Bring the bold, crave-worthy flavor of Taco Bell’s iconic Nacho Fries to your kitchen with this easy copycat recipe. Crispy, seasoned fries made from real potatoes are topped with shredded cheddar and warm nacho cheese sauce, delivering the perfect snack or side dish with a spicy, cheesy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade version of Taco Bell Nacho Fries offers the same irresistible flavor with the added benefit of using fresh, simple ingredients. The spice blend brings the familiar zesty taste, while real russet potatoes ensure an authentic texture. It’s an ideal recipe for satisfying fast food cravings at home without the drive-thru—and it’s easy enough to whip up for game night, movie snacks, or even a fun dinner side.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 large russet potatoes
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
directions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Wash and peel the russet potatoes, then cut them into thin fries or wedges according to your preference.
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Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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In a large bowl, toss the dried potatoes with vegetable oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crisp.
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Remove from the oven, immediately sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and drizzle with warmed nacho cheese sauce.
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Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 3 servings.
Prep time: 40 minutes (including soaking time)
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
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Air Fryer Method: Cook the seasoned fries in an air fryer at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
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Spicier Option: Add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder for more heat.
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Loaded Nacho Fries: Top with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and ground beef for a heartier appetizer or meal.
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Dipping Alternative: Serve the nacho cheese sauce on the side instead of drizzling it over the fries.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based shredded cheese and dairy-free nacho cheese alternatives.
storage/reheating
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the fries soggy. Store cheese sauce separately and reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
Yes, you can use frozen fries and simply season them before baking. It’s a faster alternative, though the flavor may differ slightly from using fresh potatoes.
What kind of cheese is in Taco Bell’s nacho sauce?
Taco Bell uses a blend of cheddar and other processed cheeses. This recipe uses cheddar and a nacho cheese sauce for similar flavor and consistency.
How do I make homemade nacho cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly add milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Are these fries gluten-free?
If made with gluten-free nacho cheese and seasonings, the fries themselves are gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels.
Can I deep-fry the potatoes instead of baking?
Yes, deep-frying will yield crispier fries. Heat oil to 350°F and fry in batches until golden, about 3–4 minutes per batch.
What’s the best way to get crispy oven fries?
Soaking the potatoes and drying them thoroughly before baking is key. Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Can I prepare these fries in advance?
You can cut and soak the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in water in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then dry and season before baking.
Is there a way to make them less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
What other cheeses can I use?
Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend can add unique flavor variations to your nacho fries.
How do I store and reheat leftover nacho cheese sauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in short microwave intervals, stirring often.
Conclusion
Taco Bell Nacho Fries are a fan-favorite for a reason, and now you can enjoy them fresh from your own kitchen. With crispy, flavorful fries and rich cheese topping, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a satisfying snack or side dish with a bold Tex-Mex twist. Perfect for parties, casual meals, or whenever the craving strikes, these nacho fries are sure to impress.
Print
Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving Taco Bell’s iconic Nacho Fries? Now you can make them at home! These crispy, seasoned fries are made with russet potatoes and bold spices, then served with melty cheddar and nacho cheese sauce. The perfect fast-food fix without leaving your kitchen. Keyword: Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Ingredients
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2 large russet potatoes
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1 tablespoon vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
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Prep the potatoes:
Wash and peel potatoes, then cut into thin fries. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this makes them crispier!). -
Season and bake:
Drain and pat dry. Toss fries in vegetable oil and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper). Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. -
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. For extra crisp, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
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Cheesy topping:
While fries are baking, warm the nacho cheese sauce. When fries are done, sprinkle with shredded cheddar and drizzle with nacho cheese. -
Serve hot with extra cheese sauce or your favorite dips!
Notes
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For extra authenticity, deep-fry instead of baking.
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Customize the spice level by adjusting cayenne or adding chili powder.
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Try with jalapeños, sour cream, or Taco Bell-style beef for loaded fries!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack / Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
