Loaded Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes
Satisfy your cravings with these Loaded Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, inspired by the beloved Taco Bell dish! Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, these tender potatoes are topped with a rich, creamy Velveeta cheese sauce and a zesty salsa that brings the fiesta to your table. Finished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, this dish is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a crowd-pleaser for any lunch or snack occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these cheesy fiesta potatoes are sure to be a hit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
Ground Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (dry)
Large White Potatoes
2 lbs (peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (season to taste)
Velveeta Cheese
1 1/4 cups (cubed)
Salsa
1/4 cup (your favorite type)
Tabasco Sauce
to taste (optional)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup (divided)
Green Onion
1 (chopped (green part only))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2
In a ziplock bag, combine garlic powder and ground cumin. Add the cubed, peeled potatoes and seal the bag, shaking vigorously until the potatoes are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
3
In a large, heavy skillet, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned potatoes to the skillet.
4
Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low, cooking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
5
Transfer the sautéed potatoes to a non-stick baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they achieve a crispy texture.
6
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed Velveeta cheese, your favorite salsa, and Tabasco sauce. Microwave in one-minute increments, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
7
To serve, divide the crispy potatoes among four bowls. Generously drizzle each serving with the melted cheese sauce, top with a dollop of sour cream, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Enjoy your cheesy fiesta potatoes!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes?
They are a seasoned, golden-brown potato dish topped with a creamy Velveeta cheese sauce, salsa, sour cream, and fresh green onions, inspired by a popular Taco Bell menu item.
What is the main inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved Loaded Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes from Taco Bell.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 475 degrees Fahrenheit (245 degrees Celsius).
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of large white potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared before cooking?
The potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
What spices are used to season the potatoes?
The potatoes are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How do I ensure the potatoes are evenly coated with seasoning?
Place the cubed potatoes in a ziplock bag with the garlic powder and cumin, then seal and shake vigorously.
What fats are used to sauté the potatoes?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long do I sauté the potatoes?
Sauté the potatoes for 10 minutes uncovered while stirring, then another 10 minutes covered on medium-low heat.
When should I add salt and pepper?
Add salt and pepper to taste after the potatoes have been sautéed and are tender.
What is the purpose of baking the potatoes after sautéing?
Baking them at a high temperature on a non-stick sheet for 10 minutes helps them achieve a crispy texture.
How do I make the cheese sauce?
Combine cubed Velveeta cheese, salsa, and Tabasco sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in one-minute increments until melted.
How much Velveeta cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 cups of cubed Velveeta cheese.
What kind of salsa should be used?
You can use 1/4 cup of your favorite type of salsa.
Is the Tabasco sauce mandatory?
No, the Tabasco sauce is optional and should be added to taste.
What are the final toppings for this dish?
The dish is finished with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of divided sour cream.
What part of the green onion should I use?
Use only the chopped green part of the onion.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The final step suggests dividing the crispy potatoes among four bowls.
What texture should the potatoes have?
The potatoes should be golden-brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Can I use a different type of potato?
While the recipe specifies white potatoes, you can use other varieties, though the texture and starch content may vary.
What is the recommended cooking vessel for the stove?
A large, heavy skillet is recommended for melting the oil and butter and sautéing the potatoes.
How often should I stir the cheese sauce while microwaving?
You should stir the mixture in between each one-minute increment to ensure it is smooth and completely melted.
What is the heat level for the final stovetop cooking phase?
The heat should be reduced to medium-low when the skillet is covered.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include taco bell copycat, comfort food, cheesy potatoes, vegetarian, snacks, potato dishes, quick meals, and party food.
Can I serve this at a party?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and parties.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this dish considered a snack or a meal?
It is versatile and can be enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or side dish.