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Taco Bell Nacho Fries

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Taco Bell Nacho Fries are a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex flair and classic fast-food comfort. The golden, crispy fries are seasoned with a zesty blend of chili powder, paprika, garlic, and onion, then served alongside a smooth, velvety nacho cheese sauce for dipping. With their signature savory and slightly spicy seasoning, these fries offer a fun twist on the typical side dish and capture the crave-worthy flavors of Taco Bell in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Fries:

  • 1 lb Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Seasoning Mixture:

  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Cheese Sauce:

  • 16 slices American cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp liquid from a jar of jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seasoning Mixture:
    In a small bowl, stir together paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside.
  2. Heat the Oil:
    Fill a deep saucepan with vegetable oil, at least 3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Cook the Fries:
    Fry the frozen fries in the hot oil for 6–8 minutes or until golden and crispy. Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
    • Tear the American cheese slices into smaller pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl.
    • Add the milk and the liquid from the jar of jalapeño slices.
    • Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
  5. Season the Fries:
    Place the fries in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle them with the seasoning mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Serve:
    Serve the fries immediately with the cheese sauce on the side. Enjoy while hot and crispy!

Notes

  • Choosing Your Fries
    • Use russet potatoes if you’d like to cut and fry them yourself—this will yield fries that are fluffy inside and crisp outside.
    • Alternatively, frozen French fries can be a convenient shortcut. Look for straight-cut fries that are thick enough to hold the bold seasoning but not too thick to overpower the spice blend.
  • Seasoning Balance
    • Finding the right ratio of chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt is key to achieving that signature Taco Bell taste. Adjust the spice levels to your preference; if you prefer an extra kick, add a dash of cayenne or chipotle powder.
    • If you want that bold orange tint, include a small amount of paprika or a pinch of turmeric.
  • Frying vs. Baking vs. Air-Frying
    • Frying: The traditional method provides the crispiest texture but requires more oil and attention.
    • Baking: A healthier option that still yields decent crispiness—just toss fries in oil and seasoning before baking.
    • Air-Frying: An excellent balance between crispy results and healthy cooking; be sure to shake the basket midway for even browning.
  • The Cheese Sauce
    • A creamy, tangy nacho cheese sauce brings everything together. You can melt store-bought processed cheese with milk or make your own from scratch.
    • For extra creaminess and flavor, add a splash of hot sauce, a spoonful of sour cream, or a bit of diced jalapeño.
  • Serving Suggestions
    • Serve them hot and fresh with plenty of cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
    • For a heartier dish, load them up with cooked ground beef or seasoned shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Storage & Reheating
    • Nacho Fries are best enjoyed immediately—once they cool, they can lose their crunch.
    • If you have leftovers, reheat them in an air fryer or hot oven to restore crispiness before dipping in reheated cheese sauce.

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/taco-bell-nacho-fries/