Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

Introduction

If you’ve ever been to Taco Bell, chances are you’ve indulged in their popular Nacho Fries. These crispy, seasoned fries paired with a creamy, cheesy dipping sauce have earned a dedicated following. I first tried Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries on a casual trip to the drive-thru and immediately became hooked. The combination of bold, spicy seasoning with the rich, velvety nacho cheese was a flavor explosion that left me wanting more. However, I decided to create my own version at home, and I’m thrilled to say it turned out just as delicious – if not better. My family devoured the entire plate, and I’m certain this recipe will be a hit in your home as well!

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound frozen French fries
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra 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 a jar of pickled jalapeños)
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fries:
   • Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) and allow it to fully heat.
   • Spread the fries: Lay the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
   • Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). This mixture gives the fries that signature Taco Bell flavor.
   • Season the fries: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fries, tossing them gently to coat every fry thoroughly. You can use your hands or a spoon to ensure the seasoning is well distributed.
   • Bake the fries: Follow the package instructions for cooking the fries, typically about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to achieve a golden-brown, crispy texture.
2. Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
   • Create the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the cheese sauce and give it that smooth, creamy texture.
   • Incorporate the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
   • Enhance the flavor: Add the pickled jalapeño brine and chili powder, stirring until fully combined. This step adds that signature tangy and spicy flavor that makes the nacho cheese so irresistible. Keep the sauce warm on low heat until you’re ready to serve.
3. Assemble and Serve:
   • Cool the fries slightly: Once the fries are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes. This helps them firm up slightly and makes them easier to serve.
   • Serve: Arrange the seasoned fries on a plate or in a serving basket. Serve with the warm nacho cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: 320
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 820mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 7g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (for fries)
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Snack or Appetizer:
  • Serve the fries and nacho cheese sauce as a fun and delicious snack during a movie night or game day.
  • Perfect for a party, these nacho fries can be served as an appetizer to keep guests coming back for more.
• Pair with Other Taco-Inspired Dishes:
  • Taco Bell Nacho Fries pair perfectly with homemade tacos, burritos, or quesadillas for a complete meal.
  • Add some guacamole and sour cream on the side for extra flavor.
• For a Quick Meal:
  • Serve the fries with a protein like grilled chicken or ground beef to create a quick, satisfying meal that’s both filling and flavorful.

Additional Tips

1. Extra Crispy Fries: For extra crispy fries, you can toss them in a bit of oil before baking, or cook them on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the fries.
2. Use Fresh Cheese: While you can use pre-shredded cheese, freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts much better and gives the sauce a smoother consistency.
3. Make It Spicy: Add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicier kick. Alternatively, you can use the jalapeño brine in the cheese sauce for extra heat.
4. Vary the Seasonings: Experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, ground cumin, or onion flakes to create your own twist on the classic Taco Bell seasoning.
5. Keep the Cheese Warm: If you’re serving a large group, consider keeping the cheese sauce warm in a slow cooker or a double boiler to ensure it stays smooth and perfect for dipping.

Recipe Variations

• Loaded Nacho Fries: Top your seasoned fries with ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a loaded nacho fries experience.
• Vegan Nacho Fries: Swap the cheddar cheese for a vegan cheese substitute and use non-dairy milk to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
• Crispy Chicken Nacho Fries: Add some crispy chicken strips on top of your fries for a more substantial meal.
• Spicy Cheddar Fries: For even more heat, use a spicy cheese like jalapeño cheddar or pepper jack in place of the sharp cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

• With Sour Cream and Guacamole: Serve alongside classic nacho dips like guacamole and sour cream to complement the nacho cheese sauce.
• With Salsa: A side of fresh salsa adds a tangy contrast to the rich cheese sauce and seasoned fries.
• As a Side Dish: Pair these fries with a fresh green salad to balance out the richness of the cheese sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore some of their crispiness.
• Freezing Fries: You can freeze the fries before seasoning and baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen when ready to serve.
• Freezing the Cheese Sauce: The cheese sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
   Yes, you can make your own fries from fresh potatoes. Slice the potatoes into fries, toss them in oil and seasoning, and bake at 450°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, the cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
3. What if I don’t have jalapeño brine?
   If you don’t have jalapeño brine, you can substitute with a bit of vinegar and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a similar tangy, spicy flavor.
4. Can I use other types of cheese for the sauce?
   Absolutely! You can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or any other melty cheese.
5. Can I make the nacho cheese sauce spicier?
   Yes, you can add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of chili powder to make the cheese sauce spicier.
6. How do I store the nacho cheese sauce?
   Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
7. Can I use sweet potato fries?
   Yes, sweet potato fries would work great with the seasoning and nacho cheese sauce.
8. How can I make this a healthier version?
   Use baked fries or air-fried fries, and opt for a lighter cheese sauce made with reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
9. How do I prevent my fries from getting soggy?
   Make sure to bake the fries in a single layer, and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. You can also bake on a wire rack to help them crisp up.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can double the recipe if you’re serving a larger group. Just be sure to use a larger baking sheet and possibly cook

the fries in batches.

Conclusion

Taco Bell Nacho Fries are an easy-to-make, flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy fries, a deliciously seasoned coating, and a creamy cheese sauce to dip them in, this recipe is sure to satisfy all your cravings. Customize it with your own toppings or serve it as a side with your favorite taco meal – either way, these homemade Nacho Fries are sure to become a family favorite!

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