Cheesy Potato Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced, making them an ideal appetizer, snack, or main course. These taquitos are baked to perfection, not fried, and feature a creamy potato filling combined with sharp cheddar cheese. Whether served as a light dinner or a fun snack, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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5 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold potatoes recommended)
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2 teaspoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 ½ teaspoons salt
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¾ cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
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12 corn tortillas
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Cooking spray
Directions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 20 minutes.
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Season the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked potatoes and season with garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and salt. Cook for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are slightly crispy. Add the cheese and mix until it melts.
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Prepare the Tortillas: If needed, heat the tortillas in the microwave or on the stovetop until they are pliable.
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Assemble the Taquitos: Place 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down on a large baking sheet.
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Bake: Spray the top of the taquitos with cooking spray and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
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Serve: Allow the taquitos to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a snack or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrients
Per Serving (Approx.)
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Calories: 235 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 34g
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Protein: 6g
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Fat: 10g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Sodium: 600mg
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Potassium: 600mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 2g
he Perfect Combination of Creamy Potatoes and Cheddar Cheese
The filling for these taquitos is what makes them truly special. Yukon gold potatoes, with their naturally creamy texture and buttery flavor, form the base of the filling. Once cooked and seasoned, the potatoes are combined with sharp cheddar cheese, which melts beautifully and adds a tangy, rich flavor that elevates the dish. The combination of the creamy potatoes and the sharp, slightly salty cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying filling that is both comforting and indulgent.
To add even more depth to the flavor, the potatoes are seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and salt. These spices bring warmth, smokiness, and a hint of earthiness to the filling, making each bite burst with flavor. The cumin and paprika add just enough heat and depth to the potatoes without overpowering the richness of the cheese. The result is a perfectly spiced and creamy filling that pairs beautifully with the crispy tortilla shell.
Baked, Not Fried: A Healthier Twist on Taquitos
Traditional taquitos are typically deep-fried, which adds extra calories and fat. However, this recipe bakes the taquitos instead of frying them, offering a healthier option without compromising on texture or flavor. The taquitos are lightly sprayed with cooking spray before baking, allowing the tortillas to crisp up perfectly while still maintaining a golden, crunchy exterior. Baking also makes this recipe much easier to prepare, as it eliminates the need for frying in oil and reduces the mess that comes with it.
By baking the taquitos, you get the same deliciously crispy texture, but with fewer calories and less grease. The tortillas become golden brown and crispy on the outside, while the creamy potato and cheese filling stays warm and tender inside. The result is a lighter version of taquitos that’s just as satisfying, if not more so, than the traditional fried version.
The Versatility of Cheesy Potato Taquitos
Cheesy Potato Taquitos are an incredibly versatile dish. While they can easily be served as a main course, they also make a fantastic appetizer or snack. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve at gatherings, and they can be enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces.
These taquitos are also easy to customize based on your preferences. If you like a bit of spice, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the potato filling for a little heat. For a more robust flavor, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the filling. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for a different variety, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to add more flavor or heat.
For a vegetarian version, the recipe is already meat-free, but you can make them even heartier by adding black beans, corn, or spinach to the filling. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free tortillas in place of the regular corn tortillas. These taquitos are incredibly flexible and can be tailored to suit any dietary preference or flavor profile.
Easy Preparation and Quick Cooking
One of the best things about Cheesy Potato Taquitos is how simple they are to make. From start to finish, they take less than an hour to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or a quick snack. The preparation process is straightforward: simply cook the potatoes, season them, mix with cheese, and roll up the taquitos. A quick bake in the oven is all that’s needed to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
This recipe is also beginner-friendly, so even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can still make these taquitos with ease. The filling is prepared in one pan, and the rolling process is simple—just spoon the potato mixture into the tortillas, roll them up, and place them on a baking sheet. With a little cooking spray and a 25-minute bake time, you’ll have a delicious and crispy dish ready to enjoy in no time.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Cheesy Potato Taquitos can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. The creamy, tangy dips complement the richness of the taquitos and add an extra layer of flavor. You could also serve them with a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the filling.
If you want to add even more flavor, you can serve these taquitos with a zesty lime crema or a drizzle of hot sauce for an added kick. They also go well with a side of Mexican rice or black beans, making them a more substantial meal. If you’re looking for a fun twist, try serving them with a variety of dipping sauces like chipotle ranch, avocado salsa, or a tangy yogurt-based dip.
These taquitos can also be enjoyed as a stand-alone snack. Their crunchy texture and cheesy filling make them a great finger food for casual gatherings, and they’re sure to disappear quickly at any party. Whether you serve them as part of a larger meal or as a tasty snack, these taquitos are guaranteed to be a hit.
Nutritional Information
Cheesy Potato Taquitos provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. With 235 calories per serving, they make a filling and satisfying option without being too heavy. Each serving contains 34 grams of carbohydrates, which provide energy, along with 6 grams of protein to help keep you full. The fat content is moderate at 10 grams, with 4 grams coming from saturated fat, which comes from the cheese and olive oil.
These taquitos also offer 4 grams of fiber, which supports digestive health and helps keep you feeling full longer. With 600 mg of potassium and a modest amount of sodium (600 mg), they offer a good balance of electrolytes. The dish is a great source of essential nutrients like iron and calcium, which contribute to bone and muscle health. It’s a perfect example of how comfort food can be both delicious and nourishing.
Conclusion: A Comforting and Satisfying Dish
Cheesy Potato Taquitos are the perfect combination of crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful. With their creamy potato filling and crispy exterior, they make for a fun and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, an appetizer, or a snack, they are sure to impress with their rich flavor and satisfying texture. This easy, baked version of taquitos is a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version, while still delivering all the crispy goodness you crave. With endless customization options and a quick prep time, Cheesy Potato Taquitos are a versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.