South Africans love comfort food with a twist, and these Fries and Salsa Tacos (or should we say “Chips and Salsa Tacos”?) are the ultimate fusion of loaded chips and tacos! Crispy oven-baked chips, melted cheese, and a fresh tomato salsa come together in a crunchy taco shell for a quick and easy meal.
Think of it as Mexican meets Mzansi—like a mini Gatsby in a taco shell! Whether you’re making them for a midweek snack, a fun family meal, or as a party platter, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser. They’re also vegetarian-friendly but can easily be pimped up with spicy chicken or boerewors for an extra Mzansi touch!
Growing up in South Africa, I’ve always loved the combination of cheesy chips and bold flavours. Whether it’s a plate of slap tjips at the corner café or a cheesy boerie roll at a Saturday braai, we love comfort food that’s loaded with flavour. That’s exactly what inspired these Fries and Salsa Tacos—taking something familiar and giving it a fun, crispy taco twist!
Why You’ll Love This Fries and Salsa Tacos
✔️ A Fun Twist on Loaded Chips – Who doesn’t love cheesy chips in a crunchy taco shell?
✔️ Fresh & Flavourful Salsa – Adds a zesty balance to the rich, cheesy filling.
✔️ Quick & Easy to Make – Done in under 30 minutes with everyday ingredients.
✔️ Perfect for Sharing – Ideal for braais, family gatherings, or snack platters.
✔️ Easy to Customise – Keep it vegetarian or add some chilli, spicy boerewors, or even chakalaka!
What You Will Need
For the Tacos
• Chips (Fries) – Homemade or frozen, cooked until crispy
• Crunchy Taco Shells (or mini vetkoek, toasted pita, or soft roti as alternatives)
• Cheddar Cheese, grated (or Gouda for a milder option)
• Avocado, diced
• Sour Cream (or Plain Greek Yoghurt for a local twist!)
For the Fresh Salsa
• 2 Medium Tomatoes, diced
• 1 Red Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Jalapeño, deseeded and diced (optional for heat)
• 1 Garlic Clove, minced
• Few Leaves of Fresh Coriander, chopped
• Juice of 1 Lime or a splash of White Vinegar
Pro Tip: If you prefer a chunky salsa, dice the ingredients coarsely. For a smoother, restaurant-style salsa, blitz everything in a food processor.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chips
Fry or bake the chips until golden and crispy. If using frozen chips, follow the package instructions.
Set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
💡 Shortcut: Use an air fryer for a healthier, crispier version!
Step 2: Make the Fresh Salsa
In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and coriander.
Squeeze in lemon juice or a splash of vinegar and mix well.
Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to develop the flavours
Mzansi Twist: If you love a spicier salsa, swap the jalapeño for a finely chopped green chilli.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Place a few crispy chips inside each taco shell.
Sprinkle with grated Cheddar or Gouda and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Tip: Baking the tacos for a few minutes enhances their crunch and makes the cheese extra gooey.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
Remove the tacos from the oven and top with fresh salsa, sour cream, and diced avocado.
Serve immediately while the taco shells are crunchy and the chips are warm and cheesy.
💡 Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of chilli sauce, guacamole, or even chakalaka for an extra South African twist!
Variations & Customisation
Variations & Customisations
This recipe is super adaptable, meaning you can switch up the flavours, textures, and ingredients to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Here are some fun South African-inspired variations to try:
1. Peri-Peri Chips Tacos (For Spice Lovers)
• Toss your chips in Peri-Peri spice before baking for an extra kick.
• Drizzle with homemade Peri-Peri sauce instead of sour cream.
2. Boerewors & Chips Tacos (A True South African Touch)
• Add thinly sliced boerewors on top of the chips before melting the cheese.
• Swap salsa for chakalaka to make it even more Mzansi-inspired.
3. Garlic Butter Chips Tacos (Rich & Flavourful)
• Toss the chips in garlic butter before assembling the tacos.
• Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese before serving.
4. Sweet Potato Chips Tacos (Healthier Twist)
• Use sweet potato fries instead of regular chips for added nutrients.
• Swap sour cream for Greek yoghurt and add a drizzle of honey-mustard dressing.
5. Gatsby-Style Tacos (Inspired by Cape Town’s Iconic Sandwich)
• Add a dollop of slap tjips-style sauce (mayo + tomato sauce mix).
• Layer in sliced polony or masala steak for an extra indulgent version.
6. Double Cheese Tacos (For Cheese Lovers)
• Use a mix of Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Feta for a cheesier, gooier filling.
• Melt an extra layer of cheese sauce over the chips before serving.
7. Vegan-Friendly Tacos (Plant-Based Version)
• Use oven-baked chips and swap out the cheese for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Replace sour cream with coconut yoghurt.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to pair with your tacos? Here are some easy and delicious serving ideas:
Drinks That Pair Well
• Homemade Ginger Beer – A classic Mzansi favourite that complements the spice.
• Rooibos Iced Tea – Naturally sweet and refreshing.
• Sparkling Lemonade – Balances out the richness of the cheese and chips.
Side Dish Ideas:
• Simple Slaw – A crunchy coleslaw with a light dressing for freshness.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brush with butter and a sprinkle of paprika.
• Spicy Bean Salad – A mix of black beans, corn, and tomatoes with lemon dressing.
Want Extra Toppings?
• Pickled jalapeños – Adds a tangy kick.
• Avocado smash – A chunkier version of guacamole.
• Chipotle mayo drizzle – Smoky, creamy, and delicious!
FAQs & Pro Tips
Q: What are Fries and Salsa Tacos?
A: Fries and Salsa Tacos are a South African-inspired take on tacos. They feature crispy chips, melted cheese, and fresh salsa in a crunchy taco shell, perfect for a fun and flavourful meal. Think of it as a Gatsby meets nachos in taco form!
Q: Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply swap the taco shells for gluten-free corn tortillas or lettuce cups for a lower-carb version.
Q: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A: You can prep the salsa in advance (up to 24 hours) and store it in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving so the chips stay crispy.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: If you have leftovers, store the chips, taco shells, and salsa separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chips in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving again.
Final Thoughts – A Must-Try Taco Fusion!
These Fries and Salsa Tacos are proof that good food doesn’t have to be complicated! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a fun party snack, or something different for your next braai, these tacos are the perfect fusion of crispy, cheesy, and fresh flavours.
With endless ways to customise them, from Peri-Peri spiced chips to boerewors-loaded tacos, you can make them your ownbased on what you have in your kitchen. Plus, they’re a great vegetarian option while still being indulgent and satisfying!
So, next time you’re in the mood for something bold, flavour-packed, and uniquely South African, give these Fries and Salsa Tacos a go—you won’t regret it!
Fries and Salsa Tacos – Quick and Delicious
These Fries and Salsa Tacos are proof that good food doesn’t have to be complicated!
Ingredients
Fries
Instructions
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Cook the /Chips Fries until cooked and crispy then set aside.
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For the salsa, mix tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, garlic, coriander and lime juice together until well mixed and allow to sit in the fridge until ready to use.
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Fill the taco shell with few fries in each shell, then top with cheese.
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Bake in the oven for 5 min.
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Remove from the oven.
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Top with the salsa, sour cream and avocado, then serve immediately.
