Description
Craving Taco Bell nacho fries? Homemade magic brings restaurant-style crispy potatoes with bold Mexican-inspired seasonings right to your kitchen. Spice up movie nights or game day with these irresistible, crowd-pleasing fries you’ll want to devour again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) frozen French fries
Seasoning Mix:
- 2 teaspoons (2 tsp) paprika
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) salt
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
Optional Heat:
- 1/4 teaspoon (1/4 tsp) cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a scorching 450F (230C), ensuring a perfectly crisp foundation for the homemade fries.
- Arrange frozen fries in a single, strategic layer on a baking sheet, creating optimal spacing for even browning.
- Craft a zesty spice blend by combining paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a small mixing bowl.
- Generously dust the fries with the prepared seasoning mix, thoroughly tossing to achieve complete and uniform coating.
- Slide the seasoned fries into the preheated oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until they transform into golden, crispy delights.
- While fries are roasting, initiate the cheese sauce by melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Introduce flour to the melted butter, whisking vigorously for one minute to develop a smooth, flavorful roux.
- Gradually incorporate milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and cooking until the mixture thickens slightly (3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low, folding in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and the sauce achieves a silky consistency.
- Enhance the cheese sauce with a splash of pickled jalapeno brine and an additional sprinkle of chili powder for an extra flavor kick.
- Once fries are perfectly crisp, remove from oven and allow a brief moment to cool.
- Present the seasoned fries alongside the warm, tangy nacho cheese sauce, inviting immediate dipping and enjoying.
Notes
- Swap frozen fries with homemade potato wedges for a fresher, more authentic taste that elevates the entire dish.
- Try spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit personal heat tolerance or dietary preferences.
- Use lactose-free cheese and milk alternatives to create a delicious gluten-free and dairy-free version of this crowd-pleasing recipe.
- Store leftover cheese sauce in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain its smooth, creamy consistency without separating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg