Papas Locas, which translates to “Crazy Potatoes” in English, is a popular Mexican street food dish.
While I was in Mexico, I tried Los Papas Locas from the food trucks there. They were really good! I liked them so much that when I got back to the USA, I decided to make them at home. Today, I’m sharing the recipe with you. It’s easy, and you’ll love the tasty mix of flavors and textures, just like I did in Mexico.
Making Papas Locas at home brings back those fun street food memories. It’s like having a piece of Mexico right in my kitchen. You can change them up however you like, and it’s a fun way to enjoy a bit of Mexican food wherever you are. So, let’s get started on making these homemade Papas Locas that will take you back to the lively streets of Mexico!
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes, washed and diced into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup cooked and diced chicken
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Step1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Step2:
In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step3:
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through baking.
Step4:
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step5:
Remove the Papas Locas from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
Step6:
Top the loaded potatoes with diced chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Serve:
Serve the Papas Locas immediately and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Mexican street food dish as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Sliced Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick and extra spice to your Papas Locas. They bring heat and depth of flavor to the dish, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their food.
Diced Red Bell Peppers: Incorporate diced red bell peppers to add a burst of color and a touch of sweetness to your Papas Locas. They provide a vibrant contrast and enhance the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Black Beans: Include black beans for added protein and texture. They contribute a hearty and satisfying element to the dish, making it more filling and nutritious.
Guacamole: Top your Papas Locas with guacamole for a creamy and flavorful addition. The richness of the guacamole complements the crispy potatoes and savory toppings, creating a delicious harmony of flavors.
Salsa Verde: Drizzle salsa verde over your Papas Locas for a tangy twist. The bright and refreshing flavors of salsa verde add a burst of acidity and freshness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
Crumbled Queso Fresco: Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top of your Papas Locas for a traditional Mexican cheese topping. Queso fresco adds a mild and creamy flavor to the dish, enhancing its authenticity and richness.
For me, I prefer to enjoy it with Nish Nosh Salad to elevate the dining experience with the delightful combination of the crispy Papas Locas and the fresh, vibrant flavors of the salad. Here are More Serving Ideas:
With Mexican Dishes: Pair Papas Locas with your favorite Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, or burritos for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
At Parties or Game Nights: Set up a Papas Locas bar at parties or game nights, allowing guests to customize their loaded potatoes with a variety of toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Alongside Grilled Meats: Serve Papas Locas as a tasty side dish alongside grilled meats such as steak, chicken, or shrimp for a hearty and satisfying meal.
As a Late-Night Snack: Enjoy Papas Locas as a late-night snack when craving something savory and satisfying. They’re quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for satisfying those midnight cravings.
With Fresh Salad: Pair Papas Locas with a fresh salad for a balanced and wholesome meal. The crispy potatoes and savory toppings complement the crisp greens and refreshing dressing for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
After they’ve cooled, store your leftover Papas Locas in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This ensures they stay fresh and delicious for your next serving!
Papas Locas is a flavorful and versatile dish that offers a delightful combination of crispy potatoes and savory toppings. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or late-night snack, its customizable nature allows for endless variations to suit individual preferences.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for Papas Locas?
- Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in this recipe. Keep in mind that sweet potatoes may require slightly less cooking time due to their higher sugar content.
Are there any vegetarian toppings options for Papas Locas?
- Absolutely! You can customize Papas Locas with vegetarian toppings such as black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and avocado for a delicious meat-free version.
Can I make Papas Locas ahead of time for a party?
- While it’s best to enjoy Papas Locas fresh and hot, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Is Papas Locas suitable for gluten-free diets?
- Yes, Papas Locas can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including spices and toppings, are free from gluten-containing additives. Check product labels to be sure.
Papas Locas Recipe
Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: Appetizers, SidesCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings
4
servings
Prep time
15
minutes
Cooking time
30
minutes
Total time
45
minutes
Papas Locas, which translates to “Crazy Potatoes” in English, is a popular Mexican street food dish.
Ingredients
4 large potatoes, washed and diced into small cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup cooked and diced chicken
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through baking.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the Papas Locas from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter.
- Top the loaded potatoes with diced chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced green onions, sour cream, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Serve the Papas Locas immediately and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Mexican street food dish as a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
