Ingredients
For the Crispy Seasoned Fries
- 1 pound frozen straight-cut French fries.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, optional for extra crispiness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon granulated sugar.
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for extra heat.
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.
- 3/4 cup whole milk.
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese, about 4 ounces.
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeno brine.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika.
- 1/8 teaspoon chili powder.
- Pinch of salt, as needed.
Optional Ingredients
- Sliced pickled jalapenos.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro.
- Extra cayenne pepper for a spicier finish.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Frozen fries: Use crinkle-cut fries or thick-cut fries if straight-cut fries are unavailable. Cooking time may vary.
- Vegetable oil: Canola oil or avocado oil works well.
- Whole milk: Use 2% milk for a slightly lighter cheese sauce.
- Mild cheddar: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of cheddar and American cheese can create an even smoother sauce.
- Jalapeno brine: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of mild hot sauce plus a small splash of vinegar if needed.
- All-purpose flour: A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend may work, but the sauce texture can vary by brand.
Equipment Needed
- Large baking sheet.
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil, optional.
- Large mixing bowl.
- Small bowl.
- Measuring cups.
- Measuring spoons.
- Small saucepan.
- Whisk.
- Silicone spatula or wooden spoon.
- Cheese grater, if using block cheese.
- Tongs or large spoon.
- Serving bowl or platter.
Optional equipment
- Air fryer.
- Wire cooling rack.
- Digital kitchen timer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer
For the oven method, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place a large baking sheet inside while the oven heats if you want a slightly crispier bottom surface.
For the air fryer method, preheat to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
Starting with properly preheated equipment helps the fries crisp quickly instead of slowly warming and turning soft.
Do not place frozen fries into a cold oven and expect restaurant-style crispiness.
2. Make the Nacho Fries Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine.
Paprika.
Chili powder.
Garlic powder.
Onion powder.
Ground cumin.
Salt.
Sugar.
Cayenne pepper, if using.
Stir until the spices are evenly blended and no large clumps remain.
The seasoning should look evenly reddish-orange throughout.
Mix the seasoning before cooking the fries so it is ready the moment they come out hot.
3. Arrange and Cook the Fries
Place the frozen fries in a large bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil if you want extra browning. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake at 425°F for 22 to 28 minutes, turning the fries halfway through cooking.
For the air fryer method, cook at 400°F for 14 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 to 6 minutes.
The fries are ready when the edges are golden brown, the outside looks dry and crisp, and the centers remain fluffy.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket. Crowded fries trap steam, which leads to a soft texture. Cook in batches if necessary.
4. Start the Nacho Cheese Sauce
While the fries cook, place a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 45 to 60 seconds.
Keep whisking so the mixture stays smooth.
The butter and flour mixture should look like a smooth, pale paste with light bubbling around the edges.
Do not brown or burn the flour. High heat can create an unpleasant toasted flavor and make the sauce harder to control.
5. Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Adding the milk gradually helps prevent lumps.
Cook for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture lightly thickens.
The sauce base is ready when it lightly coats the back of a spoon but still pours easily.
If lumps appear, whisk firmly over low heat until the mixture smooths out.
6. Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a small handful at a time, stirring after each addition.
Once smooth, stir in.
Jalapeno brine.
Paprika.
Chili powder.
A small pinch of salt, if needed.
Cook just until everything is creamy and fully combined.
The finished nacho cheese sauce should look glossy, smooth, and easily dip from a spoon.
Never boil the cheese sauce. Excessive heat can make cheddar separate, become oily, or turn grainy.
Freshly shredded block cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese because packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients.
7. Season the Hot Fries
As soon as the fries finish cooking, transfer them to a large bowl.
While they are still very hot, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over them. Toss gently until the fries are evenly coated.
Each fry should have a light, even reddish seasoning coating rather than thick patches of spice.
Seasoning sticks best while the fries are hot and have a slight surface sheen.
Do not wait until the fries cool. Dry, cooled fries will not hold the seasoning as evenly.
8. Serve Immediately
Transfer the seasoned fries to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve with the warm nacho cheese sauce on the side for dipping.
Add optional sliced jalapenos, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro if desired.
For the best crispy texture, serve this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Copycat Recipe immediately. Like most French fries, they soften as they sit.
Nutrition Facts
Cost To Make This Recipe
Item – Estimated Cost (USD).
1 pound frozen French fries – $2.50.
Oil and seasonings used – $0.75.
Butter and flour – $0.30.
Whole milk – $0.35.
Cheddar cheese – $2.00.
Jalapeno brine and minor seasonings – $0.35.
Estimated Total Recipe Cost
Approximately $6.25 USD.
Estimated Cost Per Serving
Approximately $1.56 USD per serving.
