Prepare to meet your new favorite side dish: Taco Tatos! These incredibly delicious and easy-to-make taco potatoes are so good, they often steal the show. While we typically enjoy them as a vibrant accompaniment to our main meals, they are undeniably hearty and satisfying enough to stand alone as a light dinner or a fantastic appetizer for any gathering.
The Ultimate Taco Tatos: Crispy, Cheesy & Irresistibly Flavorful Taco Potatoes
Why Taco Tatos Will Be Your New Go-To Side Dish
Have you ever found yourself searching for that perfect side dish? Something that’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and universally loved by everyone at the table? Look no further than these spectacular Taco Tatos! These crispy oven-roasted potatoes are generously coated in classic taco seasoning, then loaded with melty cheese, savory crumbled bacon, and fresh green onions. They bring a delightful Tex-Mex flair to any meal and consistently rank as a top family favorite.
Beyond their incredible taste, Taco Tatos offer fantastic versatility. Whether you need a quick weeknight addition or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next party, they fit the bill perfectly. Their preparation is straightforward, making them accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, they’re wonderfully customizable, allowing you to easily adapt them to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
The Inspiration Behind These Amazing Taco Potatoes
It’s easy to get caught up focusing on main courses, but truly memorable meals often have equally impressive side dishes. I recently realized I hadn’t shared enough of my go-to side recipes, and that needed to change! That’s why I’m so excited to finally bring you the recipe for these incredible Taco Tatos, especially after sharing my Spicy Southwest Meatloaf recipe yesterday. In my humble opinion, these Taco Tatos are the absolute perfect companion to that flavorful meatloaf, creating a truly harmonious and satisfying meal.
The beauty of these taco-seasoned potatoes extends far beyond just pairing with meatloaf. Imagine them alongside perfectly grilled chicken, a juicy steak, or even as a unique base for loaded nachos. Their zesty, savory profile complements a wide array of protein-packed dishes. I’ve often thought they would be equally fantastic with any Southwest-seasoned grilled meat. While I haven’t tried it yet, I’m always tempted to cook these potatoes in foil right alongside the meat on the grill. It’s a fantastic idea for those busy summer evenings when you want minimal cleanup!
There’s a reason these Taco Tatos are a perennial hit in our household: there are never, ever any leftovers. My kids devour them as if it’s their last meal, and honestly, I can’t blame them! They’re just that good. I sincerely hope you give this recipe a try. And if you happen to experiment with cooking them in foil on the grill, please let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear your feedback and will be sure to update this post if I get a chance to try that method myself.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations for Your Taco Tatos
These Taco Tatos are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. Here are some ideas to make them even more special:
- Make it a Main Dish: Turn Taco Tatos into a hearty meal by adding cooked, seasoned ground beef or turkey to the potatoes before baking. You can even layer them like a casserole with a second layer of cheese and meat.
- Grilled Perfection: For a smoky twist, try cooking the potatoes on the grill. Toss the seasoned potato cubes with a bit more olive oil, then wrap them tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil packets. Grill over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally, until tender. Open the foil, sprinkle with cheese, and grill for another 5 minutes until melted. This method is fantastic for cookouts and makes cleanup a breeze!
- Cheese, Please: While Cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for a spicy kick, or even a Mexican blend would all be delicious.
- Extra Toppings Galore: Elevate your Taco Tatos with additional toppings. Consider adding diced avocado, a dollop of guacamole, sliced black olives, pickled jalapeños, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of ranch dressing or a creamy chipotle sauce.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your taco seasoning mix, or serve with your favorite hot sauce.
- Breakfast Twist: Serve these alongside scrambled eggs and a side of fruit for a unique and flavorful breakfast or brunch.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy from Our Kitchen
- Taco Rice Recipe: A Simple & Flavorful One-Pan Meal
- Hearty & Comforting Taco Soup: Easy Family Dinner
- Zesty Margarita Chicken Tacos: A Fresh & Tangy Twist
- Spicy Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos: Bursting with Flavor
- Explore Over 95 Incredible Taco Recipes for Every Craving!
Taco Potatoes Recipe: Your Guide to Perfect Taco Tatos
Taco Potatoes
These Taco Tatos are a family favorite that will disappear as soon as they hit the table! Crispy, seasoned potatoes loaded with melted cheese, savory bacon, and fresh green onions make for an irresistible side dish or even a satisfying main meal. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Ingredients for Taco Tatos
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup butter, melted (or olive oil for a healthier alternative)
- 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 oz. (choose your favorite brand or homemade blend)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded, 4 oz. (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- ½ pound bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 3 – 4 green onions, freshly chopped (both white and green parts)
- salsa and sour cream, optional, for serving
Instructions for Preparing Taco Potatoes
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set it aside.
-
In a large resealable plastic bag (or a spacious bowl), combine the cubed potatoes, melted butter (or olive oil), and the packet of taco seasoning. If using a bag, seal it securely and shake vigorously, squeezing the bag to ensure all potato cubes are thoroughly and evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. If using a bowl, stir well until every piece of potato is beautifully covered. Spread the coated potatoes onto the prepared baking pan in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded for optimal crispiness.
-
Bake the potatoes for 45-55 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork and deliciously golden brown and crispy on the outside. During the baking process, make sure to flip the potatoes at least twice with a spatula. This step is crucial for achieving even browning and a consistent crispy texture on all sides.
-
Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked and crispy, remove the pan from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the hot potatoes. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Remove the pan from the oven again and immediately sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and chopped green onions over the cheesy potatoes.
-
Serve your freshly baked Taco Tatos immediately, hot and ready to enjoy. Offer salsa and sour cream on the side for dipping, if desired, allowing everyone to customize their plate.
Chef’s Notes & Tips for Perfect Taco Tatos
- Potato Selection: Russet potatoes are recommended for their fluffy interior and crisp exterior, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used for a slightly different texture.
- Even Cubes: Ensure your potato cubes are roughly the same size (about 1-inch) for even cooking. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are burnt.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Spreading the potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet is key to achieving crispy results. If your pan is too small, use two pans to avoid steaming the potatoes.
- Preheating the Pan: For an extra crispy boost, you can place the empty baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. Carefully add the seasoned potatoes to the hot pan.
- Taco Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preference. You can also make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne for homemade flavor control.
- Bacon Prep: Cook and crumble your bacon ahead of time to make assembly quicker, especially for entertaining.
- As mentioned earlier, these Taco Tatos would be fantastic cooked in foil on the grill alongside any Southwest-seasoned grilled meat. This method is excellent for minimizing cleanup and adding a lovely smoky flavor. Just ensure the foil packets are sealed well to trap heat and steam the potatoes until tender, then open for a few minutes to crisp them slightly.
Taco Tatos Nutrition Information
Per Serving (approximate for 8 servings):
Calories: 433kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 63mg, Sodium: 734mg, Potassium: 852mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 964IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 132mg, Iron: 2mg
Note: Nutrition information is an automatic calculation and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Tatos
- What exactly are Taco Tatos?
- Taco Tatos, also known as Taco Potatoes, are a flavorful side dish featuring oven-roasted potato cubes seasoned with taco spices. They are typically topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions, offering a delicious Tex-Mex twist on classic roasted potatoes.
- Can I make Taco Tatos vegetarian?
- Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can replace it with vegetarian bacon bits, or add other plant-based toppings like black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, or extra green onions for added texture and flavor.
- Can I prepare these Taco Potatoes ahead of time?
- For the best results, Taco Tatos are best served fresh and hot right out of the oven to enjoy their crispiness. However, you can prep the potatoes by scrubbing and cubing them, then storing them in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Drain and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and baking. You can also cook and crumble the bacon in advance.
- How do I get my Taco Tatos extra crispy?
- Several factors contribute to extra crispy Taco Tatos: 1) Ensure potatoes are cut into even, 1-inch cubes. 2) Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; use two if necessary. 3) Flip the potatoes multiple times during baking to ensure all sides brown. 4) Consider patting the potato cubes very dry before tossing with oil and seasoning to remove excess moisture.
- What other toppings pair well with Taco Tatos?
- The topping possibilities are endless! Beyond salsa and sour cream, consider adding a dollop of guacamole or sliced avocado, black olives, pickled or fresh jalapeños for heat, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce or ranch dressing.
We hope you love these Taco Tatos as much as our family does. They’re proof that sometimes, the simplest ingredients can create the most extraordinary flavors. Happy cooking!
Originally published on June 28, 2013. This recipe and article were updated for improved clarity, additional tips, and enhanced SEO on April 23, 2021.