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These crispy coated potatoes capture the essence of the beloved Taco Bell Fiesta Potatoes, perfect for spiking up your burritos or enjoying as a tasty side dish. They boast a crispy exterior with a soft, tender inside, making them a family favorite that hits the spot every time.
I first tried making this recipe when craving Taco Bell during a road trip and was amazed at how close the homemade version came to the real thing. Now my family asks for these potatoes any time we want that fiesta flavor at home.
Ingredients
- Golden potatoes: Use firm and evenly sized potatoes for consistent cooking and a fluffy inside
- Oil: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for even coating and crisping
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the coating to the potatoes for a perfect crust
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the coating—do not skip this ingredient
- Paprika: Provides a mild smoky flavor and rich color; opt for sweet or smoked depending on your preference
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes and spices
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the earthy flavors
- Black pepper: A classic seasoning to round out the spice blend
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Simmer the Potatoes:
- Place whole washed and trimmed potatoes in a quart of water. Boil them for 20 minutes until slightly tender when pierced with a fork but still firm enough to hold their shape.
- Dice and Coat:
- Dice boiled potatoes into roughly 1-inch chunks for optimal crispiness and coating coverage. Toss gently with half a cup of oil to ensure the coating sticks evenly without clumping.
- Mix and Apply the Coating:
- Combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss the oiled potatoes in this mixture thoroughly so every piece is evenly covered for that signature fiesta crunch.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection:
- Spread the coated potatoes over two large greased baking sheets, making sure they do not touch to avoid steaming. Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes, rotating the pans halfway to allow even browning.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- These potatoes are fantastic on their own with a side of nacho cheese and sour cream or added to burritos or tacos for an authentic Mexican-inspired twist.
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My favorite part about this recipe is the crispy coating enriched with paprika. It instantly brings back memories of late-night Taco Bell runs with friends, now recreated right in my kitchen with all the flavor and none of the drive-thru wait.
Storage Tips
Allow the potatoes to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to three days and reheat best in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a gluten-free alternative, replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend. You can swap out paprika for smoked chili powder to add a deeper smoky flavor or omit cayenne if you prefer less heat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these fiesta potatoes with nacho cheese sauce or cool sour cream for dipping. They also work great as a filling for breakfast burritos or as a hearty side alongside grilled chicken or steak.
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Cultural Context
Fiesta potatoes have become a staple for Taco Bell, showcasing a Tex-Mex favorite where crispy potatoes meet bold seasoning inspired by southwestern flavors. This recipe brings a touch of fast food nostalgia with an easy homemade twist.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of potatoes work best for this dish?
Golden potatoes are ideal due to their balance of creaminess and ability to crisp well when baked.
- → How do I achieve the crispy coating on the potatoes?
The combination of flour, cornstarch, and spices tossed with oil before baking helps create a crunchy outer layer.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the potatoes and reheat them at 400°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- → Are there suggested flavor variations?
Adding dried onion, garlic, cumin, or chili powder to the coating mix adds extra depth and warmth.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake at 425°F for about 40 minutes, rotating pans midway to ensure even crispness.