Irresistible Nacho Fries

Been dreaming about those crispy Taco Bell nacho fries? Skip the drive-thru and whip up your own batch in no time. The flavors hit just right—especially that cheesy dip. Make these whenever you want that perfect snack for movie night or just because you're hungry for something salty and cheesy.

The first time I tried them was at a get-together where everyone kept coming back for more. They were gone before I knew it—now my family begs for them anytime we need something fun and tasty.

Irresistible Ingredients

• Ore Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries: These are your best bet for getting restaurant-level crunch. Look for bags with as little frost as possible so they fry up right.
• Vegetable Oil for Frying: Go for canola or peanut since they don’t mess with the flavor and can handle high heat.
• Salt: Brings everything together. Use sea salt or kosher for better coverage.
• Paprika: Gives a little smokiness. Spanish sweet paprika adds even more depth.
• Garlic Powder: Adds that savory, mellow heat. Make sure yours isn’t clumpy for even sprinkling.
• Chili Powder: Brings the signature nacho color and punch. Check yours is fresh so it pops.
• Onion Powder: Lifts the flavor and sticks best when it’s super fine.
• Cayenne Pepper: For those who want it hotter. Totally your call, but a pinch works wonders.
• American Cheese: Melts into creamy goodness. Pick a smooth, melty option.
• Milk: Makes the cheese just the right dip-able texture. Whole milk works best.
• Liquid from a Jar of Jalapeño Slices: Adds tang and a little extra heat so the cheese sauce sings.

Simple Cooking Steps

Mix Your Spice Blend:

Dump salt, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and cayenne into a bowl. Crush up any stubborn little lumps with a spoon so it all mixes evenly.

Get the Oil Hot:

Pour a few inches of oil into a deep pot. Clip on a thermometer and heat over medium until you hit 350° F. It’ll climb fast, so keep an eye on it.

Start Frying:

Add your frozen fries bit by bit. Let them sizzle away for 6 to 8 minutes, giving them a stir now and then, till they’re golden and crisp. Scoop out with a slotted spoon onto paper towels to drain and cool a minute—this helps the flavor stick.

Cheese Sauce Time:

While fries chill, tear up some American cheese, pour in milk and jalapeño juice, then zap in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time. Give it a stir each round ’til it’s creamy all the way through.

Spice Up the Fries:

Toss the fries into a big bowl. Sprinkle over the spice blend and toss them gently until every fry is coated and shiny.

Dig In:

Stack the fries onto a tray. Grab your cheese sauce for dipping or pour it right over the top. Eat while they’re still hot and amazing.

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I always use jalapeño juice for the cheese. It brings this punchy tang that’s just magic. My cousin and I once tried regular water—honestly, it was blah. We laugh every time we make them and remember that ‘oops’.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Honestly, these are most delicious right after frying. If you’ve got extras, pop them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days. Warm them up in the oven at 400 degrees for five minutes. They’ll get crunchy again! The cheese dip can go in the fridge too—just stir and carefully reheat in the microwave before scooping.

Switching it Up

If you only have basic frozen fries, go ahead—they’ll still be tasty, maybe just not ultra-crunchy. Want a sharper cheese sauce? Use cheddar instead of American. Or go for pepper jack to turn up the heat. Out of jalapeño brine? Go with a little pickle juice and it still works.

Fun Ways to Serve

Pile these fries high on a snack board with guac, salsa, or sour cream—makes a killer nacho platter. They’re also wild as a burger topper or next to grilled chicken. Sprinkle over scallions or more pickled jalapeños if you want an extra punch.

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Nacho Fry Mania

These hit Taco Bell’s menu in 2018 and were an instant hit. Their bold Tex Mex spices and that creamy cheese dip? Total favorites. Now you can easily make them yourself with a couple pantry staples.

FAQs About the Recipe

→ What makes nacho fries so flavorful?

The fries get their big taste from a mix with chili powder, onion and garlic powders, paprika, cayenne, and salt. That’s what punches up plain fries to something awesome.

→ How do I get the fries extra crispy?

Toss frozen fries into hot oil at around 350°F. When they turn that golden shade and look super crunchy, take them out and rest on paper towels before the seasoning sprinkle.

→ What kind of cheese is best for the sauce?

Go with American cheese. It melts dreamy and smooth, especially if you pour in some milk and bump up the flavor using juice from pickled jalapeños.

→ Can the spice level be adjusted?

For less kick, skip or cut back the cayenne. If you want things hotter, just pile on more. Make it how you like it!

→ Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

Go for it—bake those fries like the bag says and coat them in spices after for all the flavor, just lighter on the oil.