If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavor and ooey-gooey cheese, you’ve got to try this Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe. It combines creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with warm spices, crispy bacon, and melty cheddar cheese all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these burritos bring a delicious twist to classic potato dishes and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe, you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating balanced flavors and textures. From the creamy potatoes to the crispy bacon and zesty seasonings, everything comes together effortlessly to make a truly mouthwatering meal.
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes mash beautifully, providing the perfect creamy base.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and a smooth texture to the mash.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the potato filling.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory kick without overpowering.
- Cumin: Offers an earthy hint that pairs wonderfully with the other spices.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, these wrap the filling perfectly for easy eating.
- Bacon bits: Crispy, salty pieces that add a delightful crunch and savoriness.
- Green onions: Fresh and slightly sharp, they brighten the richness of the dish.
How to Make Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Begin by peeling and dicing two large russet potatoes into even cubes. Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer until tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes. This step ensures the potatoes are perfectly cooked and ready to mash without any lumps.
Step 2: Mash and Season the Potatoes
Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly and return them to the warm pot. Mash them until smooth and creamy, then fold in sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients while the potatoes are still warm allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
Warm each flour tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This quick warming makes the tortillas soft and flexible, preventing tears when you roll up the burritos. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in the final texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy potato mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Then sprinkle cooked bacon bits and chopped green onions on top for a perfect balance of crunch and freshness. These toppings add layers of flavor that elevate this simple dish into something irresistibly addictive.
Step 5: Wrap the Burritos
Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it tightly from the bottom up, securing all the delicious filling inside. Proper wrapping is key to avoiding any messy spills and making the burritos easy to handle while eating.
Step 6: Crisp the Burritos
Heat a skillet over medium heat and place the burritos seam-side down to seal them shut. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. This step adds a wonderful texture contrast, turning these burritos into little crispy pockets of cheesy potato goodness.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Serve these Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos hot, with a drizzle of extra sour cream and a sprinkling of more green onions if you like. The warmth and gooey cheese at the center coupled with crispy bacon and fresh onion make every bite incredibly satisfying.
Step 8: Enjoy with Your Favorite Salsas
For an extra punch, slice the burritos in half and serve them alongside your favorite salsa or a dash of hot sauce. This Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe shines with customizable toppings and sauces, making every serving unique and crave-worthy.
How to Serve Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, extra green onions, or a dollop of spicy salsa really brightens up the burritos. These garnishes add a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the rich, cheesy filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these burritos with a fresh garden salad, some crispy tortilla chips with guacamole, or a bowl of black beans to round out your meal. The combination balances hearty and fresh for a truly well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the burritos into bite-sized pinwheels perfect for appetizers or party snacks. You can also serve the filling as a loaded potato bowl for a casual, deconstructed version that’s just as tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures they stay fresh and maintain their delicious flavors for quick next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the burritos individually by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to have a homemade comfort food option on hand whenever you need a quick bite.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated burritos in a skillet over medium heat for best texture, flipping occasionally until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the skillet method preserves the burrito’s crispy exterior and melty interior beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers a great sharpness and melt, you could try Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little kick, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Is it okay to substitute the bacon with vegetarian options?
Definitely. If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using sautéed mushrooms, smoked tempeh, or your favorite plant-based bacon alternatives for that savory, smoky flavor.
Can these burritos be made gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas available at most grocery stores. The filling is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicier?
This Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe is mild by default, but you can add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or your favorite hot sauce to the filling or as a topping to turn up the heat as much as you like.
What other toppings go well with these burritos?
Additional toppings such as avocado slices, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or pickled red onions add delicious flair and variety. Feel free to get creative with whatever you enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe is a fantastic and fuss-free way to bring warm, comforting flavors to your table. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or cozying up at home with a filling, cheesy meal. Give it a try and see just how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly unforgettable. You’re going to love how these burritos satisfy every craving in a big, flavorful way.
Print
Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Loaded Cheesy Potato Burritos are a comforting and hearty meal featuring creamy mashed potatoes blended with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and spices, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas. Enhanced with crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions, these burritos are pan-toasted to a golden brown perfection, making them a deliciously satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Potato Mixture
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Fillings
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
For Wrapping
- 4 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Mash and Season: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash well using a potato masher or fork. Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until fully combined and creamy.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each flour tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable to prevent tearing during rolling.
- Assemble Burritos: Spoon an even amount of the cheesy potato mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle the top with bacon bits and chopped green onions to add crunch and flavor.
- Roll Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then tightly roll from the bottom edge up toward the top to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process for all tortillas.
- Pan Toast Burritos: Place a skillet over medium heat and lay the burritos seam-side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the tortillas turn golden brown and slightly crisp, ensuring the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the burritos from the skillet and optionally drizzle extra sour cream on top, garnishing with additional green onions if desired for freshness and creaminess.
- Slice and Enjoy: Cut each burrito in half to serve and enjoy with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an added kick.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon bits or replace them with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to cater to dietary preferences.
- Adding jalapeños or hot sauce inside the burrito can give a spicy twist.
- Make sure the potatoes are well-mashed to avoid lumps and create a smooth filling.
- If desired, you can also bake the assembled burritos at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes for a crispy finish instead of pan-toasting.
