If you have ever found yourself craving that irresistible, crispy, and cheesy treat from Taco Bell, then you’re in for a real delight with this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe. It perfectly captures the magic of those golden fries seasoned with a zesty blend of spices and drenched in a luscious, creamy nacho cheese sauce that will have you dipping and dunking like there’s no tomorrow. This copycat recipe is not just about replicating a fast-food favorite, it’s about bringing that bold Tex-Mex flavor straight into your kitchen with fresh, simple ingredients that transform a humble potato into a crowd-pleasing sensation. Get ready to impress your friends, family, or just satisfy your own snack cravings with this addictive treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients, each chosen carefully to deliver that authentic taste and texture. From the starchy potatoes that provide a crispy base to the melty cheeses that create the perfect sauce, every component plays a crucial role in making your fries unforgettable.
- Russet potatoes: These high-starch potatoes are ideal for achieving crispy fries with a fluffy interior.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a light and crunchy coating on the fries while locking in moisture.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and vibrant color to the seasoning mix.
- Chili powder: Brings a mild heat and depth of flavor that’s essential for that Tex-Mex punch.
- Garlic powder: Offers a savory undertone to enhance overall seasoning.
- Onion powder: Complements garlic with a subtle sweetness and richness.
- Salt: Essential for boosting all the flavors to perfection.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of heat but can be adjusted to your spice preference.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying fries to a golden crisp without overpowering their flavor.
- Whole milk: Used as the base for the creamy cheese sauce to keep it rich and smooth.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety roux for the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to that perfect consistency.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Delivers bold cheesiness and sharp flavor.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese: Introduces a creamy texture with a hint of spice.
- Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone that elevates the nacho cheese sauce.
How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Fries
Start by peeling and cutting your russet potatoes into thin fries, mimicking the iconic Taco Bell style. Soaking the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes is key—it removes excess starch, ensuring your fries get wonderfully crispy instead of soggy. Once soaked, drain them thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to avoid oil splatters during frying.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Fries
In a large bowl, combine cornstarch with paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Toss the dried fries in this magical spice blend until they are evenly coated. This layer not only adds bold flavors but also helps develop that perfect crunch after frying.
Step 3: Fry the Fries to Perfection
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Carefully fry the potatoes in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain consistent oil temperature. Once fried, drain the fries on paper towels to soak up excess oil, reserving their glorious crunch.
Step 4: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
While the fries are frying, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly add whole milk while whisking constantly, cooking until the sauce thickens—usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses along with ground cumin, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is silky smooth.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
For the ultimate experience, serve the hot, crispy fries right away with a generous drizzle or side of that warm, creamy nacho cheese sauce. The contrast of textures and the vibrant flavors will transport you straight to Taco Bell’s drive-thru, but with homemade goodness and pride.
How to Serve Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your fries with a little extra paprika or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Adding diced jalapeños or a dollop of sour cream can also bring an exciting spicy or cooling element to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe with classic Tex-Mex mains like tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. A crisp side salad or some fresh guacamole will balance the indulgence and keep your meal vibrant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the fries loaded in a small cast-iron skillet or a rustic wooden board. You can also create “nacho fry boats” by layering the fries in parchment-lined baskets topped with cheese sauce, chopped tomatoes, olives, and green onions for a party-ready presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store cooled fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them separate ensures the fries don’t get soggy overnight.
Freezing
While homemade fries taste best fresh, you can freeze the cheese sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to preserve its creamy texture. Frozen fries from this recipe are not recommended as they lose their signature crispiness.
Reheating
Reheat fries in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Warm the cheese sauce softly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until silky again. Then, combine just before serving for that fresh-tasting Taco Bell experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fries for this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen fries for convenience, but be aware that the spice coating may not adhere as well as it does on fresh potatoes. Fresh-cut fries tend to produce the best texture and flavor.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has a moderate level of spice mostly from the chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the amount of cayenne to match your heat preference, making it milder or more fiery.
What kind of cheese works best for the sauce?
The combination of sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheese gives the sauce both creamy texture and a flavorful kick. Using pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and tastes better.
Can I bake the fries instead of frying?
While frying gives that signature crispiness, you can bake the fries at a high temperature (around 425°F) on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Toss regularly and watch for golden edges, but the texture will be slightly different from deep-frying.
Is this recipe vegetarian friendly?
Yes, this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products and uses vegetable oil for frying. Just be sure to check that your cheese is made with vegetarian-friendly enzymes if that is important to you.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about making your favorite fast-food indulgence right at home, and this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe hits all the highlights: crispy, spicy, cheesy, and downright addictive. It invites you to savor every forkful with the satisfaction that you’ve crafted this comforting snack yourself. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to fries that bring that beloved Taco Bell vibe into your kitchen and onto your plate. Once you try them, I bet these nacho fries will quickly become your go-to snack for game days, movie nights, or anytime you want a little cheesy cheer.
Print
Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Bell Nacho Fries recipe delivers crispy, seasoned fries smothered in a creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce. Perfect as a shareable side or indulgent snack, these fries are coated in a flavorful spice blend and topped with a homemade cheese sauce combining sharp cheddar and pepper jack for the authentic Tex-Mex taste.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Soak and Prepare Fries: Soak the cut russet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain them and pat thoroughly dry to ensure crispiness when frying.
- Season the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with cornstarch, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper until each fry is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Heat Oil and Fry Fries: Heat approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, ground cumin, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the hot crispy fries immediately with the warm nacho cheese sauce poured over or on the side for dipping. Enjoy fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional seasoning over the fries immediately after frying.
- Frozen fries can be used for convenience, though the spice coating may adhere less effectively.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness according to your preference.
