Description
This recipe for Taco Bell Nacho Fries offers a delicious homemade version of the popular fast-food favorite. Crispy baked russet potato fries are seasoned with a blend of smoky and spicy spices and topped with a creamy, cheesy nacho sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack, these fries combine the satisfying crunch of oven-baked potatoes with a rich, melty cheddar cheese sauce that’s easy to make from scratch.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 2 large russet potatoes, cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ¼ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or taco seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, toss the cut russet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until all fries are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Bake the Fries: Spread the seasoned fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp and brown evenly on all sides.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the fries are baking, prepare the nacho cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until thoroughly melted and creamy. Season with salt and cayenne pepper or taco seasoning if using.
- Serve: Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a plate or serving dish. Pour the warm nacho cheese sauce over the fries or serve it on the side as a dip. Enjoy immediately for the best crispy-cheesy combination.
Notes
- For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch, then thoroughly dry them before seasoning.
- If preferred, you can cook the fries in an air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Substitute whole milk with any milk of choice, but whole milk offers the creamiest texture for the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
