Great for game day or parties, these naturally gluten-free Tex Mex Potato Nuggets are a hit with all age groups.

Tip: Instead of frying you can bake them on a parchment lined baking sheet at 400 °F for 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Drizzle them with a little oil before baking to help them crisp up a little bit, but they will not get as crispy as when they are deep fried.

 

Prep
15 mins
Cook
20 mins
Serves
8
Ingredients
10

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Small bowl
  • Shallow bowl
  • Large saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Little Potatoes
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 Tbsp jalapeño or green pepper, finely diced
  • 1 green onion, thinly sliced
  • (To taste) salt and pepper
  • 1 egg white
  • 2 Tbsp water
  • 2 cups gluten-free cheesy tortilla chips, finely crushed
  • (For frying) oil

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Add potatoes to a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15 minutes, until tender. Drain.

  • Step 2

    Add the cheeses to the warm potatoes, and mash until smooth. Stir in the diced pepper and onion greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roll the potato mixture into two tablespoons nuggets, placing them on a wax-paper lined baking sheet. Set aside.

  • Step 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water. Set aside. Place the crushed tortilla chips into another shallow bowl.

  • Step 4

    Working with one or two at a time, roll the potato nuggets in the egg white mixture, followed by the crushed tortilla chips. Set the coated nuggets back on the baking sheet, and repeat with the remaining nuggets, until they are all coated. At this time, you could cover and refrigerate the potato nuggets for later, or continue cooking them now.

  • Step 5

    Heat one-inch of oil in a heavy bottom sauce pan to 375°F. Be sure to use a thermometer to make sure that the oil is hot enough, but not too hot. Carefully place no more than a few nuggets at a time into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes (more if they have been refrigerated), or until they begin to turn a light brown color. Carefully remove the hot nuggets with a metal slotted spoon, and transfer them to a clean baking sheet lined with paper towels to absorb the oil. Continue this process until all of the nuggets have been cooked.

  • Step 6

    If you fry them ahead of time, you can reheat them in a 400 °F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.

  • Step 7

    Serve with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole (or all three!).