Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

This incredible Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries recipe brings the beloved fast food favorite right to your kitchen! Perfectly crispy fries coated in a special seasoning blend and served with a rich, creamy nacho cheese sauce – these are seriously addictive. The best part? You can make them in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Whether you’re craving a late-night snack or want to impress friends at your next gathering, these nacho fries will become your new go-to indulgence!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Russet Potatoes: Their high starch content makes them perfect for frying, creating that crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture we all crave.
• Peanut Oil: The secret to clean frying without making your house smell like a fast-food joint. It has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Sweet Paprika: Adds beautiful color and mild sweetness to the seasoning blend.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings that distinctive smoky depth that makes the seasoning irresistible.
• Chili Powder: Provides the perfect hint of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: The foundation of any good seasoning blend, these add savory depth.
• Cheez Whiz: The base for our nacho sauce, providing that smooth, creamy texture.
• American Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the sauce that authentic fast-food cheese quality.
• Pickled Jalapeño Juice: The secret ingredient that adds tanginess and mild heat to the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce to perfect dipping texture.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these nacho fries? Try these tasty variations:

• Loaded Nacho Fries: Top your finished fries with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.
• Bacon Jalapeño: Add crumbled bacon and diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Carnitas Nacho Fries: Top with slow-cooked pulled pork, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of lime crema.
• Spicy Version: Double the chili powder in the seasoning blend and add cayenne pepper for fries with serious kick.
• Garlic Parmesan Option: Swap the nacho seasoning for a mixture of garlic powder, dried parsley, and grated parmesan for Italian-inspired fries.

How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel your russet potatoes and cut them into ¼-inch thick sticks. Place them in cold water while you prepare the oil – this removes excess starch for crispier fries.

Step 2: First Fry (Blanching)

Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or Dutch oven to 325°F. Thoroughly dry the potato sticks (moisture is the enemy of crispy fries!), then fry them in batches for 6-8 minutes until soft but not browned. Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the fries are blanching, combine Cheez Whiz, American cheese slices, pickled jalapeño juice, and milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until completely smooth and melted together, about 10 minutes. Cover and set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the sweet paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoning blend is key to capturing that distinctive Taco Bell flavor.

Step 5: Final Fry

Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Return the blanched fries to the hot oil in small batches and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Drain on the wire rack.

Step 6: Season and Serve

While the fries are still hot, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with half the seasoning mixture. Taste and add more seasoning if desired. Serve immediately with the warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping.

How to Serve

These Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries are perfect for many occasions and pair wonderfully with a variety of foods:

Perfect Pairings

Serve alongside burgers, tacos, or grilled sandwiches for the ultimate fast-food-at-home experience.

Party Presentation

For gatherings, create a nacho fry bar with the seasoned fries and cheese sauce as the base, then offer toppings like seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole.

Meal Upgrade

Use these fries as the base for carne asada fries by topping them with grilled steak, guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Fries will keep for 3-4 days, while the cheese sauce can last up to 5 days.

Freezing

For make-ahead convenience, you can freeze the blanched fries (after Step 2) on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, go straight to the second fry at 375°F (no need to thaw). Not recommended to freeze the cheese sauce as it may separate.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat fries in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes or in a 425°F oven for 5-7 minutes. The microwave will make them soggy, so avoid if possible. Reheat the cheese sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore its smooth consistency.

FAQs

Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! While deep frying gives the most authentic result, air frying works wonderfully too. Spray the cut potatoes with a little oil, then air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, tossing halfway through. The fries won’t need the two-stage cooking process in an air fryer.

What if I don’t have pickled jalapeño juice for the cheese sauce?
The jalapeño juice adds a tangy kick that makes the sauce special, but in a pinch, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar plus a pinch of sugar and a dash of hot sauce. It won’t be exactly the same, but will provide a similar flavor profile.

Can I make these fries gluten-free?
Good news! The fries and seasoning are naturally gluten-free. For the cheese sauce, double-check your Cheez Whiz and American cheese labels, as some brands may contain gluten. You can substitute with naturally gluten-free cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack melted with a little cornstarch and milk for a similar effect.

Why did my fries turn out soggy instead of crispy?
There are a few potential culprits: 1) The potatoes weren’t dried thoroughly before frying, 2) The oil wasn’t hot enough, 3) Too many fries were added at once, cooling the oil, or 4) The fries weren’t eaten right away. For best results, make sure your oil maintains its temperature and serve the fries immediately after the final fry.

These Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries bring all the flavors you love from the fast-food favorite right to your kitchen! With perfectly seasoned, crispy fries and that irresistible nacho cheese sauce, they’re sure to become a requested favorite in your home. The double-fry method might take a little extra time, but the restaurant-quality results are absolutely worth it. So next time that nacho fry craving hits, skip the drive-thru and whip up this homemade version instead – I promise you’ll be amazed at how spot-on they taste!

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