Taco Bell Nacho Fries

This crispy, spicy Taco Bell Nacho Fries copycat recipe brings the popular fast food item right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of perfectly seasoned fries and creamy nacho cheese sauce creates an irresistible snack that disappears within minutes at any gathering.

The first time I made these fries for a football watch party, they vanished before halftime. Now they've become my signature contribution to every potluck and the first thing my teenagers request when friends come over.

Ingredients

• Frozen straight cut fries: Serve as the perfect base for absorbing all the seasoning
• Paprika: Adds vibrant color and mild smoky flavor to the seasoning blend
• Chili powder: Provides authentic taco seasoning flavor with minimal heat
• Garlic and onion powder: Deliver savory depth without overpowering
• Cayenne pepper: Adds the signature Taco Bell kick but remains optional for heat sensitive eaters
• Cheez Whiz: Creates the silky smooth base for the nacho sauce just like the restaurant version
• Jalapeño brine: The secret ingredient that gives the cheese sauce its distinctive tang

How To Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Prepare The Seasoning Blend:

Thoroughly mix all spices in a small bowl until completely uniform in color. This blend should be free of any clumps for even distribution on the fries. Take time to break up any small lumps of paprika or garlic powder with the back of a spoon.

Cook The Fries:

For the authentic Taco Bell texture, deep frying delivers the best results with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Heat oil to exactly 375°F using a thermometer for precision. Work in small batches to prevent temperature drops that result in soggy fries. If baking, arrange in a single layer with space between each fry and flip halfway through cooking.

Season The Fries:

Transfer hot fries to a large bowl immediately after cooking. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fries while tossing gently but thoroughly. The residual oil helps the seasoning adhere perfectly to every fry. Season in batches if making a large quantity to ensure even coating.

Prepare The Nacho Cheese Sauce:

Use the lowest heat setting possible to prevent the cheese from breaking or becoming grainy. Whisk constantly in a figure eight motion until completely smooth and slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely when poured.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching peoples expressions after their first bite. There's always that moment of surprise when they realize these taste exactly like the real thing. I keep a jar of the seasoning blend ready to go in my spice cabinet for whenever the craving strikes.

Make Ahead Options

You can prepare the seasoning blend up to three months in advance and store it in an airtight container away from heat and light. The cheese sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it slowly in a saucepan with an extra splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. The fries themselves should always be cooked fresh for the best texture and flavor.

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Troubleshooting Tips

If your fries turn out soggy rather than crispy, try patting the frozen fries dry with paper towels before cooking to remove excess moisture. When baking, preheat the baking sheet in the oven before adding the fries. For the cheese sauce, if it seems too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until reaching desired consistency. If too thin, continue heating while whisking to reduce. The seasoning can be adjusted to your preference, add more cayenne for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these nacho fries as an appetizer with small paper cups of cheese sauce for individual dipping. For a loaded version, top the seasoned fries with the cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole for a complete nacho fries supreme experience. They also make an excellent side dish for burgers, tacos, or any Mexican inspired meal. For an extra special presentation, serve them in paper lined baskets just like at Taco Bell.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade fries instead of frozen fries?

Yes, you can use homemade fries. Slice potatoes into thin, straight-cut strips and prepare them by frying or baking as desired before seasoning them with the spice blend.

→ How can I make the cheese sauce spicier?

To make the cheese sauce spicier, add more cayenne pepper or include extra jalapeño brine to taste. You can also mix in finely chopped fresh jalapeños.

→ What are alternative cheese options for the sauce?

If you prefer not to use Cheez Whiz, you can substitute it with shredded cheddar cheese or a mix of melted cheeses like Monterey Jack and American cheese.

→ Can I bake the fries instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the fries according to the package instructions. Ensure they are crispy before tossing them in the seasoning blend for the best results.

→ What other dips pair well with seasoned fries?

Other dips like ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or guacamole pair wonderfully with the seasoned fries if you want to try something different.