Taco Bell Nacho Fries at Home

Contents show

1 Ingredients You’ll Need

1.1 For the Fries:

1.2 For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

2 Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Taco Bell Nacho Fries

2.1 1. Prepare the Potatoes

2.2 2. Par-Cook the Fries

2.3 3. Season the Fries

2.4 4. Fry the Potatoes Again

2.5 5. Prepare the Nacho Cheese Sauce

2.6 6. Serve and Enjoy

3 Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Bell Nacho Fries

3.1 1. Choose the Right Potatoes

3.2 2. Double Fry for Maximum Crispiness

3.3 3. Use Cornstarch for Coating

3.4 4. Don’t Overcrowd the Frying Pan

4 Variations on Taco Bell Nacho Fries

4.1 1. Loaded Nacho Fries

4.2 2. Spicy Nacho Fries

4.3 3. Vegan Nacho Fries

4.4 4. Sweet Potato Nacho Fries

5 Conservation and Storage Taco Bell Nacho Fries

5.1 1. Storing Fries

5.2 2. Reheating Fries

5.3 3. Storing Cheese Sauce

6 Serving Suggestions Taco Bell Nacho Fries

6.1 1. Party Snack

6.2 2. Side Dish

6.3 3. Movie Night Treat

7 Frequently Asked Questions Taco Bell Nacho Fries

7.1 1. Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?

7.2 2. Can I use frozen fries to save time?

7.3 3. What kind of potatoes work best for fries?

7.4 4. How do I prevent the fries from becoming soggy?

8 Conclusion Taco Bell Nacho Fries

9 Taco Bell Nacho Fries at Home

9.1 Description

9.2 Ingredients

9.3 For the Fries:

9.4 For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

9.5 Instructions

9.6 Equipment

9.7 Notes

9.8 Nutrition

9.9 Did you make this recipe?

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Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. These crispy, seasoned fries paired with a rich nacho cheese sauce are the perfect snack or side dish. Whether you’re craving the bold flavors of Taco Bell’s famous fries or want to try a fun recipe at home, this step-by-step guide will help you make the delicious fries from scratch.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, the step-by-step process for making perfectly crispy and seasoned fries, tips for achieving that restaurant-quality flavor, and some exciting variations. You’ll also learn how to store and serve your homemade Nacho Fries. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will make the process smoother and ensure you don’t miss any steps along the way.

For the Fries:

• 3 large russet potatoes
• 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño juice (for a tangy kick)

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Taco Bell Nacho Fries

1. Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. Afterward, cut them into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick, to resemble the size of fast-food fries. You can use a fry cutter if you have one for consistent sizing.

Pro tip: Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step will help the fries achieve that desirable crispiness.

2. Par-Cook the Fries

After soaking the fries, drain and pat them dry with paper towels. Heat your vegetable oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 300°F (150°C). Working in batches, fry the potatoes for about 3-4 minutes. This step is not meant to fully cook them but to soften the inside of the fries without browning them yet. Once done, remove the fries and let them rest on a paper towel-lined tray.

3. Season the Fries

While the fries rest, prepare the seasoning mix. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

4. Fry the Potatoes Again

Now, heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the par-cooked potatoes again, working in batches, for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. After frying, place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.

Immediately toss the hot fries in your prepared seasoning mix to ensure they get coated evenly while the fries are still warm. The cornstarch in the seasoning helps the spices adhere better, enhancing the flavor.

5. Prepare the Nacho Cheese Sauce

While the fries are frying, start working on the nacho cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, but be careful not to let it brown.

Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, black pepper, and pickled jalapeño juice.

Pro tip: If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can strain it through a fine sieve to remove any clumps or lumps.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the seasoned fries on a serving plate and generously drizzle the nacho cheese sauce over the top. You can also serve the cheese sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer.

Tips for Perfecting Your Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor of Nacho Fries at home requires attention to detail. Here are a few tips to help you master the process:

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes are the best choice for fries because of their high starch content, which ensures crispiness. Avoid waxy varieties like red or Yukon Gold, as they tend to become too soft when fried.

2. Double Fry for Maximum Crispiness

The secret to restaurant-quality fries is double frying. The first fry cooks the interior of the fries, while the second fry creates the crispy exterior.

3. Use Cornstarch for Coating

Adding cornstarch to the seasoning mix helps the spices stick to the fries and provides an extra layer of crunch.

4. Don’t Overcrowd the Frying Pan

When frying the potatoes, avoid overcrowding the pan. Too many fries at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries. Fry in batches for best results.

Variations on Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can get creative with some fun variations of Nacho Fries.

1. Loaded Nacho Fries

Turn your fries into a full meal by adding toppings like seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and guacamole. This turns your snack into a hearty dish reminiscent of nachos.

2. Spicy Nacho Fries

For those who love heat, you can amp up the spice by adding extra cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to both the fries and the cheese sauce.

3. Vegan Nacho Fries

To make vegan-friendly Nacho Fries, substitute the dairy-based cheese sauce with a plant-based nacho cheese made from cashews or a store-bought vegan cheese. You can also replace the butter in the sauce with olive oil or vegan butter.

4. Sweet Potato Nacho Fries

For a healthier alternative, swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes. The sweetness of the fries pairs beautifully with the spicy seasoning and tangy cheese sauce.

Conservation and Storage Taco Bell Nacho Fries

While it’s best to enjoy Nacho Fries fresh, you can store leftovers for later.

1. Storing Fries

If you have leftover fries, allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Reheating Fries

To bring back the crispiness, reheat the fries in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as this will make the fries soggy.

3. Storing Cheese Sauce

You can also store the nacho cheese sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its smooth consistency. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it.

Serving Suggestions Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Nacho Fries can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion. Here are a few ideas:

1. Party Snack

Serve a big platter of Nacho Fries with individual bowls of nacho cheese sauce for dipping. Add some salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for a snack everyone will love.

2. Side Dish

Nacho Fries make an excellent side dish to tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Their bold flavor pairs well with the classic Mexican-inspired dishes.

3. Movie Night Treat

Planning a movie night? Whip up a batch of Nacho Fries to serve alongside popcorn. The crispy fries and cheesy dip are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions Taco Bell Nacho Fries

1. Can I bake the fries instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the fries as a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the cut and seasoned fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are in a single layer to ensure even baking. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.

2. Can I use frozen fries to save time?

Absolutely! If you want to cut down on prep time, you can use frozen store-bought fries. Bake or fry them according to the package instructions, then toss them in the seasoning mix. You can still make the homemade nacho cheese sauce for dipping to elevate the dish.

3. What kind of potatoes work best for fries?

Russet potatoes are the best choice for making fries because of their high starch content and low moisture, which makes them ideal for achieving a crispy texture. Avoid using waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold, as they tend to be softer and won’t give you the same crispiness.

4. How do I prevent the fries from becoming soggy?

To prevent soggy fries, follow these tips:

• Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying. This removes excess starch and helps the fries crisp up.
• Make sure the fries are completely dry before frying to avoid moisture causing them to steam rather than fry.
• Fry the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the fries soggy.
• Double fry the potatoes—par-cook them at a lower temperature first, then fry them at a higher temperature for a crispy finish.

Conclusion Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Taco Bell Nacho Fries are more than just a simple snack—they’re a flavorful, versatile dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you enjoy them plain with nacho cheese sauce or loaded with toppings, these fries are guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering or as a cozy indulgence at home. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to replicate the crispy texture and bold seasoning that make Nacho Fries so irresistible.

With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can enjoy this fast-food favorite any time, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. So, go ahead—get frying and treat yourself to a plate of homemade Nacho Fries that are every bit as delicious as the original!

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