CopycatSpices
Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Crispy, seasoned fries with a warm nacho cheese dipping sauce that rivals the Taco Bell drive-thru. These homemade nacho fries are perfectly spiced with a bold Mexican-inspired seasoning blend and fried until golden and crunchy.
fast-food · taco-bell · side · snack
🕑Prep15 min
🍳Cook20 min
⏱Total35 min
🍽Serves4
⭐DifficultyEasy
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (about 3 large)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons canned diced green chiles
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- 1.Cut and soak the fries. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick sticks about 3 inches long. Soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels — wet fries and hot oil are not friends.
- 2.Mix the seasoning. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
- 3.Fry the potatoes. Heat oil to 325°F in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Fry the potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes until pale and slightly soft. Remove to a wire rack. Increase oil temperature to 375°F and fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- 4.Season immediately. Transfer the hot fries to a large bowl and toss with the seasoning blend while they're still glistening with oil. The seasoning sticks best when the fries are fresh out of the fryer.
- 5.Make the cheese sauce. While frying, combine the Velveeta, milk, green chiles, and chili powder in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until smooth and pourable, about 5 minutes.
- 6.Serve hot. Pile the fries high and serve with the warm cheese sauce on the side for dipping. These wait for nobody — eat them immediately.
Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Taco Bell Nacho Fries are one of those limited-time menu items that caused genuine public outcry every time they disappeared. They’re thick-cut fries dusted with a bold, slightly spicy seasoning and served with a warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping. The seasoning is what makes them — it’s a savory, smoky blend that turns regular fries into something you can’t stop eating.
This recipe uses a double-fry method to get that perfect crispy-outside, fluffy-inside texture. The cheese sauce comes together in about five minutes and tastes better than the squeeze-packet version you get at the drive-thru.
Why Make It at Home?
An order of Nacho Fries runs around $2.49 for a fairly small portion with a tiny cup of cheese. This recipe makes enough for four people for about $3.50 total. You also get to control the spice level and make as much cheese sauce as your conscience allows.
Tips & Variations
- Double-frying is non-negotiable. The first fry cooks the inside. The second fry crisps the outside. Skip the first fry and you’ll get floppy, sad fries.
- Dry your potatoes thoroughly. Any moisture on the surface will cause the oil to splatter and prevent crispiness. Pat them dry, then pat them dry again.
- Add taco toppings. Load the fries with seasoned ground beef, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese for a full nacho fries supreme situation.
- Oven-baked option. Toss cut potatoes in 2 tablespoons of oil and the seasoning blend. Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Not as crispy, but still solid.
