Taco Bell nacho fries are a tasty treat that many people love. They are crispy, full of flavor, and topped with cheese that melts in your mouth. Remember those late-night cravings when you just wanted something fun to eat? Nacho fries are perfect for those moments. The best part about this recipe is that you can make it at home! With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels like a special snack or a quick meal. It’s not just about the fries themselves; it’s about the joy of sharing them with friends and family. This recipe is definitely worth trying because it’s simple, delicious, and brings everyone together.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Taco Bell nacho fries at home is special for several reasons. First of all, they are incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you can whip these up in no time. The ingredients are simple and often found in your kitchen. You can even adjust the flavors to your preference.

The flavor is another key reason to make this recipe. The combination of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika creates a mouthwatering taste that is hard to resist. Plus, the crispy fries paired with melted cheese sauce are a match made in heaven!

Another special aspect of nacho fries is their charm for gatherings and family nights. When you have friends over, serving nacho fries creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere. You can even set up a nacho bar, encouraging everyone to add their favorite toppings. It allows for creativity and personalization in each dish.

How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Creating your own nacho fries is a simple but rewarding experience. You start by preparing your potatoes, which will set the foundation for your dish. As you slice the russet potatoes into thin fries, you can smell their earthy aroma, creating a sense of anticipation for the delicious meal about to come.

Next, soaking the fries in cold water is a clever step. This helps remove excess starch, promoting crispiness when cooked. This step might seem small, but it makes a big difference!

After soaking, you will mix the fries with spices and vegetable oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. This brings out the flavors and makes every bite exciting. Baking or frying the fries will fill your kitchen with a tantalizing aroma.

When they are out of the oven or the fryer, you will watch them turn golden brown. Topping them with shredded cheese and warm nacho cheese sauce is the final touch. The sight of melted cheese over crispy fries is truly irresistible! Serve them right away and enjoy the delightful experience.

Ingredients:

2 large russet potatoes: These are perfect for fries because they are starchy and make crispy fries. You can substitute with sweet potatoes if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
1 tablespoon vegetable oil: This is essential for coating the fries, helping them crisp up during cooking. Olive oil can be a great alternative as well.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a delicious garlic flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic. If you’re a garlic lover, you might want to add extra!
1 teaspoon onion powder: This gives a subtle onion flavor that pairs well with the fries. Fresh onions can be used instead if you chop them finely.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This spice adds a wonderful smokiness and a deep reddish color to the fries. Regular paprika can work if you don’t have smoked.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: This adds heat to the fries. If you prefer milder flavor, you can use less or leave it out altogether.
1/2 teaspoon salt: This enhances the flavor of each ingredient. Always adjust to your taste!
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice. You can keep it out if you’re serving kids or those who don’t like pepper.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: This melty cheese makes the nacho fries feel indulgent. You can use any cheese you love, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra heat.
1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce: This is the finishing touch! You can buy this in stores or make your own at home for a fresher taste.

Directions:

Prepare Your Potatoes: Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Rinse them well, then cut into thin fries. The thinner the fries, the crispier they will be! Rinsing them helps remove excess starch.
Soak the Fries: Place your cut fries in a bowl of cold water. Let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is essential for crispy fries, so do not skip it!
Drain and Dry: After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry with a clean towel. Make sure they are completely dry! Any moisture left can cause them to steam and not get crispy.
Coat with Spices: In a large bowl, combine the dry fried potatoes with vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss the fries gently until they are evenly coated with the spices. Don’t overmix!
Choose Your Cooking Method:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the fries out in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden and crispy.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Add Cheese: Once the fries are hot and crispy, transfer them to a plate or tray. Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top while the fries are still hot. Drizzle warm nacho cheese sauce generously over them.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your nacho fries right away! They taste best warm and fresh. If you want extra toppings, feel free to add jalapeños, sour cream, or guacamole for an added kick!

How to Serve Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Taco Bell nacho fries are fun to serve in many ways. You can keep it casual and serve them on a large platter, allowing everyone to dig in. Pair them with a spicy salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping.

These nacho fries are an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet satisfying. They are also great for parties, game days, or movie nights. Create a nacho bar with a variety of toppings, letting everyone customize their fries. Kids will love helping to build their own plate, adding exactly what they like!

For drinks, consider serving soda, iced tea, or even a refreshing lemonade. The crispy, cheesy fries go well with light soups, like a tomato basil or a creamy chicken soup if you’re looking for some balance in the meal.

How to Store Taco Bell Nacho Fries

If you happen to have leftovers (which may be unlikely because they are so tasty!), storing them properly will keep them fresh for another day.

To store leftover nacho fries, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container. They can stay in the fridge for about 2-3 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. For freezing, consider laying them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their taste better this way.

To reheat, you can bake them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help keep their crispiness. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for similar results. Microwave reheating is possible but may make them softer.

Tips to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Use Cold Water: Soaking the fries in cold water is key to achieving that desirable crispiness.
Cut Evenly: Try to cut your fries to a similar thickness to ensure they all cook evenly.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the fries while baking. If left too long, they can become too crispy or burnt.
Taste as You Go: Always taste your seasoning mix. This will help ensure the flavor is just right for you.
Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings! Sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or even chicken can take your nacho fries up a notch.

Variation

Consider trying these variations to make your nacho fries even more exciting:

Spicy Nacho Fries: Add more cayenne pepper or even some jalapeños to the seasoning mix for a fiery kick.
Cheesy Bacon Fries: Top with crumbled bacon for a hearty addition. You can also mix in some ranch dressing for extra creaminess.
Vegetarian Nacho Fries: To make it vegetarian, consider adding black beans, corn, or avocado as toppings instead of any meat products.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Taco Bell nacho fries ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cut fries and soak them in water a day in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat nacho fries?
The best way to reheat them is in an oven or air fryer. This keeps them crispy, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Q: Can I use a different cheese or substitute ingredients?
Absolutely! You can use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack. For the oil, feel free to use olive oil instead of vegetable oil. Adjust spices to meet your preference as well.

In conclusion, Taco Bell nacho fries are not just a dish but an experience to be shared with family and friends. Embrace the joy of making them at home, enjoy the crispy bites, and create lasting memories around the dinner table! Happy cooking!

Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Author: phillip
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and flavorful nacho fries topped with melted cheese, perfect for snacks or quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large russet potatoes
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce

Instructions

Prepare Your Potatoes: Peel, rinse, and cut the russet potatoes into thin fries.
Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in cold water for 20 to 30 minutes.
Drain and Dry: Drain the fries and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Coat with Spices: In a large bowl, combine fries with vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Choose Your Cooking Method: For oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway. For air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 18 to 20 minutes.
Add Cheese: Once fries are hot and crispy, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top and drizzle warm nacho cheese sauce over them.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your nacho fries warm with additional toppings if desired.

Notes

Experiment with different toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baking or Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: nacho fries, Taco Bell, snack, vegetarian, party food