There’s nothing better than Taco Bell Nacho Fries—crispy, seasoned fries served with a creamy, cheesy nacho sauce! This easy homemade version gives you the same bold flavor and crunch, all made fresh in your kitchen. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Why You’ll Love These Taco Bell Nacho Fries
- Crispy & Spicy – Golden fries coated in Taco Bell-style seasoning.
- Cheesy Nacho Dip – A creamy, melty queso sauce just like the original.
- Better Than Fast Food – Fresh, homemade fries without the wait!
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time.
Ingredients for Taco Bell Nacho Fries
For the Fries:
- 2 large russet potatoes (or frozen fries for convenience)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon butter
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet or deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Step 1: Prepare the Fries
- Peel and cut potatoes into thin fries. Soak in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (for extra crispiness).
- Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Toss fries with vegetable oil and all seasoning ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Fries
For Baked Fries:
5. Spread fries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
For Fried Fries:
6. Deep-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat milk and butter over low heat.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cornstarch, whisking to combine.
- Stir in shredded cheddar, whisking until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Pile fries onto a plate and drizzle with nacho cheese or serve on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with jalapeños, sour cream, or extra seasoning (optional).
Serving Suggestions
- Loaded Nacho Fries – Top with ground beef, sour cream, and guacamole.
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Cheesy Overload – Mix in pepper jack or Velveeta for extra meltiness.
Tips for the Best Nacho Fries
- Use Russet Potatoes – They crisp up the best when baked or fried.
- Don’t Skip the Soak – Removing excess starch helps achieve crispy fries.
- Low Heat for the Cheese Sauce – Prevents the cheese from getting grainy.
- For Extra Crunch – Double-fry the fries like fast food restaurants do!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store fries and cheese sauce separately for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Fries: Warm in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Reheat Nacho Cheese: Stir over low heat or microwave in 15-second intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use frozen fries?
Yes! Just toss them with the seasoning after baking or frying.
Q2: What cheese is best for nacho sauce?
Cheddar and pepper jack work well, but Velveeta gives a smooth, creamy texture.
Q3: Can I air-fry the fries?
Absolutely! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
A Crispy, Cheesy, Fast-Food Favorite at Home!
These Taco Bell Nacho Fries bring the perfect mix of bold flavors, crispy texture, and creamy cheese sauce right to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them as a snack or a party appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us—we love seeing your creations!
📌 Save this recipe for later and follow us for more delicious fast-food copycats!
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Cup of Fries with Cheese Sauce)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite of these Taco Bell Nacho Fries! 🍟🧀🔥
Print
Taco Bell Nacho Fries
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
There’s nothing better than Taco Bell Nacho Fries—crispy, seasoned fries served with a creamy, cheesy nacho sauce! This easy homemade version gives you the same bold flavor and crunch, all made fresh in your kitchen. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Fries:
- 2 large russet potatoes (or frozen fries for convenience)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fries
- Peel and cut potatoes into thin fries. Soak in water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (for extra crispiness).
- Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Toss fries with vegetable oil and all seasoning ingredients.
Step 2: Cook the Fries
For Baked Fries:
5. Spread fries on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
For Fried Fries:
6. Deep-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat milk and butter over low heat.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and cornstarch, whisking to combine.
- Stir in shredded cheddar, whisking until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Pile fries onto a plate and drizzle with nacho cheese or serve on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with jalapeños, sour cream, or extra seasoning (optional).
Notes
- Use Russet Potatoes – They crisp up the best when baked or fried.
- Don’t Skip the Soak – Removing excess starch helps achieve crispy fries.
- Low Heat for the Cheese Sauce – Prevents the cheese from getting grainy.
- For Extra Crunch – Double-fry the fries like fast food restaurants do!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American
