Yahoo Lifestyle 'We Made a Copycat Recipe for Taco John's Most Popular Item: Potato Olés'
When I sit down to make my meal plan for the week, I always start with a main dish for every supper. If I'm planning an easy night of sloppy Joes, burgers or hot dogs, you know there will be some fries or tater tots going in the oven. So the first time I had Taco John's Potato Olés, I knew I had to find a way to recreate them at home so I could take my tater tot game to the next level!
Related: Viral Tater Tot Potato Salad
Related: 40 Crock Pot Recipes For Mexican Night
What Is Taco John's?
Based out of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Taco John's features Mexican-inspired fast food. Founded in 1969, they like to say they specialize in "West-Mex." Found in 23 states, mostly in the Midwest and Mountain regions, as of 2024, there are about 370 Taco John's locations in the United States. Their signature dish is Potato Olés, deep-fried potato nuggets seasoned with Mexican spices. In 1985, they actually trademarked the phrase "Taco Tuesday" in every state except New Jersey. So the next time you're whipping up a batch of tacos on a Tuesday night, you have them to thank!
I had never even heard of Taco John's until this past spring when we were on a mini road trip to visit an old-fashioned drive-in restaurant in a little town about an hour away. When I pointed Taco John's out, my husband told me he had heard of it from friends who live in Iowa, and they raved about it. A few weeks later, we had the chance to see what all the fuss was about, and boy, it didn't disappoint; I would say one of the highlights was their crispy tater tots with a Mexican flare!
Why Use Tater Rounds?
The simple answer is I did because they do! When I'm recreating a restaurant dish at home, I try really hard to come as close as possible to the original, so since the Taco John's Potato Olés are the flat "crowns," as you might know them, that is what I used as well. You can usually find them in the frozen potato aisle, right next to the traditional tater tots. I have no idea why they wanted their signature potato to be the flat type, but if I were to guess, I would say it was because they hold the seasoning better and allow for more even coating.
Ingredients For Copycat Taco John's Potato Olés
These little taters are perfect for a busy weeknight because of the simple ingredient list of pantry staples:
Frozen tater rounds
Cumin
Cayenne pepper
Seasoning salt
Paprika
Krista Marshall
How To Make Copycat Taco John's Potato Olés
1. Preheat the oven to 425. Start by whisking your spice mixture. I like to use a whisk so everything is evenly mixed and any clumps are crushed.
Krista Marshall
2. Next, arrange your tater rounds on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove and sprinkle liberally with seasoning. Return to oven and cook 10 more minutes, or until crispy. Remove and sprinkle with even more seasoning. Serve hot!
Krista Marshall
How To Serve Potato Olés
These flavorful tots are perfect for burger nights, and of course alongside some tacos too. I always serve them with a cool ranch dip for extra fun. I think they would make a great appetizer for your next holiday party too! Put out a big bowl of crispy Potato Olés and some toothpicks for a self-serve fiesta.
Krista Marshall
Best Copycat Taco John Potato Olés Tips
If you can't find the tater rounds, the traditional tots would work too. I would actually add them to a big bowl to add the seasoning so you can stir them evenly.
You add the seasoning in the middle of baking so it will stick to the potatoes. Adding it to frozen tots will not work.
This amount of seasoning makes enough for one batch, plus some extra. I serve it alongside for those who like things spicy. You can store the rest in an airtight container.
These are perfect as is but also tasty with ranch dip or nacho cheese like in the restaurant.
If you have little ones and worry about the spice level, you can omit the cayenne.
What To Serve With Copycat Taco John Potato Olés
More Delicious Copycat Recipes To Try
Taco John's Potato Oles
Ingredients
1 (30-oz) bag frozen tater rounds
4 tsp seasoning salt
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Preheat oven to 425.
In a small bowl, whisk together seasoning salt, paprika, cumin and pepper.
Lay potatoes on a large-rimmed baking sheet.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven.
Sprinkle with seasoning.
Return to oven and cook 10 minutes more until crispy.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with more seasoning.
Serve immediately with extra seasoning if desired.
