Nacho Fries (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe
Introduction
Criendly and flavorful nacho fries inspired by a famous fast-food copycat, tossed with a smoky seasoning and served with creamy jalapeño nacho cheese for dipping. Simple to pull together from frozen fries for weeknight crunch without sacrificing big flavor.
Ingredients
Taco Bell Seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Fries
- 2 lbs frozen French fries
- neutral oil for frying
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
Nacho Cheese
- 8 oz. American cheese, preferably deli-style
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, very finely minced
- 1 tbsp jalapeño brine
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together all the seasoning ingredients and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat neutral oil to 350°F in a large, heavy pot. Fry the frozen fries in batches until deeply golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Immediately drain the fries and season with 1½ teaspoons kosher salt while they are hot.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine American cheese and evaporated milk. Stir constantly until smooth. Add minced jalapeños, jalapeño brine, and garlic powder; stir until incorporated. Keep warm on very low heat, but do not let it boil.
- Step 5: When the fries are hot, transfer them to a large bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning generously and toss to coat every fry.
- Step 6: Pile the seasoned fries on a plate or basket and serve immediately with the warm nacho cheese for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- A crispier fry holds onto the seasoning and stands up to the cheese, so cook the fries until deeply golden.
- The seasoning sticks best when the fries are hot, so toss them right after cooking.
- Keep the cheese sauce over very low heat and stir constantly to prevent separation.
- To skip deep frying, bake or air fry the fries according to package directions, then season right after cooking.
- For milder cheese, reduce minced jalapeños to 1 tablespoon but keep the brine for tang.
- The seasoning can be made ahead and stored in a small airtight container for several days.
- Leftover fries and cheese keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat fries in an air fryer or oven until crispy and warm the cheese gently with a splash of evaporated milk.
Storage
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the fries in an air fryer or oven until crispy and gently rewarm the cheese over low heat with a little evaporated milk if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake or air fry the fries instead of deep frying?
Yes. Bake or air fry the fries according to the package directions, then season them immediately after cooking for best adherence.
How spicy is the cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce can be adjusted by reducing the minced jalapeños to taste; keep the jalapeño brine for the signature tang.
PrintNacho Fries (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe
Crispy, seasoned fries tossed in a smoky Taco Bell–style seasoning and served with warm, creamy jalapeño cheese dip for an irresistible nacho fry experience—copycat goodness in about 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Taco Bell Seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Fries
- 2 lbs frozen French fries (Ore-Ida Crispy Fast Food Fries recommended)
- Neutral oil, for frying
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
Nacho Cheese
- 8 oz American cheese (deli-style preferred)
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, very finely minced
- 1 tbsp jalapeño brine
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the oil: In a large, heavy pot, heat neutral oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the fries: Fry the frozen fries in batches until deeply golden and crispy. Immediately drain and season with 1½ teaspoons kosher salt while hot.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine American cheese and evaporated milk. Stir constantly until smooth. Add minced jalapeños, jalapeño brine, and garlic powder; stir until incorporated. Keep warm over very low heat, preserving a smooth texture (do not boil).
- Toss and serve: While fries are hot, place them in a large bowl and sprinkle generously with the seasoning. Toss until evenly coated. Plate and serve immediately with warm nacho cheese for dipping.
Notes
- A crispier fry holds the seasoning and stands up to the cheese—cook until deeply golden.
- The seasoning adheres best when fries are hot straight from the fryer.
- To avoid separation, keep cheese sauce over low heat and stir constantly; avoid boiling.
- For a lighter option, bake or air-fry the fries according to package directions, then toss with seasoning after cooking.
- The seasoning can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for several days.
- Leftover fries and cheese can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days; reheat fries in an air fryer or oven and warm cheese gently with a splash of evaporated milk.
Keywords: nacho fries, Taco Bell copycat, fried fries, jalapeño cheese, nacho cheese sauce, seasoned fries
