There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of potatoes baking in the oven, enveloping your kitchen with a warm embrace. Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table, where simple yet hearty dishes took center stage. One of my favorites was a flavorful take on baked potatoes, inspired by the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine. This dish has become a staple in my home – not just for its delightful crunch and gooey cheese, but because it brings back those cherished family moments.
Now, let me share with you my favorite recipe for Mexican Potatoes that will surely bring your family together, just like it did for me.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 30-35 minutes
- Total Duration: 45 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 400 calories
- Protein: 13 grams
- Carbs: 52 grams
- Fats: 17 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Sodium: 400 mg
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Potatoes
These Mexican Potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and roar with flavor from the warm spices. The combination of cumin, paprika, and garlic powder elevates humble potatoes into a dish that could steal the show at any dinner party! With melted cheese and fresh cilantro, every bite is a celebration of taste. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main, you’ll find yourself making this more often than you think!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s embark on a mouthwatering journey that’ll take your dinner from zero to hero! We’ll transform everyday ingredients into a fiesta-worthy dish that’s both visually stunning and deliciously addictive.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure your potatoes will roast perfectly while you prep.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into cubes. Aim for uniform pieces so they all cook evenly and achieve that desirable crispiness.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Feel free to get your hands in there and make sure every cube is dazzling with flavor!
Step 4: Arrange for Roasting
Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, giving them enough space to breathe and turn perfectly crunchy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop that beautiful color.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Once done, remove the potatoes from the oven and sprinkle with your favorite shredded cheese. Ooey-gooey cheese is the pièce de résistance of this dish!
Step 7: Melt the Cheese
Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts beautifully over the crispy potatoes, turning them into a cheesy wonderland.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite salsa. Every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These Mexican Potatoes shine best when served alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken, or you can pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal. Consider adding corn on the cob or a zesty bean salad to round out the table setting for a true fiesta.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven to regain that crispy texture, or warm them in a skillet over medium heat.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are ideal due to their fluffy texture, but Yukon Golds work beautifully, too.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment by adding chili powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Make It Ahead: You can prep the seasoned potatoes in advance and roast them just before serving, making it a perfect dish for entertaining!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Cheese Variants: Try different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy twist or feta for a Mediterranean vibe!
- Vegetarian Additions: Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the mix for a heartier meal.
- Herbs: Swap cilantro for fresh parsley or green onions if cilantro isn’t your thing.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will add a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with spices. -
Q: How can I make these potatoes spicier?
A: Increase the amount of paprika, or add some cayenne or diced jalapeños for an added heat boost. -
Q: What if I don’t have cumin?
A: You can substitute with taco seasoning or just a dash more paprika—your potatoes will still be delicious! -
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Yes! Cut and season the potatoes the night before, then roast them fresh the day of serving. -
Q: How do I know when the potatoes are done?
A: They should be golden, crispy on the outside, and tender inside—use a fork to check for doneness!
Wrapping Up
These Mexican Potatoes will not only tantalize your taste buds but also ignite your culinary creativity! Easy to whip up and bursting with flavor, they’re a perfect addition to any meal and an instant crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish. Happy cooking!
Print
Mexican Potatoes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these Mexican Potatoes are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and garlic powder, topped with melted cheese, and garnished with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into cubes.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, stirring halfway through.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and salsa.
Notes
Russet potatoes work best for this recipe, but Yukon Golds are also a great choice. Feel free to spice it up with chili powder or smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
