Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

Introduction

Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries have gained immense popularity for their perfect combination of crispy seasoned fries paired with a creamy and flavorful nacho cheese sauce. If you’re craving this fast-food favorite at home, this recipe is the ultimate guide to recreating it. Whether you’re planning a snack night or want to add a fun side dish to your meals, these nacho fries will deliver bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Overview of the Recipe

This recipe includes crispy French fries coated with a bold, spiced seasoning blend and served alongside a rich, cheesy dip with a hint of spice from pickled jalapeño brine. It’s a perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and savory—all made in your kitchen in just about 40 minutes.

History and Origin

Taco Bell introduced Nacho Fries in 2018 as a limited-time offering that quickly became a customer favorite. Their unique take on fries, inspired by Tex-Mex flavors, brought a creative twist to a classic snack. By combining seasoned fries with nacho cheese sauce, they bridged the gap between comfort food and Mexican-inspired cuisine, setting a trend that has been reintroduced multiple times since its debut.

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound frozen French fries
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño brine (from a jar of pickled jalapeños)
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fries:

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C).
• Spread the fries: Lay the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
• Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Season the fries: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fries, tossing them to coat every fry thoroughly.
• Bake the fries: Follow the package instructions for cooking the fries, typically about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.

2. Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

• Create the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to create a roux.
• Incorporate the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Thicken the mixture: Cook the milk mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
• Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
• Enhance the flavor: Add the pickled jalapeño brine and chili powder, stirring until combined. Keep the sauce warm on low heat until ready to serve.

3. Assemble and Serve:

• Cool the fries slightly: Once the fries are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes.
• Serve: Arrange the seasoned fries on a plate or in a serving basket, and serve with the warm nacho cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the nacho fries fresh and hot with the cheese sauce in a bowl for dipping. Add extra toppings like diced jalapeños, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cilantro to elevate the presentation. These fries also pair well with tacos, burritos, or a hearty Tex-Mex salad for a complete meal.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Loaded Nacho Fries: Top the fries with seasoned ground beef, chicken, or black beans, along with guacamole, diced tomatoes, and sour cream.
2. Spicy Twist: Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack cheese and increase the cayenne pepper in the seasoning blend for a spicier version.
3. Healthier Alternative: Use air-fried or baked fries and low-fat cheese to reduce calories without compromising flavor.
4. Vegan Nacho Fries: Use plant-based cheese and butter substitutes, along with dairy-free milk, to make this dish vegan-friendly.

Health Benefits Notes

While this recipe is indulgent, you can make it healthier with a few tweaks:

• Nutrient Boost: Add toppings like avocado or black beans for fiber and healthy fats.
• Lower Sodium: Reduce the salt in the seasoning and cheese sauce for a heart-healthier option.
• Lighter Cheese Sauce: Opt for reduced-fat cheese or a yogurt-based sauce to cut down on calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely! Slice fresh potatoes into fries, soak them in water to remove excess starch, and bake or fry them until crispy before adding the seasoning.

2. Can I make the cheese sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce up to a day ahead. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch in the cheese sauce.

4. What other cheeses work well for the sauce?

You can use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Taco Bell Nacho Fries are a delightful snack or side dish that brings bold flavors to your table. With crispy, seasoned fries and a creamy nacho cheese sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make at home. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, these nacho fries are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the perfect balance of spice, crunch, and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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• Author: Wendy Balderas
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home. This recipe combines seasoned French fries baked to golden perfection with a rich and creamy nacho cheese sauce that has just the right amount of spice. A perfect snack or side dish!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Fries:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound frozen French fries
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño brine
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and prepare the baking sheet.
• Mix paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
• Toss frozen fries with the seasoning and bake for 25-30 minutes.
• For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
• Reduce heat, stir in cheese, and melt until smooth. Add jalapeño brine and chili powder.
• Serve fries with warm cheese sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

Notes

• For extra spice, add more cayenne or jalapeños.
• Air fryers can be used for a healthier version of the fries.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Homemade Nacho Fries, Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries, Nacho Cheese Fries Recipe