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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Wash and peel potatoes.
- Cut potatoes into ½-inch to ¾-inch cubes.
- Rinse potatoes off, and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees.
- Prepare seasoned flour for potatoes by combining flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
- Drop potato chunks into the flour and toss to coat well.
- Shake off excess seasoned flour before placing potatoes into the deep fryer.
- Deep fry the potatoes for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
- Remove potatoes from the fryer and drain on wire rack.
- 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
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Be sure to check out more of my vegetable side dish recipes and the best fast food copycat recipes.
Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 8 ounces canned cheese sauce
- 4 ounces sour cream
Instructions
- Wash and peel potatoes. Cut potatoes into ½ inch to ¾ inch cubes. Rinse potatoes off, and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees.
- Prepare seasoned flour for potatoes by combining flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a medium-sized bowl.
- Drop potato chunks into the flour, and coat well. Shake off excess seasoned flour before placing into the deep fryer.
-  Deep fry for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown. Remove potatoes from the fryer, and drain on wire rack.
- Heat cheese sauce, pour 2 ounces of cheese sauce over potatoes, and top with 1 ounce of sour cream.
Nicole Lavallee
These taste Just like the fiesta potatoes! Thank you for this recipe, I literally made them 10 days in a row lol 😂 They are also quick to make which is awesome. Thank you!
Devi Mazyck Gomez
Great recipe! Highly recommend. Potatoes come out super tasty and full of flavor. Thank you!!
Denise
Making these tonight! Taco Bell is bringing back this side March 2021!
Stephanie
I hope you enjoy! I can’t wait!
William
Instead of deep frying could we spread on a cookie sheet and bake at 450?
Stephanie
You could if you tossed the potatoes with vegetable oil first.
Katie
Dare I say that these are even better than the ones at the ever so popular fast food joint? I love that I can tweak the spices to make it spicier or not so much depending on who I’m making them for.
wilhelmina
These potatoes are really delish! I was sad that Taco Bell took them away and I love being able to make them at home!
Toni Dash
This is so good and delish! Everyone at my house loved it!
Lindsay Cotter
These are so easy to make! Now we can enjoy these any time we get the craving!
LAUREN
I didn’t know what to think but these were a huge hit with my kids! Thank you!
JR
Thank you! I hate Taco Bell removed these from the menu.