Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta potatoes were a much loved menu item that was recently discontinued from the Taco Bell menu. You can enjoy these crispy potatoes topped with cheese and sour cream in no time at all when you make them fresh at home.

Picking the Right Potato

It all starts with the perfect potato. There are tons of different types, but for cheesy Fiesta potatoes, keep things simple and go with the standard Russet potato.

Russet potatoes are ideal because they have high-starch content, thick skins, and mild flavor. The starch helps Russets develop a crispy, even colored crust when fried, and the mild taste does not overpower any of the other seasoning flavors.

If you are someone who chooses to leave the skin on the potatoes (and you really should be that kind of person since much of the nutrition is in the potato peel), you will find the skin of the Russet doesn’t get soggy or fall apart when fried.

No Russets at home? There is no need to make a special trip to the store. The second best choice is an Idaho potato, but any starchy variety will do.

Almost Endless Versatility

A cheesy potato bowl is just the beginning. Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes makes a great vegetarian replacement for meat in any number of Mexican dishes.

With enough spices and toppings like cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and hot sauce, even the most diehard carnivore won’t mind that the beef or chicken is missing. And no one ever said you couldn’t add cheesy potatoes to regular burritos or tacos as a topping. Let your creativity go wild!

Say ‘Hello’ Again to the Taco Bell Potato Griller

If you never had a Taco Bell Potato Griller at the restaurant, you haven’t lost your chance to try this crunchy vegetarian wrap. It is a snap to make. All you need is the Fiesta potatoes from the recipe below, nacho sauce, sour cream, and some flour tortillas.

1. Put the tortilla on the counter. Spoon about a cup of Fiesta potatoes on the bottom third of the tortilla. Using room temperature potatoes makes assembling easier. Make sure that the potatoes are at least an inch from the bottom and sides. Add nacho sauce and sour cream on top of the potatoes.
2. Fold the sides of the tortilla in about an inch on both sides. Start rolling from the bottom and make sure the filling is completely enclosed.
3. Place a pan over medium-low heat. Let it heat up, and then place the wrap with the seam-side down in the pan. Cook until the bottom begins to color — about 3 minutes. If it colors too quickly, turn down the heat. Flip and repeat.
4. Let the Taco Bell Potato Griller cool slightly before cutting on a slight diagonal and serving.

Tips for Making and Storing Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

• Store Fiesta potatoes in the fridge. Potatoes should be good to eat for a few days after making, but they will never have the crunch of fresh ones.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the potatoes. Potatoes that are too close together will steam and never develop a good crunch.

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Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you will need:

• Russet potatoes 
• All-purpose flour 
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Oil for frying
• Canned nacho cheese 
• Sour cream

Optional toppings: Guacamole, chopped onions, and shredded cheese.

How to Make Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

1. Wash and peel potatoes.
2. Cut potatoes into ½-inch to ¾-inch cubes.
3. Rinse potatoes off, and pat dry with a paper towel. 
4. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. 
5. Prepare seasoned flour for potatoes by combining flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
    
6. Drop potato chunks into the flour and toss to coat well.
7. Shake off excess seasoned flour before placing potatoes into the deep fryer.
8. Deep fry the potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
   
9. Remove potatoes from the fryer and drain on wire rack.
10. Top potatoes with nacho cheese sauce and sour cream.

Love Taco Bell? Try these recipes!

• Taco Bell Potato Soft Taco
• Taco Bell Enchilada
• Taco Bell Taco Seasoning
• Taco Bell Sauces
• Taco Bell Wrap
• Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Recipe
• Fresco Crunchy Taco
• Crispitos
• Taco Bell Baja Blast

Favorite Mexican Salsa and Sides

• Restaurant Style Refried Beans
• Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
• Chipotle Lime Rice Recipe
• How to Cook Black Beans

Be sure to check out more of my vegetable side dish recipes and the best fast food copycat recipes.