Microwavable Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

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I recently published a recipe for loaded air fried chicken and potatoes on my primary blog and tons of people mentioned they looked like Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. So, I thought I should pay homage to the Taco Bell classic with a healthier copycat that can be prepped in the microwave.

Here’s a look at how things turned out:

The Original Taco Bell Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes: 210 calories, 3 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbs, and 11 grams of fat

Copycat Microwavable Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes: 182 calories, 10 grams of protein, 18 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of fat (with an option to reduce the fat and calories even further)

You’ll get a protein boost, save some carbs and calories, and you won’t be tempted to order other things off the menu by going with the copycat recipe.

How to Make Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in the Microwave

This recipe has a short ingredient list other than a few spices. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• a can of diced new potatoes (you could also use frozen diced hash browns)
• plain fat free Greek yogurt
• your choice of salsa
• reduced fat shredded cheddar or your choice of cheese

That’s it!

Obviously using canned potatoes or even hash browns means you’ll lose some of the crunch that comes with a fried potato like the original. But I think you’ll hardly notice with the spices and if you use a great tasting salsa.

Speaking of spices, you’ll need black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also use a bit of taco seasoning and ranch dip seasoning if you have those on hand.

And I think that’s all you need to know. I’ll include notes on other ingredient modifications in the recipe card below. If you make these cheesy fiesta potatoes, I wanna see them. Grab a photo and tag me on Instagram @mugsformuscles or join my free Facebook group and share it with everyone.

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Microwavable Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

A simple, lower calorie copycat recipe for Taco Bell's Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. 

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American, Mexican

Keyword cheesy fiesta potatoes

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 182 kcal

Author Mason Woodruff

Ingredients

• 1/2 C (122g) Canned Diced New Potatoes drained
• 2 Tbsp (28g) Fat Free Greek Yogurt plain
• 2 Tbsp (30g) Salsa
• 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/8 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/8 tsp Paprika
• 1/4 C (28g) Reduced Fat Shredded Cheddar

Instructions

1. Drain potatoes and add to a small bowl or mug. Microwave, covered, for 75 seconds.

2. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, salsa, and spices together until smooth. Add half the cheese to the mixture. 

   

3. Fold the salsa, yogurt, and cheese mixture into the potatoes. 

   

4. Top with remaining cheese.

5. Microwave for 30-60 seconds or until the cheese melts. Avoid overcooking as the Greek yogurt may curdle if cooked too long. 

   

Recipe Notes

• You can use frozen diced hash browns in place of canned potatoes, though you'll need to let them thaw or microwave a bit longer before adding the other ingredients. 
• If you use taco seasoning and ranch dip seasoning, use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of each. 
• Swap reduced fat cheese for fat free cheese to save an additional 45 calories and 5 grams of fat.

More Recipes You Might Like

If you’re a true Taco Bell fan, you know how great their Cheesy Gordita Crunch is. That’s why I made a healthier copycat of that as well. Go check out my Healthy Cheesy Gordita Crunch recipe to double up the protein of the original.

If you’re searching for another southwest inspired recipe, my chipotle cheddar or Mexican mug cornbread may be right up your alley.