Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe Perfect for Parties Recipe
This Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries recipe recreates the iconic crispy, seasoned fries paired with a rich, creamy nacho cheese sauce. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these fries are double-fried for maximum crispiness and tossed in a flavorful blend of spices, served with a homemade cheese dip that melts smoothly and packs a mild kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fries
- 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
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and slice them into thin fries, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Soak the Fries: Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.
- Dry the Fries: Drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to avoid oil splatter when frying.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and ground black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C), making sure the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Fries: Carefully add the dried potato slices in batches and fry for about 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain Fries: Remove the fries using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Season Fries: While the fries are still warm, toss them in the seasoning blend to coat evenly with spices.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually whisk in whole milk to avoid lumps. Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt to the cheese sauce, adjusting to taste.
- Serve: Serve the crispy seasoned fries hot alongside the warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Soaking the fries removes excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
- Patting the fries completely dry before frying prevents oil splatter and ensures better crispiness.
- For extra crispy fries, consider double frying: fry once at a lower temperature to cook potatoes through, then fry again at higher heat to crisp.
- If you prefer a milder cheese sauce, reduce or omit cayenne pepper according to your taste.
- The seasoning blend can be adjusted to include smoked paprika or chili powder for a smoky variation.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer for even frying and temperature control.
- Leftover cheese sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
