Description
These Taco Bell-style Nacho Fries combine crispy seasoned French fries baked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy homemade cheddar cheese sauce with a hint of pickled jalapeño brine for authentic flavor. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, this recipe delivers the iconic fast-food taste in your own kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Seasoned 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)
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
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (230°C) to prepare for baking the fries.
- Spread the fries: Lay the frozen French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper to create the signature spice blend.
- Season the fries: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fries, tossing gently to coat each fry thoroughly with the spices.
- Bake the fries: Place the seasoned fries in the preheated oven and bake according to the package instructions—typically 25 to 30 minutes—until they turn golden-brown and crispy.
- Create the roux: While fries bake, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour and form a roux.
- Incorporate the milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
- Thicken the mixture: Cook the milk and roux mixture, stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Enhance the flavor: Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine and ¼ teaspoon chili powder to add authentic nacho cheese flavor and a mild kick. Keep the sauce warm on low heat until ready to serve.
- Cool the fries slightly: Once the fries are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes so they are easier to handle and won’t immediately soften when covered with sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the seasoned fries on a plate or serving basket and serve with the warm nacho cheese sauce on the side for dipping, recreating the classic Taco Bell Nacho Fries experience at home.
Notes
- For extra heat, include the optional cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix.
- You can substitute frozen fries with fresh cut fries, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- Sharp cheddar cheese provides the best flavor for the cheese sauce; avoid pre-shredded cheeses that may contain anti-caking agents.
- If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a little more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest fries and best dipping experience.
