Loaded Potato Oles from Taco John's feature crispy, seasoned potato bites topped with melted cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and a dollop of creamy ranch dressing, delivering a savory and crunchy flavor explosion with every bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Cheese grater
- Tongs
- Slotted spoon
- Ladle
- Spoon (for ranch and toppings)
- Plate or serving tray
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
Russet potatoes are ideal for Loaded Potato Oles because of their starchy texture, which crisps up well during frying. Using fresh, high-quality cheddar cheese ensures a rich, melty topping that complements the smoky bacon bits perfectly. Make sure to season the potatoes evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to achieve a balanced savory flavor. You can adjust the amount of ranch dressing to suit your taste, making the dish creamier or lighter. Your copycat Loaded Potato Oles from Taco John's will deliver the same satisfying crunch and cheesy goodness as the original.
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cut russet potatoes into bite-sized rounds.
- In a mixing bowl, toss potato pieces with vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add seasoned potato pieces to fry basket in batches.
- Fry potatoes until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch.
- Remove potatoes with a slotted spoon and drain on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Cook bacon slices until crispy, then crumble into bits.
- Arrange fried potato bites on a plate or serving tray.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over hot potatoes.
- Add bacon bits evenly on top.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the loaded potatoes with a spoon or ladle.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Substitution
Loaded Potato Oles from Taco John's copycat menu can be easily customized based on your kitchen supplies and ingredient availability. If you don't have a deep fryer, baking the seasoned potato bites on a baking sheet at 425degF (220degC) will still yield crispy results. Substitute smoked bacon with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option, and use any creamy dressing you prefer instead of ranch to match your taste. Russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, but Yukon Gold potatoes can be used if needed. Be sure to use a cheese grater to finely shred cheddar for quick melting and even coverage.
Tips
Ensure your deep fryer reaches a steady 350degF (175degC) before frying to achieve perfect crispiness without sogginess. Use a slotted spoon to remove potatoes and drain them on paper towels to prevent grease buildup, which can affect texture. When adding cheese, sprinkle it on while the potatoes are still hot to allow melty, gooey coverage every time. Your bacon should be cooked until crispy to provide a smoky crunch that complements the soft potato bites, balancing texture and flavor.
Nutritions
Loaded Potato Oles from Taco John's provide a combination of carbohydrates from russet potatoes and protein from crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. The potatoes are seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, adding flavor without extra calories or sodium. Your serving will also include fats from vegetable oil used for frying, cheddar cheese, bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, contributing to a rich texture and taste experience. Keep portion control in mind, as this snack can be calorie-dense and high in sodium due to bacon and cheese toppings.
Storage
To keep your Loaded Potato Oles fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness and melt the cheese evenly. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy and affect the texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Swap bacon bits with cooked chorizo or diced ham to customize the meat toppings. Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or jalapenos before serving to enhance freshness and spice. Instead of frying, bake the potatoes at 425degF (220degC) for 25-30 minutes for a healthier, crispy alternative.
Allergies
Loaded Potato Oles from Taco John's may trigger allergies for individuals sensitive to dairy, due to the cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, as well as pork allergies from the bacon bits. The ranch dressing often contains eggs and other additives that could also cause reactions for people with specific food intolerances. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consult allergen information if you have any food allergies before consuming this dish.
Why this recipe?
Taco John's Loaded Potato Oles menu is popular for its perfect combination of crispy, seasoned potato bites topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The unique seasoning and rich toppings create a crave-worthy snack that stands out in the fast-food market. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this flavorful treat at home with customizable toppings and fresh ingredients tailored to Your taste. Recreating this dish provides a cost-effective, personalized alternative to enjoying the iconic menu item from Taco John's.