Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes bring the bold flavors of Taco Bell right into your kitchen with seasoned crispy potatoes, warm nacho cheese sauce, and a dollop of sour cream. This simple yet indulgent dish is perfect as a side or a snack and delivers that delicious, comforting taste everyone craves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser with their irresistible crispy texture, savory taco seasoning, and creamy, cheesy topping. This homemade version of the popular Taco Bell dish allows you to enjoy it fresh out of the oven with the perfect balance of flavors. The seasoned potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, complemented by the warm cheese sauce and cool sour cream. It’s an easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion! Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Ingredients

1 pound diced potatoes, thawed if frozen
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
15 ounces nacho cheese sauce, heated according to label directions
8 ounces sour cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, add the diced potatoes and canola oil. Toss to fully coat the potatoes in oil.
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Add the seasoning mixture to the potatoes and toss gently to coat them evenly with the seasoning.
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not crowded to allow for crispiness.
Bake for 20 minutes. Carefully flip the potatoes with a spatula and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
Once baked, divide the potatoes into small serving portions. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of warm nacho cheese sauce and a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Storage/Reheating

For leftovers, store Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through. Add fresh cheese sauce and sour cream if needed for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of diced potatoes?

Yes, you can use any type of potato, but diced potatoes are ideal for getting that crispy texture. You can also use frozen diced potatoes if you’re short on time.

Can I make the nacho cheese sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! If you’d like to make your own cheese sauce, you can combine shredded cheddar cheese with milk and butter, then season it to taste with chili powder or paprika for a similar flavor.

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

If you’re not a fan of sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative. You could also try using guacamole or a creamy avocado dip.

Can I use a different type of seasoning?

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Chili powder, garlic powder, or smoked paprika could also be great additions to this dish.

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

For the best texture, it’s recommended to bake the potatoes fresh, but you can prep them ahead by seasoning and tossing the potatoes in oil, then refrigerating them until ready to bake.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! If you like things spicy, you can add some cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a few chopped jalapeños to the seasoning mix for extra heat.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that your nacho cheese sauce and any other toppings you choose are vegetarian as well.

How can I make the potatoes crispier?

Make sure to spread the potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet and flip them halfway through cooking. This allows for even crisping and prevents sogginess.

Can I make this dish in an air fryer?

Yes! You can make Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the seasoned potatoes in batches for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Can I freeze these potatoes?

While Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are best fresh, you can freeze the seasoned potatoes before baking them. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Conclusion

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful potatoes topped with melty cheese sauce and creamy sour cream. This simple dish is quick to make and packed with bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you serve them as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheesy, savory delights!