Description
Enjoy a delicious homemade version of Taco Bell’s famous Nacho Fries. Crispy seasoned fries are baked to perfection and served with a creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce for dipping. This recipe brings a flavorful fast-food favorite right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fries
- 1 pound frozen French fries
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for 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 jarred jalapeños)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the fries and toss to coat well. Bake the fries according to package instructions, generally 25-30 minutes, until crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce: While the fries bake, melt the salted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Add the pickled jalapeño brine and chili powder to enhance flavor, then keep the sauce warm.
- Assemble & Serve: Remove the baked fries from the oven and let them cool slightly for safer eating. Serve the crispy seasoned fries alongside or topped with the warm, creamy nacho cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy your homemade Taco Bell style Nacho Fries fresh and delicious.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spread fries in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your spice preference.
- If you prefer a thinner cheese sauce, add more milk a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Pickled jalapeño brine can be substituted with a small splash of lime juice for mild tang.
- This recipe is best served immediately to maintain the fries’ crisp texture.
