If you’ve ever savored the crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes at Taco Bell, you know how addictive and delicious they are. Unfortunately, Taco Bell removed this fan-favorite item from their menu, but don’t worry – you can now recreate these crispy potato bites at home! This Taco Bell Potatoes Copycat Recipes guide will teach you how to make these tasty potatoes in your kitchen, from the crispy golden exterior to the cheesy, creamy inside. We’ll even show you the best way to cook these in an air fryer for that extra crispy texture. You won’t miss Taco Bell’s version once you’ve tasted this homemade recipe!
What Are Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes?
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes were a beloved side dish at Taco Bell before being taken off the menu. These bite-sized potatoes are coated in a flavorful seasoning, fried until crispy, and then smothered in gooey nacho cheese sauce and topped with shredded cheddar cheese. They are rich, cheesy, and have a satisfying texture that made them an ideal complement to any Taco Bell meal. Whether you enjoyed them as a snack, a side dish, or as a part of a larger meal, these Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes were irresistible. But now, with this copycat recipe, you can relive the experience and create these cheesy delights right at home.
Why Make Taco Bell Potatoes Copycat Recipes at Home?
Creating your own Cheesy Potatoes Taco Bell at home isn’t just about convenience – there are several great reasons to try this recipe:
1. Convenience and Speed:
You don’t have to wait in line at Taco Bell or deal with the drive-thru. With this Copycat Taco Bell Potatoes recipe, you can whip up a batch of Taco Bell Potatoes Air Fryer in less than 30 minutes. Whether you are craving them for a late-night snack or want a quick side for your dinner, these potatoes are easy to make and quick to cook.
2. Customization:
This recipe gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can make the potatoes spicier by adding extra chili powder or jalapenos, or you can customize the cheese blend for a richer flavor. Plus, you can use a variety of toppings, from sour cream to hot sauce, to give your Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes Recipe your own twist.
3. Opción Más Saludable:
Making these at home allows you to control the amount of oil and the quality of the ingredients. You can choose healthier options, like using olive oil instead of vegetable oil, or opt for a lighter cheese if you’re trying to keep the dish healthier.
4. Budget-Friendly:
Recreating this dish at home can save you money. You don’t have to order from Taco Bell every time you’re craving these cheesy potatoes. Plus, you can make a larger batch for the same price as a single serving at the restaurant.
Ingredients for Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your very own Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes at home:
Potatoes:
- 2 cups frozen hashbrowns (you can also use fresh diced potatoes)
- 1 cucharada de aceite de oliva (for crisping the potatoes)
- Sal y pimienta to taste
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 cucharadita de ajo en polvo
- 1 cucharadita de cebolla en polvo
- 1 cucharadita de polvo de chili (opcional, para un poco de calor)
- 1 cucharadita de pimentón
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for added flavor depth)
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Crema agria (optional, for topping)
- Fresh green onions (opcional, para decorar)
- Jalapenos or hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
These ingredients are simple, easy to find, and pack the bold flavors needed to recreate Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Taco Bell at home.
How to Make Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
The first step is preparing your potatoes. If you’re using frozen hashbrowns, you can skip this step. They are pre-cooked and ready to be seasoned and baked. However, if you’re using fresh potatoes, peel and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are all similar in size for even cooking. You can either par-cook them in the microwave or toss them with olive oil and bake them in the oven.
If you want to skip frying them entirely, you can opt for an air fryer or oven-baked method. The potatoes will still turn out crispy and flavorful.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a bowl, mix together the ajo en polvo, cebolla en polvo, chili powder, pimentón, cumin, sal, y pimienta. Drizzle aceite de oliva over the potatoes (or hashbrowns) and toss them well so they’re evenly coated in the seasoning blend. The seasoning is key to giving these potatoes that familiar Taco Bell flavor!
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
There are several ways to cook these potatoes to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Air Fryer Method: The air fryer is the quickest and easiest method for achieving crispy potatoes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in the basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. If you’re using fresh potatoes, it might take a little longer to get them crispy.
- Método Del Horno: If you prefer using the oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Stovetop Method: If you want a quicker method, you can pan-fry the seasoned potatoes in a skillet with some olive oil over medium heat. Cook for about 10-12 minutos, turning them occasionally until they become crispy on all sides.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, it’s time to load them up with cheese! Drizzle nacho cheese sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle the de queso cheddar rallado on top. The combination of gooey nacho cheese and melty cheddar is what makes Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes so delicious. You can also switch up the cheese blend by adding mozzarella or pepper jack for extra creaminess.
Place the potatoes back in the air fryer or oven for another 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
Paso 5: Servir y Disfrutar!
Su Copycat Taco Bell Potatoes are now ready! Top them with a dollop of crema agria and garnish with fresh cebollas verdes. For an extra spicy touch, add jalapenos or drizzle la salsa caliente on top. Serve these Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes as a side dish to your favorite tacos or as a standalone snack. They also make a great party appetizer!
Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes Air Fryer Method
For those of you who are looking for a quick and crispy way to make these potatoes, the Taco Bell Potatoes Air Fryer method is the best option. The air fryer cooks the potatoes to crispy perfection without the need for deep-frying, making them a healthier option while still achieving that beloved crunch.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re spread out evenly.
- Cocinar por sobre 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Add the cheese: After the potatoes are crispy, drizzle nacho cheese sauce and sprinkle shredded cheddar over the potatoes. Return them to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Taco Bell!
Taco Bell Copycat Potatoes Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are some fun variations on the original Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes recipe:
1. Loaded Cheesy Potatoes:
Add extra toppings like crumbled bacon, diced tomatoesy green chilies for a more loaded experience. The crispy bacon adds a nice crunch, while the tomatoes and chilies balance the richness of the cheese.
2. Spicy Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes:
For those who like a little extra heat, sprinkle some pimienta de cayena, jalapenos, or a few dashes of your favorite la salsa caliente to turn up the spice. You can also substitute the nacho cheese sauce with a jalapeno cheese sauce for an added kick.
3. Vegetarian Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes:
Make these potatoes vegetarian by sticking to the original recipe and topping with fresh guacamole o frijoles negros. These toppings add texture and flavor without taking away from the deliciousness of the potatoes.
4. Vegan Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes:
To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply use a plant-based queso y crema agria alternative. You can easily find vegan nacho cheese or make your own with cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Bell Potatoes Copycat Recipe
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll have a batch of delicious Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Taco Bell listo en ningún momento.
- Perfectly crispy: The air fryer or oven method guarantees that crispy, golden potatoes that Taco Bell fans know and love.
- Personalizable: You can make them as cheesy, spicy, or loaded with toppings as you want!
- Deliciously satisfying: Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, snack, or main, these potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Better than Taco Bell?: The beauty of making these Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes Recipe at home is that you get to enjoy them fresh, hot, and exactly the way you want them.
Final Thoughts on Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
This Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes copycat recipe is a great way to recreate the beloved side dish at home. With crispy, seasoned potatoes topped with gooey nacho cheese and shredded cheddar, this recipe is bound to satisfy your cravings. Whether you cook them in the aire freidora, oven, or stovetop, these potatoes are sure to be a hit with family and friends.
So, next time you’re craving Taco Bell, skip the drive-thru and make this delicious Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes recipe at home. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how much better it tastes fresh out of your kitchen!
Spanish 
English 
French 
Portuguese