Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

Introduction

These Taco Bell-style Nacho Fries bring a crispy, spicy twist to your favorite snack. Crispy fries are seasoned perfectly and paired with a creamy cheese sauce for dipping. It’s a quick and satisfying treat that’s perfect for game day or a flavorful snack.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• 16 slices American Cheese
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Liquid from the jar of Jalapeño slices
• 1 pound Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries
• Vegetable Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, stir together the salt, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the seasoning mix.
2. Step 2: Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan at least 3 inches deep and heat it to 350°F (180°C).
3. Step 3: Fry the frozen fries in the hot oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, or until crispy. Transfer fries to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Step 4: Let the fries cool slightly while you prepare the cheese sauce.
5. Step 5: Tear the American cheese slices into smaller pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl along with the milk and jalapeño liquid.
6. Step 6: Microwave the cheese mixture uncovered in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Place the fries in a large mixing bowl and toss them with the prepared seasoning mix until evenly coated.
8. Step 8: Serve the seasoned fries with the cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your homemade nacho fries!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper or reduce the chili powder.
• Use freshly grated cheese and melt it with a splash of milk for a creamier sauce.
• Try adding chopped fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
• Bake the fries instead of frying for a lighter version; increase cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat fries in a hot oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, and warm cheese sauce gently in the microwave, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of fries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use regular frozen fries or sweet potato fries, but cooking times and crispiness may vary slightly.

Is there a way to make the cheese sauce without a microwave?

Absolutely. You can melt the cheese sauce ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

This recipe recreates Taco Bell’s famous Nacho Fries at home, featuring crispy golden fries seasoned with a bold blend of spices and served with a creamy, melty American cheese sauce infused with jalapeño flavor. Perfect as a snack or appetizer for those craving a flavorful fried treat.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Seasoning Mix

• 2 teaspoons Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional)

Cheese Sauce

• 16 slices American Cheese
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 Tablespoon Liquid from the Jar of Jalapeño Slices

Fries

• 1 pound Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries
• Vegetable Oil for Frying (enough for at least 3 inches depth)

Instructions

1. Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir thoroughly to create a uniform seasoning blend.
2. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a saucepan to a depth of at least 3 inches and heat it on medium-high until it reaches 350°F (180°C), suitable for deep frying.
3. Fry the Fries: Carefully add the frozen Ore-Ida Extra Crispy fries to the hot oil. Fry them for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crispy. Remove fries using a slotted spoon and transfer them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
4. Cool Fries Slightly: Allow the fries to cool just enough so you can handle them comfortably, preparing for seasoning.
5. Make Cheese Sauce: Unwrap the American cheese slices and tear them into smaller pieces for easier melting. Place the cheese pieces, milk, and jalapeño liquid into a microwave-safe bowl.
6. Microwave Cheese Sauce: Heat the cheese mixture uncovered in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Between each interval, stir the sauce to blend the cheese smoothly until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy jalapeño-infused cheese sauce.
7. Season the Fries: Transfer the cooled fries into a large mixing bowl and sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Toss gently to ensure all fries are evenly coated with the spicy seasoning blend.
8. Serve: Plate the seasoned fries alongside the warm cheese sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best crispy, cheesy experience reminiscent of Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries.

Notes

• Be cautious when frying with hot oil; use a deep pot and maintain oil temperature for crispy fries.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the cayenne pepper and reduce jalapeño liquid in cheese sauce.
• The cheese sauce can be kept warm over low heat if not serving immediately, but it may thicken upon cooling and require a quick reheat and stir.
• Ore-Ida Extra Crispy fries are recommended for closest texture to Taco Bell’s fries, but other frozen fries can be substituted.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute American cheese and milk with vegan cheese and plant-based milk, adjusting the method accordingly.

Keywords: Taco Bell Nacho Fries, seasoned fries, cheese sauce, crispy fries, jalapeño cheese sauce, fried snack