Name: Homemade Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon salsa; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; Salt to taste

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A delicious plate of crispy, seasoned fries topped with gooey cheese and flavorful toppings that recreate the popular Taco Bell favorite right in your own kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These homemade Taco Bell-inspired nacho fries deliver all the satisfaction of the fast-food favorite with the pride of making them yourself. They're perfect for game day gatherings, movie nights, or anytime you're craving a deliciously indulgent snack. The combination of crispy, taco-seasoned fries with melted cheese and fresh toppings creates an irresistible flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting. Plus, you can easily customize the toppings to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes form the foundation of this recipe, providing that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture that makes fries so irresistible. Russet potatoes work best for their high starch content, but any medium potatoes will do.

Olive oil helps the fries crisp up beautifully in the oven and allows the seasoning to adhere to the potatoes. You can substitute with vegetable or canola oil if needed.

Taco seasoning is the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary fries into Taco Bell-style nacho fries. This spice blend typically includes chili powder, paprika, cumin, and garlic powder, giving the fries their distinctive southwestern flavor.

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the hot fries, creating that essential gooey, savory layer. Feel free to use a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for a spicier kick.

Sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy seasoned fries. It helps balance the flavors and adds a luxurious texture to each bite.

Salsa brings acidity and freshness to cut through the richness of the cheese and sour cream. Choose your preferred heat level – mild, medium, or hot.

Green onions provide a mild onion flavor and fresh crunch as a garnish, adding both flavor and visual appeal.

Cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the Mexican-inspired flavors. If you're not a cilantro fan, you can omit it or substitute with parsley.

Salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish. Remember that taco seasoning already contains salt, so add sparingly to taste.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into thin fries.
Place the fries on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the fries, making sure they are well coated.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with sour cream and salsa.
Top with chopped green onions, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family snack or appetizer for a small gathering. The preparation takes about 10 minutes, with 30 minutes of cooking time, for a total time of 40 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.

Variations

Loaded Nacho Fries: Add seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for a heartier version.

Breakfast Nacho Fries: Top with scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and avocado slices for a morning twist.

Vegan Nacho Fries: Substitute dairy cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan sour cream or cashew cream.

Buffalo Nacho Fries: Drizzle with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing instead of salsa and sour cream.

Sweet Potato Nacho Fries: Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter, more nutritious alternative.

Garlic Parmesan Nacho Fries: Add minced garlic to the taco seasoning and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerating: Store leftover nacho fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to store the fries separate from the toppings if possible.

Freezing: The plain seasoned fries (without toppings) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat the fries in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave as it will make the fries soggy. Add fresh toppings after reheating.

FAQs

How do I make my fries extra crispy?

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly. For even crispier results, try parboiling the potatoes for 3-5 minutes before seasoning and baking.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook the seasoned fries in an air fryer at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add the cheese and return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes until melted, then add remaining toppings.

What can I use instead of taco seasoning?

Make your own by combining 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cumin, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch each of oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Are these nacho fries spicy?

The basic recipe has a mild to medium spice level depending on your taco seasoning. Adjust the heat by choosing mild salsa or adding hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for more spice.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Prepare the fries and bake them until almost done, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat at 400°F until crispy (about 5-7 minutes), then add the toppings fresh.

What dipping sauces go well with nacho fries?

Try guacamole, queso dip, ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or Taco Bell's signature nacho cheese sauce for delicious dipping options.

How do I cut potatoes into even fries?

Cut the potato in half lengthwise, place the flat sides down, and slice into ¼-inch thick planks. Stack these planks and cut them into ¼-inch wide sticks for uniform fries.

Can I use frozen french fries instead of making them from scratch?

Absolutely! Use plain frozen fries and toss them with a little oil and the taco seasoning before baking according to package directions.

What other toppings can I add to my nacho fries?

Get creative with diced avocado, black olives, pickled jalapeños, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, or even a fried egg for an indulgent topping.

How do I make this into a full meal?

Turn your nacho fries into a complete meal by adding protein like seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or chorizo, and serving with a side salad or vegetable.

Conclusion

These homemade Taco Bell Nacho Fries deliver all the addictive flavor of the fast-food favorite with the satisfaction of making them yourself. The combination of crispy, seasoned fries with melty cheese and fresh toppings creates a versatile dish that works as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun dinner. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – you can easily adjust the seasonings and toppings to suit your taste preferences or what you have available. Whether you're serving these at your next game day gathering or enjoying them as a family treat, these nacho fries are sure to become a requested favorite. With minimal prep time and common ingredients, there's no reason not to try this crowd-pleasing recipe tonight!