The Spicy Potato Soft Taco from Taco Bell features seasoned crispy potato bites, warm soft flour tortillas, spicy chipotle sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and cool lettuce, delivering a flavorful blend of spicy, savory, and fresh textures in every bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Sheet pan or tray (for draining potatoes)
- Sauce bottle or squeeze bottle (for chipotle sauce)
- Cheese grater (if not using pre-shredded cheese)
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Food prep containers (for lettuce, cheese, potatoes)
- Microwave or steamer (to warm tortillas)
- Tortilla warmer (optional)
- Serving spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chipotle mayonnaise or chipotle sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Russet potatoes are ideal for crispy potato bites due to their starchy texture, which crisps well when fried in vegetable oil heated to around 350degF. Seasoning with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper ensures a balanced blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors that complement the soft flour tortillas. Shredded cheddar cheese and iceberg lettuce provide contrasting textures--melty and creamy cheese paired with cool, crisp lettuce--to enhance the overall bite. Using a sauce bottle for the chipotle mayonnaise or chipotle sauce allows for even distribution, ensuring every taco delivers the desired level of heat and smoky richness. Your homemade Spicy Potato Soft Taco from Taco Bell offers a deliciously layered experience with seasoned crispy potatoes, warm tortillas, and a harmonious combination of spicy, savory, and fresh elements.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash, peel, and dice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, toss potato cubes with chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the seasoned potatoes in batches for 4–6 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove potatoes with a slotted spoon and drain on a sheet pan or tray lined with paper towels.
- Grate cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Shred iceberg lettuce and set aside in a food prep container.
- Warm flour tortillas in a microwave, steamer, or tortilla warmer until soft and pliable.
- Lay warm tortillas flat and add a layer of crispy potatoes down the center of each.
- Drizzle with chipotle mayonnaise or chipotle sauce using a squeeze bottle.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes.
- Top with shredded lettuce.
- Fold tortillas to enclose the filling.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Substitution
The Spicy Potato Soft Taco copycat recipe replicates the iconic Taco Bell dish using seasoned, crispy potato bites and a blend of authentic spices like chili powder and cumin. If russet potatoes are unavailable, Yukon Gold can be a suitable substitute, offering a creamier texture while still achieving crispiness. Vegetable oil is ideal for deep frying, but you can swap it with canola or peanut oil for similar results and flavor profiles. Your chipotle sauce can be easily prepared at home with mayonnaise and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ensuring the perfect balance of spice and creaminess. To keep tortillas warm and pliable, use a microwave covered with a damp paper towel or a tortilla warmer if available.
Tips
Make sure to dry the potato cubes thoroughly before seasoning to ensure the spices adhere well and the fries get crispy in the deep fryer. Heat the oil to a consistent 350degF (175degC) and fry potatoes in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which can result in soggy fries. Warm your flour tortillas just before assembly to keep them soft and pliable, avoiding cracks when folding your taco. You'll find using a squeeze bottle for the chipotle sauce provides better control and even distribution over your crispy potatoes.
Nutritions
The Spicy Potato Soft Taco offers a balanced mix of macronutrients with crispy russet potatoes providing carbohydrates and dietary fiber, while shredded cheddar cheese adds protein and calcium. The use of chipotle sauce contributes a modest amount of fats and antioxidants from chili peppers. The inclusion of iceberg lettuce offers vitamins A and K along with hydration benefits. You can enjoy this flavorful taco as a moderate calorie option with a combination of spicy seasoning and fresh ingredients.
Storage
Store leftover crispy potato bites in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep them crunchy. Keep shredded lettuce and cheese in separate sealed containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Warm your tortillas just before serving to preserve their softness and flexibility.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a natural sweetness that complements the smoky chipotle sauce. For a healthier twist, try baking the seasoned potato cubes at 425degF for 20-25 minutes instead of deep frying, turning halfway through for even crispiness. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick of heat that pairs well with the spices. Consider fresh cilantro or diced avocado as alternative toppings to enhance freshness and texture in your soft taco.
Allergies
The Spicy Potato Soft Taco contains common allergens such as dairy, present in shredded cheddar cheese, and gluten, found in the soft flour tortillas. The chipotle mayonnaise or sauce may also contain eggs or other allergens, so reviewing ingredient labels is essential. You should avoid this taco if you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients or confirm with the ingredient sources to prevent allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Potato Soft Taco from Taco Bell offers a perfect blend of crispy, seasoned potatoes and creamy, bold sauces wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla, delivering a satisfying and flavorful bite. Fans of vegetarian and spicy foods appreciate its unique combination of textures and tastes without the heaviness of meat. The menu item's affordability and convenience make it a popular choice for those seeking a quick, tasty meal option. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize spice levels and ingredients, replicating the iconic Taco Bell experience with fresh, personalized touches.