If you’ve ever dined at Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their signature side dish: creamy, cheesy papas con chile, often referred to simply as Abuelo’s Potatoes. This dish is rich, comforting, and packed with Southwestern flavor—a perfect blend of tender potatoes, roasted peppers, cheese, and a touch of spice.
The best part? You don’t need to visit a restaurant to enjoy them. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this crowd-pleasing recipe at home.
What Makes Abuelo’s Potatoes Special?
Unlike typical mashed or baked potatoes, Abuelo’s potatoes are a creamy casserole-style dish with bold flavors. Roasted chiles add a smoky heat, while cheese and sour cream make the texture luxuriously rich. It’s comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist—perfect for pairing with tacos, carnitas, or even steak.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a family-sized batch:
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6 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet, peeled and diced)
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1 cup sour cream
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor)
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½ cup cream cheese (softened)
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½ cup milk
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1 small can diced green chiles (roasted, mild or hot depending on preference)
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½ red bell pepper (finely diced)
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½ cup onion (finely chopped)
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and black pepper (to taste)
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Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add diced potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 12–15 minutes. Drain well.
2. Sauté Veggies
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion, red bell pepper, and green chiles until softened and fragrant. Stir in garlic powder, cumin, and paprika.
3. Make it Creamy
In a large mixing bowl, mash the potatoes lightly (leave a few chunks for texture). Add sour cream, cream cheese, milk, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until creamy and smooth.
4. Combine and Bake
Fold in the sautéed veggie mixture. Transfer to a buttered casserole dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh cilantro and serve hot alongside your favorite Tex-Mex main dish.
Tips for Success
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Texture matters: Don’t over-mash the potatoes—you want some bite for authenticity.
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Spice it up: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for more heat.
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Cheese options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you like extra spice.
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Make ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Abuelo’s potatoes pair perfectly with:
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Fajitas or carne asada
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Enchiladas or burritos
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Grilled chicken or pork chops
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A crisp green salad for balance
Final Thoughts
This Abuelo’s Potatoes recipe brings restaurant-level comfort straight to your table. Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just a little spicy, it’s the kind of side dish that turns any meal into a feast. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it not just for Tex-Mex nights, but for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners too.
Emily is a devoted wife, mother, and passionate home cook who finds joy in creating comforting meals straight from her kitchen. When she’s not busy managing the household or helping out on her husband’s farm, she spends her time baking delicious treats that have become a favorite among friends and neighbors. Emily believes that food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to bring people together and create lasting memories. Whether it’s a freshly baked pie or a hearty home-cooked dinner, her love for cooking shines through in every dish she makes.