Description
These homemade Taco Bell-inspired Nacho Fries are the perfect combination of crispy, seasoned fries and a creamy, tangy nacho cheese sauce. A great snack, appetizer, or side dish for any meal!
Ingredients
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the Fries:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Spread the fries: Lay the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Season the fries: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fries, tossing them to coat every fry thoroughly.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Thicken the mixture: Cook the milk mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue 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 combined. Keep the sauce warm on low heat until ready to serve.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Cool the fries slightly: Once the fries are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes.
- Serve: Arrange the seasoned fries on a plate or in a serving basket, and serve with the warm nacho cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- For extra heat: Add extra cayenne pepper to the fries or some additional pickled jalapeño brine to the cheese sauce for a spicier kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg