There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a crunchy taquito, and these Cheesy Potato Taquitos take that experience to a whole new level. The warmth of seasoned potatoes enveloped in a crisp corn tortilla, paired with gooey melted cheese, creates a delectable treat that’s not only satisfying but also oh-so-simple to make. I first discovered this recipe during a chilly evening when comfort food cravings hit hard. With a few humble ingredients, I whipped up a batch that quickly became a family favorite.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these taquitos deliver on taste and versatility. Plus, they’re baked for a healthier twist, making them perfect for everyone—even those adhering to gluten-free or vegetarian diets! The best part? You can stash some away in the freezer for an easy meal when life gets busy. So, let’s dive into making these scrumptious Cheesy Potato Taquitos that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why are Cheesy Potato Taquitos a Must-Try?
Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of seasoned potatoes and melty cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas offers a delightful taste.
Versatility: Customize with beans or veggies to suit your preferences, and easily make them vegan-friendly!
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze for a quick snack or meal when you’re pressed for time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner or party appetizer, these taquitos will impress everyone with their crunch and flavor!
Cheesy Potato Taquitos Ingredients
For the Filling
- Potatoes – Use Yukon Gold or Russet for a fluffy texture that enhances the filling.
- Cheese – Choose cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a vegan cheese alternative to keep it deliciously creamy.
- Seasonings – Combine spices like cumin and chili powder to bring a zesty Mexican flair to the filling.
For the Wrapping
- Corn Tortillas – Essential for wrapping; warm them up to make them pliable for easier rolling.
- Olive Oil – Brush on the taquitos for a crispy finish during baking; you can also use avocado oil if preferred.
With these ingredients, you’ll be ready to create delightful Cheesy Potato Taquitos that will surely become a family favorite!
How to Make Cheesy Potato Taquitos
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Prepare Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces. Boil them in salted water until tender, which should take about 15 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash easily!
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Season & Mash: Once drained, mash the potatoes in a large bowl. Stir in your chosen cheese and seasonings, mixing until combined. The warmth of the potatoes will help melt the cheese slightly for an irresistible filling.
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Assemble Taquitos: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Spoon a generous amount of filling onto each tortilla, roll them tightly, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
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Bake: Brush the taquitos lightly with olive oil, ensuring they’re coated for that crispy texture. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, watching until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Allow the taquitos to cool for a few minutes, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like salsa or guacamole, for a delightful crunch!
Optional: Sprinkle with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Cheesy Potato Taquitos Variations
Feel free to tailor these delightful taquitos to your taste and dietary needs with these fun and easy variations!
- Vegan: Swap out the cheese for a plant-based alternative or simply leave it out for a delicious, dairy-free option. The seasoned potatoes still shine through!
- Extra Texture: Mix in black beans or corn for added crunch and heartiness. They bring a delightful variation in flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully.
- Sweet Potato Twist: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter filling. The vibrant color and taste will surprise and delight your family!
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or diced green chiles to the filling for a hint of heat. Spice lovers will appreciate this fiery twist!
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions into the filling to brighten up the flavor profile. It’s a lovely way to bring freshness to each bite.
- Cheese Combo: Try a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a melty, flavor-packed experience. The kick from the pepper jack creates an exciting balance!
- Crunchy Topping: Top the taquitos with crushed tortilla chips before baking for an extra layer of crunch. They’ll add an irresistible texture that everyone will love!
- Grain-Free: Wrap the filling in lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative. This creates a refreshing take on the classic taquito!
What to Serve with Cheesy Potato Taquitos?
Pairing these tasty taquitos with delightful sides can elevate your meal to a new level, making it feel complete and well-rounded.
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Fresh Guacamole:
Creamy and zesty, guacamole brings a rich, cooling contrast to the crispy taquitos, inviting every bite to be savored. -
Zesty Salsa:
A vibrant, tangy salsa adds freshness and an extra kick, balancing the cheesy flavor with its bright acidity. -
Crisp Side Salad:
A light salad with mixed greens drizzled in vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch that complements the warmth of the taquitos. -
Cilantro Lime Rice:
Fragrant cilantro lime rice introduces a citrusy note, pairing perfectly with the Mexican-inspired elements of the taquitos. -
Black Bean Corn Salad:
This colorful salad not only provides extra nutrients but also introduces a delightful texture that enhances the meal’s overall experience. -
Spicy Roasted Vegetables:
Add some roasted veggies on the side for a hearty touch and smokiness, bringing depth to the flavor profile of this snack. -
Margaritas:
To drink, nothing beats a classic margarita. Its tartness and slight sweetness perfectly balance the savory tastes of Cheesy Potato Taquitos.
With these delicious pairings, your meal will be both satisfying and memorable, perfect for any occasion!
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy Potato Taquitos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling (mashed potatoes, cheese, and seasonings) up to 24 hours in advance—simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to assemble, warm the corn tortillas and spoon the chilled filling onto each before rolling them up. For a longer-term option, you can freeze unbaked taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly crispy results. Enjoy the convenience of having a delicious homemade snack ready to go whenever you need it!
Expert Tips for Cheesy Potato Taquitos
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Choose Right Potatoes: Using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes helps achieve the fluffy texture needed for a scrumptious filling. They m.clip and bind well with cheese.
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Warm Tortillas: Always warm corn tortillas before filling to prevent them from cracking. This ensures easy rolling and a perfect seam when placed seam-side down.
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Freezer Method: For long-lasting freshness, freeze unbaked Cheesy Potato Taquitos in an airtight container. Bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time to the cooking process.
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Customize Carefully: When adding extras like beans or corn, keep the filling balanced to avoid overstuffing, which can lead to tearing when rolling.
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Check Crispiness: To achieve that lovely golden brown, keep an eye on the taquitos while baking and rotate the baking sheet if needed for even crispiness.
How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Potato Taquitos
- Room Temperature: Enjoy freshly baked taquitos right away for the best crunch; they are best eaten within 2 hours of baking.
- Fridge: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: For extended storage, freeze unbaked Cheesy Potato Taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: If reheating baked taquitos, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Cheesy Potato Taquitos Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes are best for Cheesy Potato Taquitos?
I recommend using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. They provide a fluffy texture that’s perfect for mashing and mixing with cheese, ensuring your filling is both creamy and satisfying!
How should I store leftover Cheesy Potato Taquitos?
You can store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain their crispiness, pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Can I freeze Cheesy Potato Taquitos? How?
Absolutely! To freeze, place unbaked taquitos in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.
What if my taquitos are falling apart during rolling?
If your tortillas are cracking, try warming them more before rolling. Using fresh, pliable corn tortillas is key! When assembling, be sure not to overstuff; a couple of tablespoons of filling per tortilla should do the trick to keep them intact.
Are these taquitos gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure that the corn tortillas you use are labeled gluten-free, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free snack. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, it’s a good idea to check the packaging of your ingredients.
What can I serve with Cheesy Potato Taquitos?
These taquitos pair beautifully with fresh guacamole, salsa, or a light salad. For a complete meal, you might even serve them with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans!
Crunchy Cheesy Potato Taquitos Your New Favorite Snack!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel and cut the potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash the potatoes in a large bowl. Stir in cheese and seasonings until combined.
- Warm the corn tortillas until pliable. Spoon filling onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Brush taquitos lightly with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly, then serve with dipping sauces like salsa or guacamole.