Description
Recreate Taco Bell’s iconic Nacho Fries at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Crispy seasoned French fries baked to perfection and served with a creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce that captures all the bold flavors you love from the fast-food favorite.
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 to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Season the Fries: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the fries, tossing gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Bake the Fries: Place the seasoned fries in the preheated oven and bake according to package instructions, usually 25-30 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt salted butter over medium heat to prepare the base of the cheese sauce.
- Make a Roux: Whisk in all-purpose flour with the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute while stirring continuously so the mixture cooks and thickens slightly without browning.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, making sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly into a creamy sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it fully melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Incorporate the pickled jalapeño brine and an additional ¼ teaspoon chili powder into the cheese sauce to enhance the spicy, tangy flavor. Keep the sauce warm on low heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the hot, crispy seasoned fries immediately with the warm nacho cheese sauce on the side for dipping, recreating the classic Taco Bell Nacho Fries experience at home.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toss the fries halfway through baking.
- If pickled jalapeño brine is unavailable, substitute with a teaspoon of lime juice and a pinch of salt to mimic tanginess.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor in the nacho cheese sauce.
