This Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. Made with a simple frying method, this meal is a surefire crowd-pleaser that your family will adore!
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s gather up our ingredients! This delicious Taco Bell Nacho Fries recipe is packed with flavor and easy to make. Here’s what you need:
For the Fries
- 1 pound Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries: These are the star of the show! You can use any kind of frozen fries you prefer, but this brand gives that famous fast-food feel.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying. You want enough to fill your pan to about 3 inches deep.
Seasoning Mix
- 2 teaspoons Salt: Just a couple pinches of salt makes everything better, right?
- 2 tablespoons Paprika: Adds that lovely color and a smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic?
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder: For a touch of heat!
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: Essential for that savory base flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional): Only if you want to kick things up a notch!
Cheese Sauce
- 16 slices American Cheese: Oh, there’s something special about melted American cheese, isn’t there?
- 1/4 cup Milk: To achieve the right creamy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon Liquid from the Jar of Jalapeño Slices: Trust me; this will enhance the flavor.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that we’ve prepped the ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process for our amazing Taco Bell Nacho Fries!
1. Prepare the Seasoning
First off, grab a small bowl and mix together your seasoning. Combine 2 teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Just stir it all together until well mixed, this part will pack your fries with tons of flavor!
2. Fry the Fries
Next, fill a saucepan with vegetable oil to about 3 inches deep and heat it up to 350°F (180°C). You’ll want it hot! While it’s heating up, get your fries ready. Cook them in the hot oil for about 6 to 8 minutes or until they become crispy and golden brown. Oh, the smell of frying potatoes is one of life’s simple pleasures!
Once they’re crisp, transfer those fries to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the excess oil.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
While your fries are cooling slightly, it’s time to work on that creamy cheese sauce! Unwrap those 16 slices of American cheese and tear them into smaller pieces. Place the cheese, along with 1/4 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of jalapeño juice, into a microwave-safe bowl.
Pop it in the microwave uncovered, heating it in 30-second intervals. Be sure to stir between each one until the cheese is melted and everything is beautifully combined. You’ll know it’s done when it’s all creamy and dreamy, this sauce is SO good!
4. Season the Fries
Now for the final touch! Grab those slightly cooled fries and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add your seasoning mix from earlier and toss the fries until they’re evenly coated. You’ll want to ensure every fry gets a nice dusting of those delicious spices.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
It’s time to enjoy this hearty snack! Heap the seasoned fries on a serving plate and serve them with your cheesy sauce on the side for dipping. You can even top them with extra jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or whatever else sounds good. Trust me, your family will love this!
If you loved this recipe and you love Mexican food, be sure to check out my Mexican Pork Pozole, my Steak Queso Rice, or my Mexican Chicken and Corn Stew!
Why This Taco Bell Nacho Fries Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe truly comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. It’s all about those frozen fries!
Crowd-Pleaser
Trust me, this taco bell nacho fries recipe will be a hit with everyone, kids and adults alike! It’s loaded with flavor and is super fun for family movie nights or parties.
Customizable
One of the beauties of this recipe is how easy it is to switch things around. Don’t have jalapeños? No problem! Love extra cheese? Go ahead, sprinkle it on. Honestly, you can use whatever you have on hand, which makes it perfect for a ‘clean out the fridge’ dinner!
Serving & Storage
How to Serve This Taco Bell Nacho Fries
This dish is best served hot and fresh, with the cheesy sauce ready for dipping. I love serving it with a side of salsa or guacamole for added freshness! Pair it with your favorite tacos or a simple salad for a quick meal.
Storage
If you happen to have leftovers, let’s be honest, is pretty rare in our house, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep them crispy.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop the fries in the oven on 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Microwaving might make them a bit soggy, and nobody wants that!
Freezer Friendly
Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing the fries after they’ve been cooked. But you can definitely prep the seasonings and cheese sauce ahead of time for quick assembly whenever the craving hits!
There you have it! This Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe is quick, easy, and totally customizable. Don’t forget, food is all about joy and connection, so gather your loved ones, dive into those cheesy fries, and enjoy every delicious bite! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
Print
Taco Bell Nacho Fries
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and delicious snack that combines crispy fries with a creamy cheese sauce and flavorful seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- 16 slices American Cheese
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 tablespoon Liquid from the Jar of Jalapeño Slices
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 teaspoons salt, 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Fill a saucepan with vegetable oil to about 3 inches deep and heat to 350°F (180°C). Fry the frozen fries for 6-8 minutes until crispy and golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
- For the cheese sauce, combine 16 slices of American cheese, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon jalapeño juice in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked fries with the seasoning mix until evenly coated.
- Serve the seasoned fries with the cheesy sauce on the side for dipping, adding optional toppings as desired.
Notes
Adjust the spice level by omitting cayenne pepper or adding more seasonal toppings to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg