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I just can't help myself from showing you this dead simple knockoff version of Taco Bell's nacho fries. My kids go absolutely nuts over these crunchy, perfectly spiced fries with their smooth cheese dipping sauce. Once you've tried them, regular french fries might seem pretty boring!
The Wonder of These Fries
These nacho fries are something else. Picture piping hot crunchy fries dusted with the perfect mix of spices, then dunked in a velvety cheese sauce that's a dead ringer for Taco Bell's own. It's the kind of snack that scratches all your cravings and takes you back to those midnight Taco Bell visits we've all had.
What You Need
- Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen French Fries: Grab the frozen kind for a quick fix and extra crunch.
- Vegetable Oil: You'll need enough to cover the fries completely (about 3 inches deep).
- Seasoning Mixture:
- Paprika
- Salt
- Chili Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper (skip this if you can't handle heat)
- Cheese Sauce:
- American Cheese
- Milk
- The juice from your jar of Jalapeño slices
Let's Get Cooking
- Get Those Fries Ready
- First, put your seasoning mix together. Warm your oil in a deep pot until it reaches 350°F. Drop in the fries and cook them for around 6 to 8 minutes till they turn golden and crunchy. Drain them on paper towels and let them cool slightly.
- Whip Up That Cheese Sauce
- Tear your American cheese slices into chunks and put them in a bowl that's safe for the microwave. Pour in some milk and that game-changing jalapeño juice. Microwave in 30 second chunks, giving it a stir each time until it's perfectly smooth.
- Time to Season
- Throw those warm fries in a large bowl with your spice mix and toss until they're evenly coated. Get your cheese sauce ready and prepare for some serious munching.
Some Helpful Tips
Take my word for it, stick with straight cut crispy fries. I gave it a shot with curly and crinkle cut but they just weren't right. Want to kick things up? Put out some chopped onions, jalapeños or guacamole as extras. And keep an eye on that cheese sauce in the microwave – burnt cheese is nobody's friend!
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Time to Dig In
Eat these fries while they're still hot and the cheese sauce is warm. They're fantastic for taco night, while watching movies, or really anytime you want something incredibly tasty. I'm warning you though – once you start dipping, you won't be able to stop!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I cook the fries in the oven?
Yep! Follow your frozen fries' package instructions for baking. They might not be as crunchy as frying, but they'll still taste good. Toss them with seasoning right after baking.
- → How long does the cheese dip stay fresh?
The cheese dip tastes best when warm and fresh. If you’ve got leftovers, refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave slowly, stirring often to keep it creamy.
- → Can I mix the seasoning in advance?
You sure can! Store the seasoning in a sealed container, and it’ll stay good for around 3 months. Make a bigger batch to save time later.
- → What makes American cheese ideal for the sauce?
It melts super smoothly with no lumps and gives that nostalgic cheesy flavor. Plus, it keeps the sauce nicely dippable without turning too thick once it cools.
- → How do I make the fries spicier?
Boost the heat by adding extra cayenne to the seasoning or spicing up the cheese sauce with hot sauce or diced jalapeños.