Potato Tacos: Crispy Mexican Tacos de Papa (Vegetarian & Easy)

If you’re craving a vegetarian taco that’s both crunchy and satisfying, you’re in the right place. Potato Tacos, often called tacos de papa in Mexico, are crispy on the outside and soft inside — a fun way to turn humble potatoes into a crowd‑pleasing meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or taco night, these tacos are simple to make and filled with flavor.

What Are Potato Tacos?

Potato Tacos are a Mexican‑inspired dish where corn tortillas are filled with mashed and seasoned potatoes, folded, and fried until golden and crisp. They’re vegetarian, easy to adapt, and full of texture. Traditionally, they’re served with classic toppings like salsa, shredded lettuce, cheese, and crema.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos are:

• Budget‑friendly and meat‑free
• Crunchy, flavorful, and perfect with your favorite toppings
• A great way to use leftover mashed potatoes
• Kid‑friendly and simple to make from scratch

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb russet potatoes (peeled, boiled, and mashed)
• 12 corn tortillas — warming helps prevent cracking
• 4 oz shredded Queso Fresco (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Boil and Mash Potatoes: Cube and boil potatoes until tender, then mash with salt, pepper, and cheese.
2. Warm Tortillas: Heat corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave — this prevents cracking when folding.
3. Fill & Fold: Spoon the mashed potato filling onto half of each tortilla, then fold over.
4. Fry Until Golden: Add oil to a skillet, fry each taco 2–3 minutes per side until crispy.
5. Serve with Toppings: Add sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, guacamole, or cheese.

Best Tortillas for Potato Tacos

Use soft corn tortillas for authentic flavor and crispiness. White corn tortillas tend to be more pliable, while yellow corn packs rich flavor once warmed.

How to Serve Your Tacos

Top your Potato Tacos with:

• Salsa roja or verde
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Guacamole or avocado salsa
• A squeeze of lime

These toppings add freshness and balance to the rich, starchy filling.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Prep the mashed potato filling up to a day ahead — assemble and fry right before serving.

Why did my tortillas crack?
Warm the tortillas before folding; cold corn tortillas crack easily.

Can I use other potatoes?
Yes — Yukon gold or red potatoes work, though texture may vary slightly.

Quick Cooking Tips

• Use a non‑stick or cast iron pan for even frying
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches for crispiness
• Pair with simple sides like refried beans or Mexican rice

Try These Potato Side Dishes

If you’re a potato fan, check out these recipes from around the site — perfect companions or inspiration for filling twists:

• crispy breakfast potatoes recipe for perfect taco filling
• easy oven‑roasted country potatoes
• roasted garlic mascarpone mashed potatoes

Final Thoughts

Potato Tacos are a fun vegan‑friendly twist on classic tacos — crisp, flavorful, and easy to customize. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or feeding a crowd, these tacos bring a satisfying crunch and hearty comfort to the table. Try them tonight and enjoy a new taco tradition!