Description
Copycat version of Taco Bell’s beloved Nacho Fries – crispy seasoned fries served with a creamy nacho cheese sauce, optionally loaded with taco-style toppings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen extra‑crispy straight‑cut fries
- Vegetable oil for frying (or as needed)
- 2 Tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 16 slices American cheese (or about 10 oz nacho cheese)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 Tbsp pickled jalapeño liquid
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne; set aside.
- Heat oil in a heavy pot or fryer to 350 °F (175 °C).
- Fry frozen fries in batches for about 6–8 minutes until crispy and golden; drain on paper towels.
- While fries cool slightly, prepare cheese sauce: combine cheese, milk and jalapeño juice in a microwave‑safe bowl and heat in 30 s intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Place fries in a large bowl and toss immediately with seasoning blend while still hot.
- Serve seasoned fries with warm cheese sauce on the side for dipping. Optionally top with taco‑seasoned beef, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, onions or cilantro for loaded version.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air‑fry the fries and lightly mist with oil before seasoning.
- Use taco meat or beans and fresh toppings to build loaded nacho fries.
- Best served immediately to keep fries crispy.
- Store components separately in fridge up to 2–3 days; reheat fries in oven or air‑fryer, warm sauce gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (~1 cup fries + cheese)
- Calories: 688 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 2715 mg
- Fat: 53 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: –
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 67 mg