If you’re a fan of Taco Bell’s Fiesta Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! This Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes Copycat recipe brings the crispy, creamy, and flavorful dish right into your own kitchen. Perfectly seasoned crispy potatoes are smothered in a creamy, zesty sauce, making them an irresistible snack or side dish. I’ve always loved Taco Bell’s version, but after trying this homemade version, I think it’s even better! The crispy edges and creamy center are just as satisfying, and the sauce is rich with flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or need the perfect side for your next meal, these Fiesta Potatoes will hit the spot!
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Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes Copycat – Crispy, Creamy, and Better at Home
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy seasoned potatoes served with a creamy, tangy cheese sauce inspired by Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes, made even better at home.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, for thinning sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add diced potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the potatoes evenly on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- While the potatoes bake, prepare the creamy sauce by mixing sour cream, nacho cheese sauce, chopped jalapeños, and milk (if needed) until smooth.
- Remove potatoes from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve potatoes warm topped with the creamy cheese sauce and garnish with green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking and pat dry.
- You can air-fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes as an alternative.
- Add hot sauce or extra jalapeños for more heat.
- Serve as a side dish, snack, or taco filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the potatoes:
Russet potatoes
Russet potatoes are the perfect choice for this recipe. Their starchy texture allows them to crisp up beautifully while keeping the inside soft and creamy. They hold the seasoning well and cook up to the perfect golden-brown color.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to coat the potatoes before baking, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping them light and tender on the inside. You can also use vegetable oil if preferred.
Taco seasoning
Taco seasoning adds a burst of flavor to the potatoes, giving them that signature zesty kick. A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices, it’s the secret ingredient that brings these potatoes to life.
Salt and pepper
A bit of salt and pepper enhances the flavor of the potatoes, making them even more savory and perfectly seasoned.
For the creamy sauce:
Sour cream
Sour cream is the base of the creamy sauce. It provides a smooth, tangy richness that balances the spiciness of the seasoning.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise adds creaminess and thickness to the sauce. It helps create the perfect texture for the coating while maintaining a mild flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
Hot sauce
For a bit of heat, hot sauce is added to the creamy sauce. It brings a spicy kick that complements the creamy base and enhances the overall flavor of the potatoes.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder gives the sauce a savory depth of flavor. It adds a subtle garlic taste that elevates the creamy coating on the potatoes.
Lime juice
A splash of lime juice adds brightness and freshness to the sauce, balancing the richness and cutting through the creaminess.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and peel the Russet potatoes, then cut them into small cubes (about 1-inch in size). Toss the potatoes with olive oil, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Bake the potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lime juice. Stir until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of hot sauce for more or less heat.
- Serve: Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the crispy potatoes or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with extra lime wedges or chopped cilantro if desired.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings, depending on portion size. The prep time is about 10-15 minutes, while the baking time is 30-35 minutes, giving you a total time of around 45 minutes from start to finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Fiesta Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until they are crispy again. The creamy sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Variations and Customizations
There are a few ways to customize this Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes Copycat recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives like vegan sour cream and vegan mayo. Use a dairy-free hot sauce if necessary.
- Spicy Version: Increase the amount of hot sauce in the creamy sauce or add a few jalapeño slices on top of the baked potatoes for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes: For an even more indulgent version, sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt.
- Herb Additions: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions to add a burst of freshness and color.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
- Crispy Potatoes: If you want even crispier potatoes, try tossing them in a little bit of cornstarch along with the seasoning. This helps create a crispier texture when baking.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the seasoning mix for an extra layer of smoky flavor in the potatoes.
- Non-Spicy Version: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can leave out the hot sauce from the creamy sauce and substitute with a bit of dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! You can substitute sweet potatoes for the Russet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and a different texture. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. The creamy sauce can also be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
For extra crispy potatoes, make sure they are well-coated with olive oil and spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they crisp up evenly.
Can I fry the potatoes instead of baking them?
Yes, you can fry the potatoes for a crispier texture. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the seasoned potato cubes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Can I add cheese to the potatoes?
Absolutely! For cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Can I freeze the potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze the baked potatoes for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy.
How can I make the creamy sauce less tangy?
If the creamy sauce is too tangy, reduce the amount of sour cream and increase the mayonnaise. You can also add a bit of honey or agave syrup to balance the flavor.
What can I serve these potatoes with?
These Fiesta Potatoes are perfect as a side dish with tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. They also make a great snack or appetizer for parties.
Conclusion
These Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes Copycat are crispy, creamy, and downright delicious. With the perfect seasoning, creamy sauce, and crispy texture, they’re a treat that’s just as good—if not better—than the original! Whether you’re making them for a quick snack, side dish, or even a party appetizer, these homemade Fiesta Potatoes are sure to impress. Best of all, they’re easy to make, customizable, and totally addictive!
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