Foodies in the United States have voted Smashed Potato Tacos as one of the most popular dishes of 2024. With their mouthwatering blend of toasty tortillas, savory toppings, and crunchy mashed potatoes, it’s no surprise that these tacos are gaining popularity on social media and becoming a family favorite.
This dish is great for a weekday supper, a get-together with friends, or even as a vegan or gluten-free meal alternative because it is not only very flavorful but also very adaptable. Are you prepared to eat this mouthwatering dish? Let’s examine the unique qualities of Smashed Potato Tacos and how to prepare them at home.
Why Are Smashed Potato Tacos So Well-liked?
The comfort of a soft taco shell combined with the crunchy richness of roasted potatoes creates Smashed Potato Tacos, the best of both worlds. Smashed potatoes, which are crunchy on the exterior and mushy on the inside, provide a distinct texture to conventional taco toppings like beef or beans.
However, this dish’s versatility is what really makes it stand out. It can be dressed up with a range of toppings, fresh herbs, and spicy sauces, so it’s ideal for meat eaters as well as vegans and vegetarians seeking a filling and fulfilling taco.
Here are a few explanations for the current surge in popularity of smashed potato tacos:
- Simple components: The main components are potatoes, tortillas, and a few of spices, which makes it inexpensive and simple to make.
2. Adaptable: You may customize each taco to your liking with a variety of toppings, from creamy to spicy sauces.
3. Excellent for Any Diet: Smashed potato tacos can accommodate a variety of dietary requirements, including those related to veganism, gluten avoidance, and comfort food enjoyment.
4. Worth Following on Instagram: They’re ideal for sharing on social media and food photography because of their vivid colors and crunchy textures.
Let’s get right to the recipe’s core now!
Tacos with Smashed Potatoes Ingredients
You’ll need a few basic, readily available items to produce the ideal smashed potato tacos. What you’ll need is as follows:
- principal components:
- Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are the ideal little potatoes.
- Black pepper, salt, and olive oil
- Powdered garlic (optional; adds taste)
- Choose between corn or flour tortillas.
- Optional garnishes: freshly chopped cilantro
- Cut Up Onions
- Tears from Lettuce
- Cut Up Tomatoes
- Chipotle Crema or Sour Cream
- Cheddar or Cotija cheese (or a vegan substitute)
- Guacamole or avocado?
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Smashed Potato Tacos
To make tasty, crispy smashed potato tacos that will please even the pickiest palates, simply follow these simple instructions:
- Let the potatoes cook.
To begin, bring the tiny potatoes to a boil in salted water. It should take them fifteen to twenty minutes to get fork-tender. The best potatoes are Yukon Gold and baby red potatoes because they cook to a creamy interior while maintaining their form. - Crush the potatoes
After the potatoes are boiled, rinse them and let them cool somewhat. Gently mash each potato with the bottom of a glass, a fork, or a potato masher. You want them to keep together yet somewhat flatten. - Prepare the potatoes for roasting
Set the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Spread a baking sheet with the mashed potatoes and liberally brush with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast them until they are crispy and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes, turning them over halfway through. - Get the Tortillas Warm
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or, if you have a gas burner, directly over a flame while the potatoes roast. The tortillas get more malleable and flavorful as they are warmed. - Put the Tacos together.
It’s time to put your tacos together once the potatoes are crispy. Each tortilla should contain one or two mashed potatoes. Top with your preferred ingredients, including cheese, chopped onions, cilantro, shredded lettuce, and a dollop of chipotle crema or sour cream. - Present and Savor
Don’t be scared to add a ton of toppings while serving the tacos hot! A delicious blend of crunchy potatoes, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce is guaranteed to satisfy.
Selecting the Best Potatoes for Tacos with Smashed Potatoes
Making the correct potato choice will yield the best outcomes. Little potatoes, such as Yukon Gold and baby red potatoes, are ideal because they roast and crush easily.
Red potatoes are often a little tougher than Yukon Gold potatoes, which are buttery and creamy. Both types are perfect for this dish since they have a nice crispy outside and a soft, delicious inside.
Larger, starchy potatoes, such as Russets, should not be used since they crumble easily when mashed. If all you have are bigger potatoes, chop them up before you boil them.
Options for Taco Shells: Corn or Flour Tortillas
Depending on your preferences, you may select between maize and flour when it comes to tortillas. While flour tortillas are softer and have a smaller capacity for fillings, corn tortillas have a more genuine, earthy flavor and are naturally gluten-free.
Before stuffing the corn tortillas, you may briefly cook them in a little oil if you’d like an additional layer of texture. This gives the potatoes a crunchy taste that perfectly balances their tenderness.
Best Five Sauces to Make Your Smashed Potato Tacos Better
The right sauce may make your tacos taste even better. Here are some mouthwatering sauce suggestions to think about:
First, Chipotle Crema
The crunchy potatoes go perfectly with this spicy, smokey sauce. To prepare it, combine lime juice, salt, and chipotle chiles in adobo sauce with sour cream (or a vegan substitute).
- The Verde Salsa
Salsa verde, a tart and somewhat piquant salsa produced with tomatillos, gives the tacos a vibrant, fresh flavor. - Avocado
A creamy guacamole never fails to wow. For a simple yet tasty topping, mash ripe avocados with chopped onions, salt, and lime juice. - The Gallo
Diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice are combined to make fresh pico de gallo, which gives a zesty, bright taste that counterbalances the richness of the potatoes. - Hot Sriracha Mayonnaise
If you want heat, try combining sriracha sauce with mayonnaise (or a vegan substitute) for a creamy, spicy boost.
Equipment required for Smashed Potato Tacos: CLICK ANY ONE ALL ON AMAZON
Large Pot : To boil the potatoes, use a big pot. It should be large enough to accommodate the potatoes and water comfortably so they can boil without crowding.
Potato Masher or Flat-bottomed Glass : You’ll need a potato masher to mash the boiling potatoes. A fork or a glass with a flat bottom will suffice in its place if you don’t have one. The potatoes should be softly flattened without entirely breaking apart.
Baking Sheet : To roast the crushed potatoes, you’ll need a strong roasting tray or baking sheet. This enables the oven to crisp them up. Make sure it’s big enough to allow the potatoes to roast evenly by spreading them out in a single layer.
Parchment Paper or Non-stick Spray : To stop the potatoes from sticking to the oven pan, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or coat it with non-stick spray. Additionally, cleaning is made simpler by this.
Oven : To roast the crushed potatoes, you’ll need an oven. About 425°F (220°C) is the perfect temperature for crispy potatoes.
Tongs or Spatula : You may assemble the tacos without breaking the tortillas or the potatoes by using tongs or a spatula to turn the potatoes halfway through roasting.
Skillet or Pan : Toasted tortillas work well in a skillet or frying pan. Toasted them in a dry pan, or toss them in a little oil to crisp them up a bit more.
Mixing Bowls : To prepare the toppings, such as chopped veggies, sauces, or garnishes, you’ll need a few mixing bowls. It’s useful to have different sizes to separate components.
Knife and Cutting Board : Cutting boards and sharp knives are necessary for chopping up the cilantro, tomatoes, and onions for the toppings.
Serving Plates : You’ll need plates to serve your tacos once they’re cooked. You can set up a taco bar where visitors build their own tacos if you’re entertaining.
Option for Adding Protein: Plant-Based or Meat-Based
There are several alternatives available to you if you want to add protein to your smashed potato tacos. Crispy potatoes go well with grilled chicken, steak, or carnitas, for those who enjoy meat.
Add some seasoned tempeh, grilled tofu, or black beans for a vegetarian or vegan version. Plant-based proteins mixed with the robust potatoes make for a satisfying and nourishing dinner.
Recipe Ideas for Smashed Potato Taco Toppers and Garnishes
These tacos really come to life with the toppings. Here are some excellent choices to think about:
Fresh Cilantro: Offers a flavorful rush of fresh herbs.
Pickled Onions: These provide the savory potatoes a sharp, somewhat sweet contrast.
Avocado Slices: The crunchy potatoes are counterbalanced by the creamy avocado.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese gives the taco ingredients a sour, salty taste.
Why Vegan or Gluten-Free Smashed Potato Tacos Are a Great Choice
Smashed potato tacos are becoming more and more well-liked since they can be simply modified to meet different dietary requirements. These tacos may be made completely gluten-free and vegan without compromising flavor by using corn tortillas, omitting the cheese, or using vegan cheese substitutes.
This meal is ideal for parties where guests have varying dietary choices because of the crispy potatoes and colorful toppings, which satisfy even non-vegans and gluten-free people.
In summary, the reasons to try smashed potato tacos
Smashed Potato Tacos are a must-try whether you’re a taco enthusiast searching for something different or you just want to test out a terrific, adaptable dinner. These are among the greatest dishes of 2024 because of their crispy texture, countless topping options, and diet-friendly nature.
Why not attempt them then? These tacos are going to become a regular in your kitchen because of their straightforward ingredients, uncomplicated preparation, and adaptable style.
FAQs
- Is it possible to prepare smashed potato tacos in advance?
Indeed! Before constructing the tacos, you may make the smashed potatoes ahead of time and reheat them in the oven. - Which type of potato works best for tacos with mashed potatoes?
Because of their size and creamy texture, Yukon Gold or baby red potatoes are the finest options. - Are tacos with mashed potatoes free of gluten?
Yes, provided that
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