Crispy Taco Bell Nacho Fries Copycat Recipe

Crispy, golden fries take an epic taco bell nacho fries recipe journey that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

These addictive potatoes carry the perfect blend of zesty seasoning and irresistible crunch.

Every bite promises a carnival of flavors that rival the fast-food favorite.

Spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will go wild for this homemade version.

Salt, paprika, and a special cheese sauce create magic on your plate.

You can easily recreate this restaurant-style treat in your own kitchen.

Prepare to elevate your snack game with this mouthwatering copycat recipe that delivers maximum flavor and zero compromise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients That Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes perfect for crispy exterior and fluffy interior, select firm and smooth-skinned spuds without green patches or sprouts.
• Cornstarch: Magical ingredient creating ultra-crispy coating by absorbing surface moisture and promoting golden-brown crunch.
• Vegetable Oil: High smoke-point oil ensures even frying and helps achieve restaurant-style crispiness.

• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet color and depth to the spice mix.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated savory punch without raw garlic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweet-sharp background flavor.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle warmth and southwestern character.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers subtle heat kick for adventurous palates.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances entire seasoning profile.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Jalapeno: Optional ingredient adding fresh, spicy kick to cheese sauce.
• Evaporated Milk: Creates silky, stable cheese sauce texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese providing classic nacho flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Reinforces savory undertones in cheese sauce.
• Chili Powder: Complements cheese with warm, complex notes.

Tools Needed For Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Large Deep Pot or Fryer: Essential for deep-frying potatoes to crispy golden perfection.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for safely removing fries from hot oil without excess grease.
• Small Saucepan: Crucial for creating smooth, creamy nacho cheese sauce.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for coating and seasoning fries evenly.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Great for preparing seasoning mix and measuring ingredients.
• Kitchen Towels: Helpful for drying potato fries after soaking.
• Paper Towels: Ideal for draining excess oil from fried potatoes.
• Cheese Grater: Required for grating fresh cheddar cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for cutting potatoes and mincing jalapenos.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Perfect for stirring cheese sauce and mixing ingredients.

How To Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries At Home

• Potato Preparation

Cold water bath helps remove extra starch from raw potatoes. Drain and dry thoroughly with clean kitchen towel.

• Coating Technique

Dust potatoes with light cornstarch layer for extra crispiness. Drizzle vegetable oil to ensure even coverage.

• Flavor Explosion

Create a zesty spice blend combining smoky and bold seasonings. Mix paprika, garlic powder, chili powder for maximum taste impact.

• Frying Magic

Heat oil to perfect golden temperature. Carefully submerge potato strips in hot oil, cooking until edges turn crispy and brown. Remove when achieving gorgeous amber color.

• Cheese Sauce Creation

Melt butter in small saucepan. Introduce creamy evaporated milk and sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk continuously until sauce reaches silky smooth consistency. Add subtle spice hints for extra kick.

• Delicious Assembly

Arrange crispy seasoned fries on warm plate. Drizzle or serve cheese sauce alongside for ultimate dipping experience. Enjoy immediately while temperature and crunchiness are at peak perfection.

Crispy Tips For Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Crispy Coating Hack: Cornstarch is the secret weapon for ultra-crispy exterior. The thin layer helps create a golden, crunchy surface that stays crisp longer, mimicking the restaurant-style texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper to dial up or down the heat. Start with a pinch for mild flavor, increase gradually for spice lovers who want that signature Taco Bell kick.
• Dietary Swap Options: Transform this recipe for different needs. Use sweet potatoes for a nutrient-dense version, or swap regular potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb alternative. Gluten-free eaters can confirm cornstarch is safe to use.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep fries earlier in the day. Cut and soak potatoes, then store in cold water in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, drain, pat dry, and fry for instant crispy goodness. Seasoning mix can also be prepared hours ahead for quick assembly.
• Cheese Sauce Flexibility: Experiment with cheese varieties. Pepper jack adds extra heat, while monterey jack provides a milder flavor. For dairy-free friends, use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives to recreate that creamy, tangy sauce experience.

Ways To Serve Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange fries on a large wooden board with multiple dipping sauces like salsa verde, sour cream, and guacamole for a festive sharing experience.
• Loaded Nacho Fry Extravaganza: Top crispy fries with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and extra cheese sauce for a hearty meal that transforms the side into a main dish.
• Movie Night Mexican Snack: Pack fries in individual paper boats with cheese sauce in small ramekins for an easy handheld snack perfect for game nights or movie watching.
• Breakfast Remix: Serve fries topped with scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, and a drizzle of cheese sauce for a morning twist on the classic Taco Bell recipe.

Best Storage For Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Quick Chill Technique: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum 2 days to maintain crispiness.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold fries by spreading them on a baking sheet and heating at 425F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original crunch.
• Cheese Sauce Strategy: Keep nacho cheese sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Gently reheat in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent separation.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Create seasoning mix in larger quantities and store in an airtight spice jar for future recipe uses, maintaining flavor intensity for 3-4 weeks.

Crispy Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Spicy Taco Bell nacho fries bring Mexican-inspired comfort straight to home kitchens. Crispy potato strips and zesty cheese sauce create a quick, delicious copycat meal perfect for casual dining.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
• 1 cup (240 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) evaporated milk
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small jalapeno, finely minced
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp chili powder

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Slice potatoes into uniform fries, soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat completely dry with kitchen towels.
2. Coating and Seasoning: Dust potato strips with cornstarch, drizzle with vegetable oil, and create a zesty seasoning blend combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Frying Process: Heat vegetable oil to 175C (350F), carefully fry potato strips in small batches until golden-brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Flavor Infusion: While fries are hot, generously coat with prepared seasoning mix to ensure complete flavor distribution.
5. Cheese Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté minced jalapeno, gradually add evaporated milk and grated cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until achieving a smooth, velvety consistency.
6. Sauce Finishing: Enhance cheese sauce with garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Maintain at a gentle warm temperature.
7. Serving: Plate seasoned fries and serve immediately with warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping, preserving optimal crispiness and temperature.

Notes

• Starch Removal Technique: Soak potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes to eliminate excess starch, ensuring a crispier exterior and preventing soggy fries.
• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Thoroughly dust potato strips with cornstarch, creating a light, crispy barrier that enhances golden-brown color and texture.
• Oil Temperature Precision: Maintain oil at exactly 175C (350F) for perfect frying, preventing greasy or undercooked fries and achieving restaurant-quality crispiness.
• Seasoning Application Strategy: Sprinkle seasoning immediately after frying while potatoes are hot, allowing spices to adhere better and distribute flavors more intensely.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg