There’s something utterly joyous about tacos, isn’t there? They’re like little parcels of happiness, just waiting to be devoured! Now, let me introduce you to a delightful twist on the classic—smashed potato tacos. Trust me, these crispy, smashed potatoes nestled in warm tortillas are not just delicious; they’re incredibly satisfying, too! The combination of fluffy potatoes, crispy edges, and fresh toppings will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. I promise, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best smashed potato tacos! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 small tortillas (flour or corn based on your preference)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, but oh-so-good!)
Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can add some shredded cheese or your favorite salsa to jazz things up even more. Just remember, the fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant your tacos will taste!
How to Prepare Smashed Potato Tacos
Making smashed potato tacos is a fun and straightforward process! Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy these tasty treats in no time.
Boiling the Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled and chunked potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll want to check them around the 15-minute mark—overcooked potatoes can become mushy, which isn’t what we want here!
Prepping the Potatoes
Once they’re tender, drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. This is the fun part! Grab a fork or the palm of your hand and smash each potato gently until it’s about half an inch thick. Don’t worry about making them perfect—some rustic edges are what make them crispy! Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on salt, pepper, and garlic powder to flavor them up.
Baking for Crispiness
Now, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the smashed potatoes on it. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them because crispy edges are what we’re aiming for—trust me, they’ll be the highlight of your tacos!
Assembling the Tacos
While the potatoes are baking, warm your tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. Once your potatoes are out of the oven, fill each tortilla with a generous amount of smashed potatoes, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. For a little extra flair, consider arranging everything nicely on a platter—your friends will be impressed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to prepare—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
- Vegetarian-friendly, making them a great option for plant-based eaters.
- Crispy, fluffy, and full of flavor—each bite is a delight!
- Customizable with your favorite toppings, so everyone can personalize their tacos.
- They’re a fun, unique twist on traditional tacos that will impress your family and friends!
Tips for Success
To really make your smashed potato tacos shine, here are some of my top tips! First, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the best texture—these will get wonderfully fluffy inside. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spices like paprika or cumin to the seasoning mix for an extra kick. And don’t skimp on the olive oil; it helps achieve that perfect crispy texture!
If you want to make these tacos even easier, you can use store-bought guacamole instead of fresh avocado—it’s a time-saver! Also, for a fun twist, try swapping out the tortillas for lettuce wraps if you’re looking for a lighter option. Finally, remember, the key to delicious toppings is freshness, so load them up with vibrant, colorful veggies. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
These smashed potato tacos are not only delicious but also provide a satisfying balance of nutrients. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values per serving (2 tacos):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these tasty tacos while feeling good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions about smashed potato tacos? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and answers that might help you out:
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes work best for that fluffy texture, you can experiment with red or even sweet potatoes for a unique flavor twist.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
If you use corn tortillas, yes! They’re a fantastic gluten-free option that complements the smashed potatoes beautifully.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the smashed potatoes in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving for that crispy goodness!
What toppings do you recommend?
Besides the traditional lettuce and avocado, try adding pickled onions, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for some extra zing!
Can I freeze leftover smashed potatoes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure to store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven to regain that crispy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover smashed potato tacos (which is rare, trust me!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep them tasting delicious. Place any uneaten tacos in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes—this will help restore their crispy texture. You can also pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping them gently. Enjoy your second round of these tasty tacos!
For more delicious recipes, check out Mexican Street Tacos or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta for a delightful twist on traditional meals!
Print
Smashed Potato Tacos: 5 Reasons You’ll Crave This Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Smashed potato tacos are a delicious and satisfying dish featuring crispy smashed potatoes in a warm tortilla.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and let the potatoes cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Smash each potato with a fork or the palm of your hand.
- Brush the smashed potatoes with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Warm the tortillas in a skillet.
- Assemble the tacos by placing smashed potatoes in the tortillas.
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream on top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can add cheese for extra flavor.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: smashed potato tacos, vegetarian tacos, easy tacos
