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Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 115 reviews

Enjoy a crowd-pleasing copycat version of Taco Bell’s famous Nacho Fries, featuring crispy, seasoned fries paired with a rich, creamy nacho cheese sauce. Perfect for parties or a fun snack any time.

Ingredients

Fries

  • 2–3 russet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin fries
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Nacho Cheese Sauce

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into thin fries, about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. Soak the fries: Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.
  3. Dry the fries: Drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent oil splatter during frying.
  4. Make the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper for the seasoning mix.
  5. Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C), suitable for deep frying.
  6. Fry the potatoes: Carefully add the dry potato slices in batches to the hot oil and fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
  7. Drain the fries: Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Season the fries: While fries are still warm, toss them in the prepared seasoning blend until evenly coated.
  9. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux.
  10. Add milk and cheese: Gradually whisk in whole milk to avoid lumps. Stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  11. Season the sauce: Add cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
  12. Serve: Serve the crispy, seasoned fries hot with the warm nacho cheese sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Soaking potatoes removes starch which helps achieve extra crispy fries.
  • Patting fries dry before frying prevents oil splatter and improves frying quality.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding which can cause soggy fries.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amounts to control the heat level in fries and cheese sauce.
  • The cheese sauce can be kept warm on low heat and stirred occasionally if serving for a party.

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