Go Back
A vibrant close-up of Taco Bell Nacho Fries, with seasoned potatoes and cheese sauce

TACO BELL NACHO FRIES

Enjoy a homemade version of Taco Bell's famous Nacho Fries, featuring crispy seasoned fries and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a savory snack or appetizer!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot or deep fryer
  • paper towels
  • small bowl
  • large bowl
  • small saucepan
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Fries:

  • 2 large Russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries, or 1 bag (24-32 oz) frozen crinkle-cut or straight-cut fries
  • Vegetable oil for frying (if making from scratch)

For the Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika can add extra depth!
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to your spice preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk whole milk works best for creaminess
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or another good melting cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch cayenne pepper optional, for a little kick

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fries (if using fresh potatoes):

  • Rinse potato sticks thoroughly under cold water until clear, then pat them completely dry.
  • Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot or deep fryer. Fry potatoes in batches for 5-7 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and drain.
  • Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C), then fry the potatoes again for 2-3 minutes until deeply golden and crispy. Remove and drain.
  • If using frozen fries, follow package directions for baking or frying until crispy and golden.

Make the Seasoning:

  • While fries cook, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and stir well.

Season the Fries:

  • Immediately transfer hot, drained fries to a large bowl. Sprinkle with seasoning mixture and toss gently until evenly coated, then taste and adjust.

Prepare the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in milk until smooth, then cook, stirring continuously, until sauce slightly thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Remove saucepan from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
  • Stir in salt and optional cayenne pepper, then taste and adjust seasoning. Add a splash more milk if the sauce is too thick.

Serve:

  • Pile warm, seasoned fries onto a plate or into a bowl. Drizzle generously with warm nacho cheese sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispiness, consider soaking fresh cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and frying. Adjust the cayenne pepper in both the seasoning and cheese sauce to control the spice level.