Description
Recreate the iconic Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home with crispy seasoned fries baked to perfection and a creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce perfect for dipping. This recipe delivers a flavorful snack or side with a balanced spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries Seasoning
- 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)
Fries
- 1 pound frozen French fries
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 out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Season the Fries: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the fries and toss gently to coat each fry thoroughly.
- Bake the Fries: Place the seasoned fries in the preheated oven and bake according to package instructions, typically 25-30 minutes, until fries are crispy and golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Flavor: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine and chili powder to enhance the flavor and add a mild heat. Keep the sauce warm.
- Serve: Arrange the baked fries on a serving platter. Serve alongside the warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping to recreate the Taco Bell Nacho Fries experience at home.
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, you may broil for a minute or two after baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Adjust cayenne and jalapeño brine amounts to control spice level.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for optimal flavor and melt quality in the cheese sauce.
- If sauce thickens too much, thin with a splash of milk while reheating.
- This recipe can be adapted using homemade fries or alternate potatoes like sweet potatoes.
