Let’s get into these Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries. That crispy, seasoned goodness paired with that creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce? It’s like a party in your mouth every single time! But what if I told you that you could recreate that magic right at home?
Yup, we’re talking about Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries with Cheese Sauce that’ll have you dancing in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this simple yet oh-so-satisfying recipe that’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries? A: Absolutely! If you’ve got the time, slice up some russet potatoes into thin fries. Just make sure to dry them well before frying or baking to get that perfect crisp.
Q: Is there a substitute for Velveeta cheese? A: You can use any melty cheese like American or cheddar, but Velveeta gives that smooth, classic nacho cheese vibe.
Q: How spicy is the nacho cheese sauce? A: It’s got a kick, but it’s not too fiery. If you’re heat-sensitive, feel free to dial back the cayenne pepper.
Q: Can I make the cheese sauce in advance? A: Yes! You can make it ahead and reheat it on low, adding a splash of milk to get it back to that silky consistency.
Why Each Ingredient Is a Must-Have
Fry Seasoning:
- Crispy Thin Cut Frozen Fries: These are the foundation of our recipe. They’re quick, convenient, and get that golden, crispy perfection without any hassle.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and gives the fries that addictive quality.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor that’s essential for that Taco Bell vibe.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a savory depth to the seasoning mix.
- Chili Powder: Adds a touch of warmth and earthiness, giving the fries a little extra oomph.
- Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and rounds out the seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a touch for that subtle heat that makes you reach for more.
Nacho Cheese:
- Velveeta Cheese: The star of the show! Velveeta melts like a dream and creates that creamy, velvety sauce we all crave.
- Evaporated Milk: Helps thin out the cheese to the perfect dipping consistency while keeping it rich and creamy.
- Pickled Jalapeño Brine: This is the secret ingredient! It adds tang, spice, and that signature nacho cheese flavor.
- Cayenne Pepper: A little extra spice to balance the creaminess.
- Granulated White Sugar: Just a pinch to mellow out the spice and round out the flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the cheese sauce, making it irresistible.
Fun Places to Serve These Nacho Fries
Game Night: Set out a big tray of these fries with extra cheese sauce for dipping—trust me, they’ll be gone before halftime.
Movie Marathon: Perfect for munching during your favorite flicks. Just be sure to make extra because they’re seriously addictive.
Backyard BBQ: These fries are a killer side dish that’ll steal the spotlight from the burgers and dogs.
Kids’ Sleepover: Who needs plain old popcorn when you’ve got nacho fries? Your kids’ friends will think you’re the coolest.
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How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow manage not to eat them all in one sitting (seriously, how?), store the fries and cheese sauce separately. Pop the fries in an airtight container and refrigerate. The cheese sauce can go in a sealed container in the fridge. To reheat, warm the fries in the oven or air fryer to get them crispy again, and gently reheat the cheese sauce on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed.
Tips for Making This Recipe with Kids
Mixing the Seasoning: Let the kiddos measure out and mix the spices. It’s like a fun science experiment with a tasty payoff.
Cheese Sauce Stirring: Have them stir the cheese sauce while it melts. Just be sure to supervise since it’ll be hot.
Dipping Fun: Set up a dipping station where they can dunk the fries into the cheese sauce. It’s messy, fun, and totally delicious!
Why This Recipe Works
This Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries recipe hits all the right notes—crispy, seasoned fries paired with a creamy, spicy cheese sauce that’s straight-up addictive. The balance of flavors, from the smoky paprika and garlic in the fries to the tangy jalapeño brine in the cheese sauce, makes this recipe a winner.
Plus, it’s super easy to make at home, so you can satisfy your Taco Bell cravings any time you want. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just indulging solo, this recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and make your taste buds sing!
Here are some more amazing copycat recipes to try:
Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries With Nacho Sauce
Get ready to indulge in crispy, seasoned fries paired with a creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce that’s a perfect Taco Bell dupe. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and guaranteed to satisfy your fast-food cravings right at home!
Ingredients
- Fry Seasoning
- Crispy Thin Cut Frozen Fries
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 2 Tablespoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- Nacho Cheese
- 8 ounces velveeta cheese
- ¾ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup pickled jalapeno brine
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon granulated white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Start heating your frying oil to 400 degrees fahrenheit on the stove. Prepare an area with a parchment covered plate or bowl to transfer the seasoned fries into.
- While that heats up, mix the seasoning mixture together.
- In a small bowl add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder and cayenne together with a spoon or fork.
- Place the fries into the fryer and let cook for 10 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.
- While the fries cook, take a medium sized saucepan and melt the velveeta cheese and evaporated milk on the stove over medium heat.
- Stir every few minutes until the two are completely melted together.
- Then add the jalapeno brine, cayenne, sugar, and garlic powder. Stir together while over the heat until incorporated. Turn the cheese on low until the fries are done cooking.
- Once the fries are done, transfer to the prepared plate with a paper towel.
- Sprinkle the taco bell nacho fry seasoning set aside earlier all over the just fried french fries.
- Toss them around in the seasoning until they are evenly coated.
- Serve on a plate or bowl. Transfer the warm nacho cheese into a serving dish and enjoy the fries with the nacho dip!
Nutrition Information
Yield
3Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 607Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 82mgSodium 3354mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 6gSugar 15gProtein 21g
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Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
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