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Delicious homemade Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries with Cheese Sauce served hot.

Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries with Cheese Sauce

Delicious crispy fries seasoned like Taco Bell, served with a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for a snack or side dish.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fries
  • 4 medium Russet potatoes You can use Yukon gold as a substitute.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Canola or vegetable oil For frying. Olive or avocado oil for baking/air frying.
  • to taste teaspoon Salt Start light, seasoning adds additional flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Regular paprika works too.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili powder Provides taco-style warmth.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Optional, for added heat.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Cornstarch Optional, for extra crispiness.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Flour For thickening the sauce.
  • 1 cup Whole milk 2% or unsweetened oat milk can also work.
  • 4 slices American cheese For smooth melting.
  • 1/2 cup Sharp cheddar cheese For flavor.
  • 1-2 teaspoons Pickled jalapeno juice Optional for extra tang.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cut the potatoes into thin fry shapes, keeping them similar in size.
  2. Soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove extra starch.
  3. Dry the fries thoroughly with paper towels.
Cooking the Fries
  1. Choose your cooking method: Frying, Baking, or Air frying.
  2. For frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry in small batches until golden.
  3. For baking, toss fries with oil and cornstarch and bake at 450°F for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
  4. For air frying, toss fries with oil and cornstarch and air fry at 380°F until crisp.
Seasoning
  1. Mix paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne in a small bowl.
  2. Season the fries immediately after cooking.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
  1. Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.
  3. Add American cheese and cheddar in small handfuls, stirring until melted.
  4. Add jalapeno juice if desired and keep warm on low heat.
Serving
  1. Serve fries hot, topped with cheese sauce, and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, soak and dry fries properly and do not crowd the pan when cooking. Adjust spice levels to your preference.