Description
Taco Bell Nacho Fries are crispy, seasoned fries paired with a creamy, cheesy nacho sauce. Packed with bold, Mexican-inspired flavors, they’re the ultimate snack or side dish you can easily recreate at home.
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes (or 1 lb frozen fries)
- Vegetable oil, for frying or baking
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup American cheese or Velveeta, cubed
- Salt, to taste
- Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- If using fresh potatoes, wash, peel, and cut into thin fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large skillet. Fry potatoes in batches for 3–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne.
- Toss hot fries with the seasoning mix immediately after frying or baking.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheddar and American cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
- Serve seasoned fries with warm nacho cheese sauce on the side or drizzled on top.
Notes
Use frozen fries as a shortcut—bake or air fry and season the same way.For extra flavor, try pepper jack or smoked cheese in the sauce.To make it spicier, increase cayenne or add chipotle powder to the seasoning.Air fryer method: Cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway.Cheese sauce can be doubled and used for other dishes like nachos or pretzels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
