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# Taco Bell Nacho Fries – Crispy & Cheesy Goodness
Craving Taco Bell Nacho Fries? Now you can make them at home! These crispy, golden fries are coated in a perfectly seasoned blend and served with a rich, creamy nacho cheese sauce. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up in your own kitchen!
Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 1 lb Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries (or any crispy frozen fries)
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
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Seasoning Mix
- 2 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional, for heat)
Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 16 slices American Cheese
- ¼ cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Liquid from a jar of jalapeño slices
How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries
- Mix the Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside.
- Heat the Oil
- Fill a deep saucepan with at least 3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F (180°C).
- Fry the Fries
- Add the frozen fries to the hot oil and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain and Cool
- Transfer fries to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Let them cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a microwave-safe bowl, tear the American cheese into small pieces. Add the milk and jalapeño liquid.
- Melt the Cheese
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
- Season the Fries
- Place the fries in a large bowl, sprinkle with the seasoning mix, and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the seasoned fries warm with the nacho cheese sauce on the side.
Serving Suggestions
Want to level up your nacho fries? Try these tasty add-ons:
- Jalapeños – Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Guacamole – A creamy, fresh contrast to the cheesy fries.
- Sour Cream – Perfect for a cool, tangy balance.
- Diced Tomatoes & Onions – For extra texture and flavor.
- Taco Meat – Turn it into a full meal by topping with seasoned ground beef.
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Storage & Reheating
- Fries – Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for crispiness.
- Cheese Sauce – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, stirring frequently.
Now you don’t have to wait for Taco Bell to bring back their famous nacho fries—you can make them at home anytime! Enjoy these crispy, seasoned fries with a creamy, cheesy dip for the ultimate snack. Dig in and savor every bite! 🌮🧀🍟
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?
- Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the frozen french fries according to the package instructions. Once they're crispy, simply toss them with the seasoning mix while they're still hot. The flavor will be very similar, though deep-frying does give them that authentic fast-food texture.
- → What can I substitute for American cheese slices?
- If you can't find American cheese or prefer an alternative, you can use 2 cups of shredded mild cheddar mixed with 2 tablespoons of cream cheese for a similar smooth texture. Velveeta cheese also works well as a substitute. Just be aware that different cheeses melt differently, so you may need to adjust the amount of milk.
- → How spicy is this seasoning mix?
- With the recipe as written (including the optional cayenne pepper), the spice level is moderate—similar to the original Taco Bell version. If you're sensitive to heat, omit the cayenne pepper completely. For extra spicy fries, you can increase the cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of ground chipotle pepper.
- → Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it slowly in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, or in a small saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk while reheating to reach the desired consistency.
- → What can I use instead of jalapeño pickle juice?
- If you don't have jalapeño pickle juice, you can substitute with 1/2 tablespoon of regular pickle juice plus a few dashes of hot sauce. Alternatively, a splash of white vinegar with a pinch of salt and a dash of hot sauce will provide a similar tangy kick to the cheese sauce.