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I cracked the code on making those addictive Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home and my family can't get enough! After lots of testing I nailed that perfect blend of spices and that creamy nacho cheese sauce. Now we don't have to wait for them to come back on the menu I whip these up whenever we get a craving. They're seriously just as good maybe even better than the original!
What Makes These Fries Special
These aren't your basic cheese fries. That bold seasoning blend and smooth cheese sauce create pure magic together. I love that I can control how crispy the fries get and adjust the spice level to our taste. Plus making them at home means we can pile on extra toppings and make them exactly how we like them.
Everything You Need
- Frozen Extra Crispy Fries: I swear by Ore-Ida Extra Crispy they give that perfect fast food crunch.
- Salted Butter: Makes our cheese sauce extra rich and smooth.
- Whole Milk: Creates that perfect creamy sauce texture.
- American Cheese: Trust me this melts into the smoothest sauce.
- Jalapeño Sauce: Adds that perfect kick of heat.
- Paprika Chili Powder Garlic Powder Onion Powder: Our magical seasoning combo.
- Vegetable Oil: For getting those fries super crispy.
Let's Start Cooking
- Mix Your Spices
- Blend all your seasonings together until they're super fine this helps them stick to the fries better.
- Create That Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter milk cheese and jalapeño sauce together on low heat stirring until it's silky smooth.
- Fry Time
- Get your oil nice and hot about 350°F then fry those potatoes until they're gorgeously golden.
- The Final Touch
- While they're still hot sprinkle them generously with our seasoning mix. Serve with that warm cheese sauce for dipping heaven!
My Secret Tips
- Choose The Right Fries: Regular fries just won't give you that amazing crunch.
- Toast Those Spices: A quick toast in a dry pan makes the flavors bloom.
- Air Fryer Magic: My air fryer makes these almost as crispy as deep frying with less mess.
Make Them Your Own
- Load Them Up: We love adding fresh jalapeños sour cream and guacamole for taco fry paradise.
- Switch Up The Cheese: Sometimes I use pepper jack for extra kick.
- Spice It Up: A splash of hot sauce in the cheese makes these really sing.
Perfect Pairings
These fries are amazing on their own but they really shine alongside tacos. For game day I turn them into loaded nachos with seasoned beef beans and all the fixings. They're always the first thing to disappear at parties.
Storage Tips
Keep your leftover fries and cheese sauce in separate containers. The fries crisp up beautifully in the air fryer or oven. When reheating the cheese sauce go low and slow stirring often. Skip the microwave for the fries unless you like them soft.
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Quick Answers to Questions
- Making These Vegan? You can use plant based cheese and check your fries ingredients.
- Fries Not Crispy? Make sure that oil is hot enough and don't crowd the pan.
- Can I Bake Them? Sure but they're best fried or air fried for that perfect crunch.