stir it in until everything is fully combined. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat, and serve right away.
Serving Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
- Once the potatoes are cooked and crispy, transfer potatoes to a serving dish and drizzle generously with the warm nacho cheese sauce.
- Add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with green onions or jalapeños for the full cheesy fiesta potatoes experience. And Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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