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Nacho Fries (Taco Bell Copycat) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 130 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Heat the oil: In a large, heavy pot, heat neutral oil to 350°F (175°C).
  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. 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

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/nacho-fries-taco-bell-copycat-recipe/