Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe to Make at Home

Crispy potato wedges meet zesty seasoning in this taco bell nacho fries copycat that’ll make you feel like a fast-food maestro.

Recreating restaurant magic happens right in your kitchen with simple ingredients.

Spuds get a serious flavor upgrade through a clever coating technique.

Mexican-inspired spices dance across each perfectly crisp fry, promising serious snacking satisfaction.

Salt and bold seasonings create an irresistible crunch that beats any drive-thru version.

Perfectly golden and addictively seasoned, these fries demand a spot at your next gathering.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch everyone dive into a homemade taste adventure.

Why Taco Bell Nacho Fries Are Popular

• Easily replicate a popular fast-food item right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques that make you feel like a professional chef.
• Control the spice level and seasoning intensity by adjusting the chili powder and cayenne pepper, creating a personalized nacho fries experience that suits your taste preferences perfectly.
• Prepare these crispy, golden fries in under an hour, making them an ideal snack for game nights, movie marathons, or spontaneous get-togethers with friends and family.
• Learn professional frying techniques that guarantee super crunchy exterior and soft interior, transforming ordinary potatoes into restaurant-quality fries with minimal effort.

Everything That Goes into Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Main Ingredients:

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for crispy fries, best when fresh and firm.
• Cornstarch: Creates a crispy exterior coating for the fries.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying and achieving golden brown color.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder: Provide bold, spicy flavor profile.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat and extra kick to the seasoning.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and brings out other seasonings.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Evaporated Milk: Helps create creamy consistency for the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy cheese flavor.
• Jalapeno: Optional ingredient for adding extra heat and fresh pepper taste.
• Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: Additional seasonings for depth of flavor in cheese sauce.

How to Make Nacho Fries Just Like Taco Bell

Step 1: Slice and Soak Potatoes

Slice potatoes into thin, uniform fries. Submerge in cold water for half an hour to eliminate extra starch. Thoroughly dry potatoes using clean kitchen towels.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

Mix cornstarch in large mixing bowl. Add potatoes and gently toss until completely coated. Drizzle vegetable oil and toss again for even coverage.

Step 3: Mix Spicy Seasoning Blend

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Step 4: Fry Potato Strips

Heat oil in deep pot to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower potato strips in small batches. Fry until golden and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove using slotted spoon and place on paper towels.

Step 5: Season Hot Fries

Immediately sprinkle seasoning mix over hot fries. Toss gently to ensure even coating.

Step 6: Craft Cheesy Sauce

Melt butter in saucepan over low heat. Add minced jalapeño and cook briefly. Pour evaporated milk and heat gently. Gradually blend grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until smooth. Season with additional spices.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Transfer seasoned fries to serving plate. Accompany with warm cheese sauce for dipping. Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Pro Tips for Copycat Nacho Fries Perfection

• Starch-Removing Soak: Cold water bath helps eliminate excess potato starch, guaranteeing extra crispy fries with a perfect golden exterior.
• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Evenly dusting fries with cornstarch creates an incredible crispy layer that locks in moisture and produces restaurant-style crunchiness.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 175C (350F) oil temperature to ensure even cooking and prevent greasy, soggy fries.
• Seasoning Timing Magic: Sprinkle spice mix immediately after frying while fries are hot to help seasonings adhere and maximize flavor absorption.
• Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Gradually add cheese and stir constantly to prevent clumping, creating a silky, perfectly melted nacho cheese sauce.

Store and Reheat Nacho Fries Without Losing Crunch

• Store leftover fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep fries crisp by placing them on a paper towel-lined container to absorb moisture.
• Revive crispiness by baking in a preheated oven at 425°F for 5-7 minutes. Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.
• Gently reheat sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add a splash of milk if sauce becomes too thick.
• Enjoy reheated fries and sauce within 1-2 days for best taste and texture. Discard if stored longer than 3 days to ensure food safety.

Perfect Sauces to Serve with Nacho Fries

• Choose a crisp, hoppy IPA with citrus notes to cut through the rich, spicy fries and complement their zesty seasoning.
• Mix a classic or spicy margarita with fresh lime and tequila to balance the fries' heat and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Grab an ice-cold Mexican Coca-Cola or a tangy root beer to neutralize the spiciness and cleanse your palate between bites.
• Try a michelada- a Mexican beer cocktail with tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce- for an extra flavor adventure that matches the fries' bold profile.

Creative Twists on Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Gluten-Free Nacho Fries: Replace cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free cornstarch to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Cheese Sauce Alternative: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and plant-based milk for a creamy, dairy-free nacho sauce.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Fries: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, cutting them into fry-like shapes and following the same seasoning and cooking method.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of chipotle powder to the seasoning mix for an extra kick of southwestern flavor.

Answers to Your Taco Bell Nacho Fries Questions

• How crispy will the fries turn out?

The seasoned cornstarch coating and high-temperature frying create super crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. The key is maintaining the right oil temperature and not overcrowding the fryer.

• Can I make these fries healthier?

While the traditional recipe is deep-fried, you can bake the fries in the oven at 425F for a lighter version. Spray with cooking oil and spread on a baking sheet to achieve similar crispiness with less oil.

• What type of potatoes work best?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they have high starch content, which helps create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. They hold their shape well during frying and absorb seasonings perfectly.

• Is the spice level adjustable?

Absolutely! You can control the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper. For mild flavor, use just a pinch, and for extra kick, add more cayenne or include some red pepper flakes in the seasoning mix.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Taco Bell nacho fries bring Mexican street flavor straight to kitchen counters, elevating comfort snacking with crispy potato magic. Homemade deliciousness meets restaurant-style indulgence, letting you savor classic fast-food excitement without leaving home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ¼ cup evaporated milk

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

Additional Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 small jalapeno, finely minced
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cleanse potato strips by immersing them in chilled water for minimum 30 minutes to eliminate excess starch, ensuring optimal crispiness.
2. Thoroughly drain potato strips and meticulously pat dry using a clean kitchen cloth, removing all moisture.
3. Transfer potato strips to a spacious mixing vessel and generously dust with cornstarch, ensuring uniform coating through gentle tumbling.
4. Drizzle vegetable oil over potato strips and gently toss to create an even, glossy exterior.
5. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a compact mixing container.
6. Preheat vegetable oil in a deep cooking vessel to precisely 175C, creating an ideal frying environment.
7. Carefully submerge potato strips in small batches, allowing them to transform into golden, crisp delicacies within 3-4 minutes.
8. Extract fries using a perforated utensil, letting excess oil drain on absorbent paper towels.
9. Immediately sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture over piping hot fries, ensuring maximum flavor adherence.
10. For cheese sauce, gently melt butter in a compact saucepan, incorporating minced jalapeno for subtle heat.
11. Pour evaporated milk into the butter mixture, warming gradually to create a smooth foundation.
12. Gradually incorporate grated cheddar cheese, stirring consistently until achieving a luxurious, velvety consistency.
13. Season cheese sauce with garlic powder, chili powder, and salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
14. Arrange seasoned fries on a serving platter, accompanied by warm nacho cheese sauce for indulgent dipping.

Notes

• Starch Removal Technique: Soaking potatoes in cold water helps eliminate excess starch, resulting in crispier fries with a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Cornstarch Coating Trick: The cornstarch creates an extra-crispy layer that locks in moisture and gives the fries a restaurant-quality crunch.
• Seasoning Optimization: Toast the dry spices briefly in a pan before mixing to intensify their flavors and create a more complex taste profile.
• Oil Temperature Precision: Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt fries and ensuring even cooking.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a nutrient-rich alternative or use gluten-free cornstarch for a celiac-friendly version.
• Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Grate cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded to achieve a silkier, more melted sauce without anti-caking agents.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare the seasoning mix and cut potatoes in advance, storing them in cold water in the refrigerator to save time during cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg