How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries at Home (Copycat Recipe)

Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries have quickly become a fan favorite, with their crispy, seasoned fries paired perfectly with a creamy, indulgent cheese sauce. If you’re craving these fries but don’t want to leave the house, you’re in the right place. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home, from start to finish, so you can enjoy them anytime you want.

Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick snack for movie night, or simply indulging your fast food cravings, homemade Nacho Fries are the perfect treat. Better yet, making them from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy them with the perfect balance of spice and cheesiness. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Before you begin making Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Here’s the complete list of ingredients for both the fries and the nacho cheese sauce. This recipe is easy to follow, and the ingredients are likely things you already have in your kitchen!

Ingredient	Amount
For the Fries
Russet potatoes (cut into fries)	4 large potatoes
Olive oil	2 tablespoons
Chili powder	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Paprika	½ teaspoon
Cumin	½ teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Pepper	To taste
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce
Shredded cheddar cheese	1 cup
Milk	½ cup
Butter	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder	½ teaspoon
Onion powder	½ teaspoon
Cayenne pepper (optional)	¼ teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Nacho Fries

1. Preparing the Fries

To make perfect Taco Bell Nacho Fries, you’ll first need to prepare your potatoes. Follow these simple steps:

Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for crispy fries.
Cut the potatoes: Wash the russet potatoes well and peel them if you prefer. Cut them into thin fries (about 1/4-inch thick). You can also cut them into wedges for a larger, heartier fry.
Toss with oil and seasoning: Place the potato fries in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well. Add chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the fries again to coat them evenly with the seasonings.
Bake the fries: Lay the fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid crowding them too much to ensure they bake evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that perfect golden crispness.

2. Making the Nacho Cheese Sauce

Now, let’s prepare the delicious, creamy nacho cheese sauce that will make your fries irresistible.

Melt butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the garlic powder and onion powder, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add milk: Slowly pour in ½ cup of milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir constantly to avoid curdling.
Add cheese: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little extra milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Season to taste: Taste your cheese sauce and add cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick, or more garlic and onion powder for a stronger flavor.

3. Serving the Nacho Fries

Once your fries are baked and your nacho cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble everything.

Assemble the fries: Once the fries are crispy and golden, place them on a plate or serving tray. Drizzle the warm nacho cheese sauce generously over the fries.
Optional toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like sliced jalapenos, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.

Secret Tips to Make Perfect Nacho Fries

Making Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home is pretty simple, but here are some tips to ensure that your homemade version turns out just like the restaurant’s:

Use the right potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for fries because of their high starch content, which helps them crisp up perfectly.
Don’t overcrowd the fries: When baking the fries, ensure they’re not overcrowded on the baking sheet. This will allow them to crisp up better.
Bake, don’t fry: Baking the fries is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, but you can certainly deep-fry them for extra crispiness. Just make sure you fry them in hot oil (375°F) for about 4 minutes.
Adjust the spice: Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries have a subtle spice. You can adjust the chili powder or cayenne pepper levels to suit your personal taste.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes result in a clumpy sauce. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese melts more smoothly, giving you that perfect cheese sauce consistency.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries vs. Homemade Version

If you’ve ever had Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries, you know how addictive they can be. But are the homemade versions just as good? Let’s compare:

1. Flavor:

Taco Bell’s fries are known for their seasoning blend, which combines chili powder, garlic, paprika, and other spices. When making them at home, you have full control over the seasoning, meaning you can tweak the spice levels to suit your tastes.

2. Texture:

Taco Bell’s fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, which is something you can replicate at home with the right baking technique. By using high-starch russet potatoes and ensuring the fries aren’t overcrowded while baking, you can get a similar texture.

3. Cheese Sauce:

While Taco Bell uses a pre-made nacho cheese sauce, making your own from scratch allows you to customize the cheese blend and make it richer, creamier, and more flavorful. You can even experiment with adding different types of cheese for a unique twist.

Why Are Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries So Popular?

Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries became a sensation when they were first introduced as a limited-time menu item. The combination of crispy fries with bold seasoning, paired with a smooth nacho cheese sauce, was irresistible to fast food lovers. The uniqueness of the fries and their cheese dip made them stand out among other fast-food offerings, quickly becoming a customer favorite.

The fries also provided a great snack option, being both filling and tasty. They are versatile too, making them easy to pair with a variety of other Taco Bell items like tacos or burritos.

Nutritional Information for Taco Bell Nacho Fries (Per Serving)

If you’re curious about the nutritional breakdown of Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries, here’s an approximate breakdown of a typical serving:

Calories: 300-400 calories per serving (depending on size and toppings)
Fat: 18-22g
Carbohydrates: 35-40g
Protein: 3-5g
Sodium: 600-900mg

Homemade Version Nutritional Information (Approximate for 1 Serving):

Calories: 220-280 calories (using oven-baked fries)
Fat: 12-15g (depending on the amount of oil used)
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 450-600mg

Homemade nacho fries will generally be lower in calories and fat compared to Taco Bell’s deep-fried version, especially if you opt for baking instead of frying. You can also control the amount of salt in the seasoning mix to keep the sodium level in check.

Customization and Variations for Nacho Fries

The great thing about

making Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home is that you can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ways you can take these fries to the next level:

Vegan Nacho Fries: Make the cheese sauce dairy-free by using plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese. You can use a vegan butter substitute for the sauce as well.
Add Protein: Make your Nacho Fries a full meal by adding seasoned ground beef, grilled chicken, or shredded beef.
Make it Spicy: If you love heat, sprinkle chopped jalapenos or drizzle some hot sauce over your nacho fries for an extra kick.
Make Them Loaded: For a loaded version, top your nacho fries with diced tomatoes, olives, sour cream, guacamole, or even a fried egg for an indulgent touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I make Taco Bell Nacho Fries spicier?

Add extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or top the fries with sliced jalapenos for more heat.

2. How do I make Taco Bell Nacho Fries vegan?

Use a dairy-free cheese sauce made with plant-based cheese and milk, and substitute the butter with a plant-based version.

3. Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?

Yes! You can definitely use frozen fries if you’re short on time. Just be sure to season them with the same mix of spices.

4. How do I store leftover Nacho Fries?

Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

5. Can I make these Nacho Fries ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the fries ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and add the cheese sauce.

Conclusion: Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries at Home!

Homemade Taco Bell Nacho Fries are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy this fast-food favorite without leaving the house. With the right seasoning, crispy fries, and creamy cheese sauce, you can recreate this popular dish any time you want. Whether you’re craving a snack or looking for a shareable appetizer, these fries are perfect for any occasion.

Take your Nacho Fries to the next level with your favorite toppings, and enjoy this delicious treat with family and friends. Don’t forget, you can always customize the recipe to suit your personal preferences, whether it’s by making them spicier, vegan, or adding extra protein.

Now that you know how to make Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen and start cooking up these crispy, cheesy delights!

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe: Easy Copycat Version