Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool Fries Slightly: Allow the fries to cool just enough so you can handle them comfortably, preparing for seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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