Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries at Home: Tasty Copycat Recipe

Crispy, golden fries loaded with bold Taco Bell nacho fries bring a fiery twist to your favorite fast-food indulgence.

These irresistible potato strips burst with zesty flavor and cheesy goodness.

Seasoned to perfection, they pack a punch of Mexican-inspired spices that dance on your taste buds.

The secret blend of crispy coating creates an addictive crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Every bite promises a mouthwatering explosion of salt, spice, and cheese that satisfies deep cravings.

We’re talking about a side dish that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Grab a plate and prepare for a flavor adventure that’ll make your next munch unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Fry Like a Pro: Master the art of deep-frying crispy, golden fries with restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
• Quick Cheese Hack: Create a mouthwatering cheese sauce in minutes using simple microwave techniques that anyone can handle.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adjust the seasoning blend to match your personal taste preferences, making this recipe totally versatile.
• Party-Perfect Snack: Wow friends and family with a copycat Taco Bell favorite that's perfect for game nights, movie gatherings, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients for Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Fries: Crispy potato sticks that are the star of this delicious dish.
• Cheese: Melty and rich topping that brings creamy goodness.

• Chili Powder, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice mix that adds bold flavor and excitement.

• Cheese Slices, Milk, Butter: Creamy sauce ingredients that create a smooth and indulgent dip.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for deep-frying to achieve golden and crispy texture.

• Sour Cream, Jalapeños, Chopped Tomatoes, Green Onions: Fresh additions that can customize the nacho fries experience.

Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries at Home

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning Blend

Mix all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl, combining them thoroughly until well blended.

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chili powder

Set the seasoning mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Oil

Fill a saucepan with oil, ensuring it’s at least 3 inches deep.

Carefully heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using a cooking thermometer to verify the temperature.

Step 3: Fry Potato Strips

Carefully lower the potato strips into the hot oil.

Fry for 6-8 minutes, watching closely until they turn golden brown and become crispy.

Remove the fries using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Cheese Sauce

Gather cheese sauce ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl.

• Processed cheese slices
• Milk
• Hot sauce

Tear cheese slices into smaller pieces.

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until the cheese melts completely and combines smoothly.

Step 5: Season Crispy Fries

Transfer the freshly fried potato strips to a large mixing bowl.

Sprinkle the prepared seasoning blend over the fries, tossing gently to ensure even coating.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the seasoned fries on a serving dish.

Place the warm cheese sauce in a separate dipping bowl.

Serve immediately while the fries are hot and crispy.

Tips for Crispy Homemade Nacho Fries

• Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to ensure the oil hits exactly 350 degrees F for perfectly crispy fries without burning.
• Let paper towels absorb extra oil from freshly fried fries to prevent soggy, greasy texture and maintain crunchiness.
• Microwave cheese sauce in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
• Toss hot fries with seasoning blend right after cooking to help spices stick better and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce becomes too thick, creating a more pourable and dippable texture.

Store and Reheat Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Store leftover fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Revive crispy texture by spreading fries on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated 425°F oven for 5-7 minutes, turning once halfway through.
• Warm cheese sauce in the microwave using 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent separation and maintain smooth consistency.
• Consume reheated fries immediately for best taste and texture, as they tend to lose crispiness when stored and reheated.

What to Pair with Nacho Fries

• Spice Up Beverage Pairing: Kick back with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the zesty nacho fries and cut through their rich, spicy flavor.
• Bold Dipping Companion: Whip up a tangy salsa verde or fresh pico de gallo as an additional dipping sauce that adds bright, acidic notes to balance the cheesy, crispy fries.
• Cool Heat Balancer: Mix a refreshing classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to neutralize the spiciness and provide a smooth, citrusy contrast to the seasoned fries.
• Unexpected Flavor Enhancer: Serve a side of creamy guacamole that offers a rich, buttery texture which perfectly offsets the crispy, seasoned exterior of the nacho fries.

Nacho Fries Flavor Options You’ll Want to Try

• Gluten-Free Nacho Fries: Replace regular fries with sweet potato fries and use gluten-free seasoning blend. Swap cheese sauce ingredients for dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and almond milk.
• Low-Carb Protein Variation: Substitute potato fries with zucchini or jicama fries. Use low-fat cheese and add grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein. Season with low-sodium spice mix.
• Vegetarian Loaded Option: Replace meat-based seasonings with plant-based spices. Top fries with black beans, roasted vegetables, and vegetarian cheese sauce. Add fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Increase heat by adding diced fresh jalapeños to seasoning blend. Mix chopped peppers directly into cheese sauce. Sprinkle additional cayenne pepper for extra kick.

FAQs

• What kind of oil is best for deep-frying these nacho fries?

Vegetable oil or canola oil works best because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors, ensuring crispy and delicious fries without overwhelming taste.

• Can I bake the fries instead of deep-frying?

While deep-frying provides the authentic Taco Bell texture, you can bake frozen french fries in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.

• Is there a substitute for the cheese sauce ingredients?

You can use shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of processed cheese slices. For liquid, replace milk with cream or half-and-half for a richer sauce.

• How spicy is the seasoning blend?

The seasoning mix has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chili powder or paprika in the blend. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving Mexican-inspired comfort? Taco Bell Nacho Fries bring crispy golden potatoes loaded with bold cheese sauce and zesty seasonings that promise a flavor explosion. Spice lovers and snack enthusiasts will devour this irresistible fast-food favorite in every crunchy, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries
• 16 slices American Cheese
• 1/4 cup Milk

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (2 Tbsp) Paprika
• 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) Salt
• 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) Chili Powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Other Ingredients:

• Vegetable Oil for Frying
• 1 tablespoon (1 Tbsp) Liquid from the Jar of Jalapeno Slices

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Instructions

1. Mix spice blend thoroughly in a compact container, ensuring even distribution of all seasonings.
2. Prepare a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, filling with vegetable oil to minimum depth of 3 inches.
3. Carefully submerge frozen potato strips into hot oil maintained at precisely 350 degrees fahrenheit.
4. Fry potato strips for approximately 6-7 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve uniform golden-brown crispiness.
5. Transfer fried potato strips onto absorbent paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain completely.
6. Simultaneously, create velvety cheese sauce by fragmenting processed cheese slices into smaller segments.
7. Combine cheese fragments with milk, butter, and complementary dairy ingredients in microwave-safe container.
8. Heat cheese mixture in short 30-second intervals, stirring meticulously between each heating cycle until completely smooth and integrated.
9. Sprinkle prepared spice blend over freshly fried potato strips, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coating.
10. Plate seasoned potato strips alongside warm cheese sauce for immediate serving and optimal flavor experience.

Notes

• Maintain precise oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly crispy fries without burning.
• Drain fries thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess oil and ensure maximum crunchiness.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother, faster melting when preparing the cheese sauce.
• Adjust seasoning blend to personal taste by adding extra spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a flavor boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg