Simple Potato, Green Chile, and Cheese Pan-Fried Tacos

These Simple Potato, Green Chile, and Cheese Pan-Fried Tacos are a delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes while satisfying your cravings for comfort food. The combination of creamy potatoes, zesty green chiles, and melted cheese all nestled in a crispy tortilla creates a delicious bite that’s perfect for any meal or snack.

Quick to prepare and full of flavor, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Simple Potato, Green Chile, and Cheese Pan-Fried Tacos

Ingredients:

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes

1/2 cup chopped green chiles (canned or fresh)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)

Corn tortillas (about 8)

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Mix Filling:

In a bowl, combine the leftover mashed potatoes, chopped green chiles, and shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare Tortillas:

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with oil.

Fill Tortillas:

Take a corn tortilla and spread a generous spoonful of the potato mixture on one half. Fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape.

Fry Tacos:

Place the folded taco in the hot skillet. Fry for about 1 minute until golden brown. Carefully flip and fry the other side for another minute until both sides are lightly browned and crispy.

Drain:

Remove the tacos from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve:

Enjoy hot with your favorite salsa or guacamole!

Notes:

Mashed Potato Consistency: Ensure your leftover mashed potatoes are smooth and creamy for easy spreading. If they’re too thick, you can add a splash of milk or a bit of butter to loosen them up.

Green Chile Options: You can use canned green chiles for convenience or fresh roasted chiles for a more intense flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference!

Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for extra heat or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste.

Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can also work if you prefer them. Just adjust frying time accordingly, as flour tortillas may need slightly less time.

Frying Tips: Keep the oil hot but not smoking to ensure the tortillas become crispy without burning. You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla; it should sizzle immediately.

Serving Suggestions: These tacos pair well with salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also add toppings like diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or pickled onions for extra flavor.

Storage: Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in a skillet to regain their crispiness.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of leftover mashed potatoes?

Yes! You can boil and mash fresh potatoes for this recipe.

Just make sure they are well-seasoned before mixing with the chiles and cheese.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack are all great options.

Choose based on your taste preference or experiment with a blend!

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Assemble and fry the tacos just before serving for the best texture.

How do I make these tacos spicier?

Add more green chiles or incorporate jalapeños into the filling.

You can also use spicy cheese, like pepper jack.

What can I serve with these tacos?

They pair well with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or fresh toppings like cilantro and diced avocado.

Can I bake these tacos instead of frying?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the filled tacos on a baking sheet, and lightly brush them with oil.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes until crispy.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a skillet to retain crispiness.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas work well; just be mindful of the frying time, as they may cook slightly faster.

What other fillings can I try?

Get creative! You can add cooked beans, sautéed vegetables, or shredded chicken for different flavor profiles.

Are these tacos vegetarian?

Yes, the basic recipe is vegetarian.

Just ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly if you follow a strict diet.