The Ultimate Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe You Can Make at Home

Crispy, golden Taco Bell nacho fries have been haunting my culinary dreams for months.

These irresistible potato strips pack a serious flavor punch that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Every home cook deserves a secret weapon in their recipe arsenal.

Recreating that crave-worthy restaurant magic right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.

Spicy seasoning and perfect crispiness await you at the end of this delicious journey.

Restaurant-quality goodness is just a few steps away from transforming your snack game.

Let’s unlock the ultimate comfort food that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Perfect Pairings With Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Spice Up Your Sips: Pair these fiery Taco Bell Nacho Fries with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to balance the heat and complement the crispy texture.
• Cool Down the Flame: Whip up a refreshing strawberry margarita that cuts through the spicy seasoning and provides a sweet contrast to the savory fries.
• Southwestern Sidekick: Serve alongside a zesty pico de gallo or fresh guacamole to add bright, tangy flavors that enhance the overall nacho fry experience.
• Creamy Companion: Create a smooth ranch dip with buttermilk, herbs, and a touch of hot sauce to provide a cooling counterpoint to the spicy fries.

Tasty Takes On Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace the original seasoning with a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle powder, and lime zest for a bold, southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Swap the spice mix with dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder to create a Mediterranean-inspired coating that transforms the classic fries.
• Smoky BBQ Ranch Kick: Combine smoked paprika, ranch seasoning mix, and a touch of brown sugar to give the fries a tangy, smoky barbecue-style taste.
• Mexican Street Corn Style: Mix the seasoning with cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to mimic the popular street corn flavor, creating a zesty and vibrant option.

FAQs For Taco Bell Nacho Fries Lovers

• What makes these Taco Bell Nacho Fries different from regular fries?

These fries are special because of their unique spice blend with paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper, giving them a bold, restaurant-style flavor that’s more exciting than plain fries.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these fries?

You’ll need a deep pot or fryer and a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. A kitchen towel for drying potatoes and a slotted spoon for removing them from oil are also helpful.

• Can I make these fries crispy without deep-frying?

Soaking the potatoes in cold water and coating them with cornstarch are key steps to getting that crispy exterior. If you want to avoid deep-frying, you can try baking them at a high temperature, but the texture won’t be exactly the same as the original recipe.

• Is the nacho cheese sauce complicated to make?

Not at all! The cheese sauce is simple and comes together quickly by melting butter, adding milk, and stirring in cheese with some spices. The key is to use low heat and stir constantly to keep it smooth.

Why Taco Bell Nacho Fries Are A Crave-Worthy Snack

• Crave-Worthy Flavor Explosion: These copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries deliver a seriously addictive blend of spicy, zesty seasonings that'll make your taste buds dance with excitement.
• Master Crispy Perfection: The clever double-coating technique with cornstarch and precise frying temperature guarantees ultra-crispy exterior and soft, pillowy potato interior that beats regular french fries hands down.
• Quick Restaurant-Style Hack: Recreate a popular fast-food favorite at home in under an hour, saving money and impressing friends with your culinary skills while enjoying restaurant-quality taste right from your kitchen.
• Customize Your Spice Adventure: The homemade seasoning mix lets you control heat levels, making this recipe perfect for spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors by simply adjusting cayenne and chili powder quantities.

What You’ll Need For Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for crispy fries with a fluffy interior, best when fresh and firm.
• Cornstarch: Creates an extra crispy exterior coating for the fries, helps achieve restaurant-style crunch.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Spicy and savory mix that gives Taco Bell-style bold flavor, each spice adds depth and warmth.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying, provides high-heat cooking medium with neutral taste.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy base for cheese sauce, adds richness without extra water content.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth cheese sauce texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that forms the base of the nacho cheese sauce.
• Jalapeno (Optional): Fresh pepper that adds optional heat and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.

How To Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries At Home

Step 1: Prepare Potato Strips

Slice potatoes into thin, french fry-like strips. Submerge the potato strips in cold water for half an hour to wash away extra starch. Thoroughly pat the strips dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• Cornstarch
• Vegetable oil

Ensure each strip gets an even, light coating that will help create a super crispy exterior.

Step 3: Mix Flavor Explosion Seasoning

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt

Blend these spices thoroughly to create a zesty seasoning mix.

Step 4: Deep Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lower potato strips in small batches. Fry until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Sprinkle with Spicy Seasoning

While fries are still piping hot, generously dust them with the prepared spice blend. The heat helps the seasoning stick and intensify the flavors.

Step 6: Whip Up Creamy Nacho Cheese

• Melting butter
• Adding minced jalapeños (optional)
• Stirring in evaporated milk
• Gradually incorporating grated cheddar cheese
• Seasoning with garlic powder, chili powder, and salt

Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the spicy, crispy fries on a plate. Serve the warm cheese sauce in a small dipping bowl alongside. Dive in and savor your homemade Taco Bell-inspired nacho fries!

Tips To Get Taco Bell Nacho Fries Just Right

• Soak for Crispiness: Soaking potato slices in cold water removes excess starch, ensuring extra crispy fries that mimic Taco Bell's signature texture.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Use cornstarch as a secret weapon to create a light, crispy exterior that helps the seasoning stick better to each fry.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix to make the fries mild or fiery hot, catering to different heat preferences.
• Cheese Sauce Pro Tip: Use low heat when melting cheese to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy nacho sauce that won't become grainy.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare seasoning mix and cheese sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for quick assembly when craving hits.

How To Store Taco Bell Nacho Fries And Reheat Later

• Refrigerate: Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the fries and cheese sauce into different containers to maintain their texture.
• Reheat Oven: Spread fries on a baking sheet, bake at 425F for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Avoid using microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Reheat Cheese Sauce: Warm gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add a splash of milk if sauce becomes too thick.
• Best Consumed: Enjoy reheated fries immediately after warming for the best crispy texture and flavor. Discard if stored longer than recommended.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy Taco Bell nacho fries bring Mexican street food excitement directly to home kitchens with crispy golden potato strips. Zesty seasoning and creamy cheese sauce create an irresistible snack that delivers restaurant-quality flavor you can enjoy anytime.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Seasonings and Spices:

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

Liquids and Extras:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small jalapeno, finely minced
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice potatoes into thin, uniform fries and submerge in cold water, allowing excess starch to dissolve for 30 minutes. Thoroughly drain and completely dry using clean kitchen towels.
2. Generously dust potato strips with cornstarch, ensuring complete and even coverage. Drizzle with vegetable oil and gently toss to create a light, crispy exterior.
3. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl. Set mixture aside for final seasoning.
4. Carefully heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to precisely 175C (350F). Gently lower potato strips into hot oil, frying in small batches until achieving a rich golden-brown color and crisp texture, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. Immediately transfer fried potatoes to paper towels to absorb excess oil. While still piping hot, liberally sprinkle with prepared seasoning mix, ensuring complete flavor distribution.
6. Create a velvety nacho cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Incorporate minced jalapeno and sauté briefly. Slowly introduce evaporated milk, then gradually blend in grated cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until achieving a silky smooth consistency.
7. Season cheese sauce with garlic powder, chili powder, and salt to enhance flavor profile. Maintain sauce at a gentle warm temperature.
8. Arrange seasoned fries on a serving plate, accompanying with warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping. Serve immediately to preserve optimal crispiness and temperature.

Notes

• Remove excess starch from potatoes by soaking in cold water, ensuring crispy exterior and soft interior when frying.
• Pat fries completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy results.
• Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for deep frying to maintain consistent temperature and crisp texture.
• Create custom spice blend by adjusting heat levels – reduce cayenne for milder version or add more for extra kick.
• Monitor oil temperature carefully during frying to prevent burning or undercooked fries; use a kitchen thermometer for precision.
• Prepare cheese sauce just before serving to maintain smooth, creamy consistency and prevent separation.
• For gluten-free option, replace cornstarch with rice flour or potato starch when coating fries.
• Make cheese sauce healthier by using low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese without compromising flavor profile.
• Consider baking fries as alternative cooking method for lower-fat version, though texture will differ slightly from traditional deep-frying.
• Store leftover seasoning mix in airtight container for future use on other potato or vegetable dishes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg