How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries: The Secret Recipe Finally Revealed

The nacho fries recipe from Taco Bell has finally been uncovered, letting us recreate those crispy, cheese-covered fries at home whenever cravings strike. Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries have become a fast-food sensation, smothered in nacho cheese, pico de gallo, ground beef, and sour cream – and now you don’t have to wait for them to reappear on the menu.

Actually, making your own version at home offers several advantages. First, you can customize the taco bell nacho fries ingredients to match your preferences. Furthermore, using fresh ingredients makes this homemade version healthier than its fast-food counterpart. We’ve discovered that the secret to authentic nacho fries seasoning lies in the perfect blend of delicious spices, while the nacho fries ingredients start with real russet potatoes (specifically 2 lbs) and include a velvety cheese sauce made from multiple types of cheese. If you’ve wondered how to make taco bell nacho fries that taste like the original, we’ve broken down every step of this crowd-pleasing recipe.

The Essential Ingredients for Nacho Fries

Creating perfect Taco Bell nacho fries at home requires selecting the right ingredients for each component. Let’s break down what you’ll need for this addictive snack.

For the base of our nacho fries recipe, choosing the right potatoes is crucial. Although the introduction mentioned russet potatoes, I should note that many chefs actually prefer using frozen fries over fresh-cut ones. In fact, 72% of consumers say the perfect fry must be crispy outside and fluffy inside, and frozen fries consistently deliver this texture. Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries are particularly recommended since they have the necessary crunchy exterior that stands up to cheese sauce.

The signature nacho fries seasoning blend is what gives these fries their distinctive flavor. Mix together onion powder, chili powder, cornstarch, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and a touch of white sugar. Some homemade versions also include cheddar cheese powder for extra cheesiness. This spice mixture should be applied generously right after frying for maximum adhesion.

The nacho cheese sauce is perhaps the most critical component. There are several approaches to creating this velvety dip:

• Use American cheese slices (about 8 ounces), whole milk, and a tablespoon of liquid from pickled jalapeños
• Alternatively, combine sharp cheddar with evaporated milk, which prevents the cheese from breaking into curds thanks to the milk’s emulsifiers
• For extra smoothness, some recipes include a tablespoon of butter as a base

Optional toppings can transform basic nacho fries into a more substantial meal. Consider adding ground beef seasoned with taco spices, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or green onions.

With these essential ingredients ready, you’re prepared to create an authentic recreation of this beloved fast food item at home.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries at Home

Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these delicious copycat nacho fries at home. With your ingredients prepped, we’re ready to start cooking!

First, prepare the signature nacho fries seasoning by combining 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon white sugar in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until well blended.

Next, choose your preferred cooking method for the fries. For the authentic crispy texture, deep frying yields best results. Heat oil to 350°F and cook frozen fries for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, you can air fry at 400°F for about 10 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for 3 minutes more.

Meanwhile, prepare the nacho cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1½ tablespoons butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon cornstarch until a paste forms (30 seconds to 1 minute). Gradually whisk in ½ cup milk until smooth, then simmer until thickened. Add 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, and 1 teaspoon taco seasoning. For that distinctive Taco Bell flavor, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of liquid from pickled jalapeños.

Once your fries are cooked, immediately toss them with the seasoning blend in a large bowl. The hot oil helps the seasoning adhere better to the fries.

For serving, you have two options. Either arrange the fries on a plate with the cheese sauce on the side for dipping, or create loaded nacho fries by topping them with cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.

Remember to serve immediately after assembling – this ensures your fries stay crispy rather than becoming soggy under the toppings.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

Want to take your nacho fries recipe to the next level? There are countless ways to customize and perfect this Taco Bell favorite.

Make Them Loaded: Transform basic nacho fries into a complete meal by adding toppings like seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, and diced onions. For vegetarian options, substitute black beans or refried beans for the meat.

Cooking Method Alternatives: Though deep-frying delivers the most authentic texture, you can opt for healthier preparation methods. Bake or air fry your fries for crispiness with less oil. If air frying, simply follow package instructions or coat fresh potatoes with a bit of cooking spray and air fry at 375°F, tossing occasionally until golden brown.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If cheese sauce becomes too thick, gradually add warm milk while keeping heat low and stirring constantly
• When seasoning won’t stick to fries, apply it while they’re still hot, toss in a bowl rather than sprinkling, and pat fries dry before seasoning
• For vegan nacho fries, use vegan cheese sauce instead of the traditional dairy version

Storage and Reheating: Unfortunately, assembled nacho fries don’t store well as they quickly become soggy. For best results, store components separately in the refrigerator. Fries can be kept separate from sauce for up to 5 days, though they’re definitely best served immediately after cooking.

When reheating, the oven method produces the crispiest results—spread fries in a single layer and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, reheat them in an air fryer for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness. The microwave works in a pinch but may leave fries soggy.

For cheese sauce, reheat slowly on the stovetop with additional milk to prevent separation. Never freeze the cheese sauce as it will affect the texture.

Conclusion

Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries stand as one of the most beloved fast food items for good reason. Throughout this article, we’ve uncovered everything you need to recreate this craveable snack at home. The perfect nacho fries definitely depend on three critical elements: properly cooked fries with that ideal crispy-outside-fluffy-inside texture, the signature spice blend that gives them their distinctive flavor, and lastly, that irresistible cheese sauce that brings everything together.

While the original Taco Bell version might come and go from menus, your homemade version can be enjoyed anytime cravings strike. You can certainly customize these fries to match your preferences – make them spicier, cheesier, or loaded with your favorite toppings. Additionally, we’ve shared several cooking methods so you can choose what works best for your kitchen setup.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when preparing nacho fries at home. Though these treats taste best immediately after preparation, you now know the proper storage and reheating techniques if you happen to have leftovers. The separate storage of components particularly helps maintain quality when you can’t finish everything at once.

Most importantly, this recipe proves that fast food favorites can be recreated successfully in your own kitchen. Next time Taco Bell removes nacho fries from their menu, you won’t need to wait for their return – you’ll be ready to whip up a batch that might actually taste better than the original! Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or transformed into a complete meal with additional toppings, these homemade nacho fries will undoubtedly become a crowd-pleaser at your table.

FAQs

Q1. What are the key ingredients for making Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home? The key ingredients include frozen fries (preferably Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food Fries), a seasoning blend of spices like onion powder, chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and a creamy nacho cheese sauce made with cheddar cheese, milk, and jalapeño pickle juice.

Q2. How do you get the seasoning to stick to the fries? To ensure the seasoning adheres well, toss the fries in the spice mixture immediately after cooking while they’re still hot. The residual oil helps the seasoning stick better to the fries.

Q3. Can I make Nacho Fries vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can easily make vegetarian Nacho Fries by omitting meat toppings. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese alternatives for the nacho cheese sauce and opt for vegan toppings like black beans, guacamole, and salsa.

Q4. What’s the best way to reheat leftover Nacho Fries? For best results, reheat the fries in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries soggy.

Q5. How can I turn Nacho Fries into a full meal? Transform Nacho Fries into a hearty meal by adding toppings like seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, and diced onions. You can also add black beans or refried beans for extra protein and fiber.