Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes readily available frozen fries and common spices.
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, have your nacho fries ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning and spice level to suit your taste preferences.
- Delicious Dipping Sauce: The homemade nacho cheese sauce adds an authentic touch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen extra crispy fast-food style French fries
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the seasoning mixture:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
For the cheese sauce:
- 8 ounces American cheese, sliced or cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon liquid from jarred jalapeño slices
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Fries:
- Deep Frying Method: Fill a saucepan with vegetable oil to about 3 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen fries in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Baking Method: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.
- Season the Fries: Place cooked fries in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the prepared seasoning mixture and toss to evenly coat.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine American cheese pieces, milk, and jalapeño liquid.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve: Arrange seasoned fries on a serving platter alongside the warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Loaded Nacho Fries: Top seasoned fries with cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for a hearty appetizer.
- Spicy Cheese Sauce: Add extra jalapeño liquid or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for more heat.
- Baked Fries: For a lighter option, bake the fries instead of frying.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Fries: Reheat fries in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Reheating Cheese Sauce: Warm the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
What type of fries should I use for this recipe?
It’s recommended to use extra crispy fast-food style frozen French fries for the best texture. Brands like Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries work well.
Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy.
How can I make the cheese sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of jalapeño liquid in the cheese sauce or stir in a dash of hot sauce to taste.
Is there a substitute for American cheese in the sauce?
American cheese provides a smooth and creamy texture, but you can substitute it with Velveeta or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Note that the texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Ensure you heat the cheese sauce over low heat and stir continuously. Avoid overheating, as high temperatures can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
What other dipping sauces pair well with these fries?
Aside from the nacho cheese sauce, these fries pair well with ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or a creamy jalapeño dip.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. Ensure that the cheese and other ingredients used do not contain animal-derived rennet or additives if strict vegetarian compliance is desired.
Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries at home with this easy copycat recipe! Crispy, seasoned fries paired with creamy nacho cheese sauce are perfect for snacking or sharing. Quick, customizable, and irresistibly delicious, it’s the ultimate comfort food treat.
Ingredients
- Fries:
- 1 pound frozen extra crispy fast-food style French fries
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Seasoning Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cheese Sauce:
- 8 ounces American cheese, sliced or cubed
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon liquid from jarred jalapeño slices
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning: Combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Cook the Fries:
- Deep Fry: Heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry frozen fries in batches for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway.
- Season the Fries: Toss cooked fries with the prepared seasoning mixture.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Combine American cheese, milk, and jalapeño liquid in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Serve: Arrange fries on a platter and serve with warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use Velveeta or a cheddar blend for an alternative cheese sauce.
- Fries and cheese sauce can be stored separately for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
