Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

These Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) are the perfect blend of crunch and creaminess, making them a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or simply indulging in some comfort food, these tacos bring comfort and flavor to your table. With their crispy exterior and rich potato filling, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These tacos require simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making them ideal for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of creamy mashed potatoes, spices, and cheese creates a satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your toppings or serve them with different sauces to suit your taste preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Prepare a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week or freeze them for later.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids adore these cheesy tacos, making them an excellent choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these cheesy potato tacos efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Gather your kitchen gear before you start cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Saucepan
• Blender
• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth sauce from the tomatoes and spices, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Frying Pan: Ideal for frying the tacos to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispness.

Ingredients

These cheesy potato tacos are crunchy on the outside and filled with a creamy mix of mashed potatoes, cheese, and spices.

For the Filling

• 2 lbs russet potatoes (peeled and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt (divided)
• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup queso fresco (crumbled)

For Frying

• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying tacos)
• 16 corn tortillas

For the Sauce

• 1 lb plum (roma) tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

How to Make Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to a boil.
2. Add the chopped potatoes and cook over medium heat until soft when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Trim the stem end off each tomato and make a + sign on the opposite side.
2. Boil tomatoes in 3 cups of water for about 10 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of cooking water.
3. Peel tomatoes, transfer them to a blender, and add garlic, cumin, oregano, pepper, salt, and one cup of reserved cooking water.
4. Puree until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

1. In the same saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sauce from the blender and let it cook for about 1 minute.
3. Add the remaining reserved cooking water and simmer for approximately 5 minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

1. Drain potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Add butter, remaining salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and queso fresco.
3. Mash until combined; season with additional salt if necessary.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

1. Wrap tortillas in two batches with paper towels; microwave for 10 seconds or warm in a skillet until pliable.
2. Lay each tortilla flat, fill half with about 2 tablespoons of mashed potato mixture, then fold in half gently.

Step 6: Frying Tacos

1. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan until hot (check by dipping an edge of tortilla; it should sizzle).
2. Carefully fry four tacos at a time for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
3. Remove from oil and place on paper-towel lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your cheesy potato tacos with sauce or toppings like queso fresco, shredded cheese, iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, or salsa! Enjoy this delicious dish that makes every bite memorable!

How to Serve Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Cheesy potato tacos are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that enhance their flavor and texture.

Pair with Fresh Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds a zesty kick.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy mango salsa complements the savory taco filling beautifully.

Add Creamy Toppings

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado guacamole enhances the richness of the cheesy potatoes.
• Sour Cream or Vegan Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a mild tanginess that balances the flavors.

Serve with Crunchy Garnishes

• Shredded Lettuce: Fresh iceberg lettuce provides a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the soft filling.
• Queso Fresco: Sprinkling crumbled queso fresco on top adds extra creaminess and a salty flavor.

Make it a Meal

• Rice or Quinoa: Serving tacos with a side of seasoned rice or quinoa makes for a hearty meal.
• Beans: Black beans or pinto beans add protein and fiber, making your meal more filling.

How to Perfect Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

Creating the perfect cheesy potato tacos requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Boldly season your potatoes: Adding salt and spices while mashing the potatoes enhances the overall flavor.
• Use fresh tortillas: Fresh corn tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them ideal for folding without cracking.
• Ensure oil is hot enough: A hot frying oil ensures crispy tacos. Test by dipping a tortilla edge; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many tacos at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy tacos. Fry in small batches for best results.
• Experiment with fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like sautéed vegetables or different cheeses for variety.
• Serve immediately: These tacos taste best when served hot and crispy straight from the fryer.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

To create a complete meal, consider pairing cheesy potato tacos with some delicious sides. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the flavors of the tacos perfectly.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and pair well with the crunchy texture of the tacos.
3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing gives a sweet crunch that balances the savory flavors.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrition to your plate, enhancing both taste and presentation.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an excellent appetizer or snack alongside your main dish.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the tacos.
7. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado tossed with lime juice offers a rich yet refreshing contrast to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa), it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your mashed potatoes can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to taste and adjust the spices for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If you overcook the potatoes, they may become too watery. Cook them just until soft for the best texture.
• Not frying at the right temperature: Frying at too low a temperature can result in greasy tacos. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the tacos for optimal crispiness.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when folded. Warm them up first to keep them pliable and easy to work with.
• Filling tacos too much: Overfilling can cause the tacos to burst while frying. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling for each taco.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cheesy Potato Tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

• Place cooled tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, but this may result in softer shells.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa), we’ve got you covered!

Can I prepare Cheesy Potato Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and fry when ready to serve.

How do I make these tacos gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Cheesy Potato Tacos, simply use corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free.

What toppings pair well with Cheesy Potato Tacos?

You can top your tacos with fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, or additional queso fresco for extra flavor.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Potato Tacos (Tacos de Papa) are a delightful treat that brings comfort food to your dinner table. Their crunchy exterior and creamy potato filling make them irresistible. Plus, they are versatile! Customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!