Name: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound russet potatoes, washed, dried, and diced into ½-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt; ¾ cup (178.5 g) heavy whipping cream; 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup (113 g) pepper jack cheese, shredded; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; ⅛ teaspoon onion powder; ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder; ⅛ teaspoon chili powder; Sour cream, for serving; Green onion, chopped, for garnish; Sliced jalapenos, for garnish; Diced tomatoes, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you love that perfect combo of crispy, spiced potatoes and melty, luscious cheese, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this recipe. These Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, bursting with bold taco-seasoned flavor and smothered in a rich blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and pack just the right amount of spicy kick to keep you coming back for more. Whether as a snack, a side dish, or even a main event for a casual gathering, these potatoes bring fiesta vibes straight to your table in the most delicious way possible.

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, and the best part is that the list is straightforward and easy to find. These simple essentials come together to create layers of hearty, melty goodness.

Russet potatoes: The starchy texture is perfect for crisping up while staying fluffy inside.
Vegetable oil: Helps deliver those golden, crispy edges we all crave.
Taco seasoning: A bold blend of spices that brings the fiesta spirit alive.
Seasoned salt: Adds depth and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth base for the cheese sauce.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that classic rich and tangy cheese flavor.
Pepper jack cheese: Adds a creamy texture with a hint of spicy kick.
Kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder: These subtle seasonings layer complexity into the cheese sauce.
Sour cream: Great for topping, adding cool creaminess to balance heat.
Green onions: Freshness and a bit of crunch to brighten every bite.
Sliced jalapenos and diced tomatoes: Optional, but perfect for giving a fresh, zesty finish.

How to Make Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes

Start by washing, drying, and dicing your russet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. This size allows them to cook evenly, achieving that prized contrast between crispy edges and tender inside.

Step 2: Season and Toss

In a medium bowl, combine the diced potatoes, vegetable oil, taco seasoning, and seasoned salt. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every potato piece gets coated with that zesty seasoning mix that forms the backbone of those amazing Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the potatoes in a single layer. Cooking in batches may be necessary depending on your air fryer size. Set the temperature to 375°F and air fry for 10 minutes, then give the basket a good shake and cook for another 5 minutes or until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and fork-tender.

Step 4: Make the Velvety Cheese Sauce

While your potatoes are crisping, heat the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until small bubbles start to appear around the edges. Lower the heat and gently stir in sharp cheddar, pepper jack, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts into a smooth, rich sauce. Keep warm on low heat while you finish up cooking.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once your crispy potatoes are ready, arrange them on a platter or serving dish. Drizzle the warm, cheesy sauce generously over the top. Don’t hold back here because every bite should be gloriously gooey and packed with flavor. Add your favorite fixings like sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos, and diced tomatoes for that perfect fiesta finish.

How to Serve Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really take these potatoes to another level. Sour cream lends a creamy coolness that balances the heat from the taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese, while green onions add a nice crunch and mild sharpness. Sliced jalapenos serve up an extra punch of spice for those who love it hot, and diced tomatoes add juicy freshness and bright color, making every bite feel vibrant.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are so flavorful they can stand alone, but they also complement lots of other dishes beautifully. Think grilled chicken, carnitas, or a fresh leafy salad with zesty lime vinaigrette. They also make a fantastic side for classic Mexican meals like enchiladas or tacos, or even alongside barbecue ribs for a fun fusion twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a colorful, rustic cast-iron skillet for a warm, inviting presentation. Or try layering them in clear glass bowls with layers of cheese sauce and toppings to create a fiesta parfait. For a fun party appetizer, spoon portions onto mini tortilla chips and top with a dollop of sour cream and a slice of jalapeno.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of these irresistible Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 3 days to keep that perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures.

Freezing

While freezing cheesy potatoes isn’t usually recommended due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese sauce. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or bag. When ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer for best results and make fresh cheese sauce to pour over.

Reheating

To reheat your Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, avoid microwaving if possible to retain crispiness. Instead, pop them back into the air fryer or a hot oven at 375°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Then simply reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stove and pour over before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can roast the potatoes on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and tender. Then proceed with the cheese sauce and assembly as usual.

What if I don’t have pepper jack cheese?

If pepper jack isn’t available, Monterey Jack or even a mild Colby cheese can be good substitutes. You might lose a bit of the spicy kick, but the flavor will still be creamy and delicious.

Can I use low-fat cheese or cream?

While it’s possible, the cheese sauce may not be as smooth or rich. Full-fat cheeses and cream help create that luscious, velvety texture that makes these potatoes truly irresistible.

How spicy are these Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes?

The spiciness is balanced but lively thanks to the taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese. You can dial it up or down by adjusting the jalapenos and chili powder to your taste.

Are these potatoes gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients used here are naturally gluten-free, making Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes a great option if you’re avoiding gluten. Just double-check your taco seasoning label to be sure.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about a dish that feels festive, comforting, and downright delicious all at once. These Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes do exactly that. The combination of crispy, spiced potatoes with smooth, melty cheese sauce and fresh, zesty toppings is every bit as fun as it sounds. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, a family dinner, or just craving some cheesy goodness, make these your go-to recipe. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll be a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes are a flavorful and crispy air-fried potato dish topped with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese, seasoned with taco spices and finished with refreshing toppings like sour cream, green onions, jalapenos, and diced tomatoes. This crowd-pleasing recipe offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and crunch, ideal as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Instructions

Prepare the potatoes: In a medium bowl, combine the diced russet potatoes with vegetable oil, taco seasoning, and seasoned salt. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. Set aside.
Preheat and prepare the air fryer: Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Air fry the potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Shake the basket to ensure even cooking, then continue air frying for an additional 5 minutes or until the potatoes are tender inside and crispy on the outside.
Make the cheese sauce: While the potatoes cook, pour the heavy whipping cream into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Heat until small bubbles form around the edges of the pan, then reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. Stir constantly until all the cheese is fully melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Cover the saucepan and keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.
Assemble and serve: Arrange the crispy air-fried potatoes on a platter or serving plate. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce generously over the potatoes. Garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapenos, and diced tomatoes to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes!

Notes

For extra crispiness, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes prior to cooking to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly.
If you do not have an air fryer, these potatoes can be baked in a 425°F oven on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Feel free to customize toppings such as adding avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Adjust the level of chili powder or jalapenos to suit your heat preference.
Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: Mexican-American