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side view of Baked Nacho Fries (Taco Bell Inspired) on a plate
Olga

Taco Bell Nacho Fries (Baked Copycat Recipe with Nacho Cheese)

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Nacho fries copycat recipe – golden fries coated in Mexican seasoning and served with melty nacho cheese, just like Taco Bell’s. Bake or fry them for the perfect fast food fix at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fries:
  • 3 large russet potatoes
  • Cold water + ice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
For the Nacho Fries Seasoning:
  • 1½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp tomato powder
  • 1½ tsp cheddar cheese powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne optional
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 oz American cheese or cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 tbsp pickled jalapeño purée
  • 3 tbsp pickle juice or pickled jalapeño juice or 2 tbsp white vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp chili powder
  • ¼ tsp paprika

Equipment

  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Sharp Knife
  • 1 Large bowl
  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Spider strainer or slotted spoon
  • 1 Clean towel
  • 1 Wire Rack
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Parchment Paper
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Measuring cups
  • 1 Small Saucepan
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Prep the Potatoes – Wash, peel (if desired), and cut potatoes into ¼-inch thick strips.
  2. Rinse & Soak – Rinse in cold water, then soak in ice water for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Parboil the Fries – Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and vinegar, then boil fries for 4-5 minutes. Drain and let dry completely.
  4. Bake the Fries – Toss fries with avocado oil, spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 425°F for 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Make the Cheese Sauce – Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until thickened. Lower heat, add cheese, and stir until melted. Add pickled jalapeño purée, pickle juice (or vinegar), salt, chili powder, and paprika. Keep warm.
  6. Season the Fries – As soon as the fries are done, sprinkle with nacho fries seasoning while hot.
  7. Serve – Pile fries onto a plate and serve with warm nacho cheese on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

Top Tip: Why Soak and Parboil the Fries?

Rinsing and soaking removes excess starch, so the fries don’t turn soggy. Parboiling (partially boiling them) gives them a fluffy inside while keeping them crispy when baked.
Don’t feel like cutting and baking fries? Use frozen fries instead. Choose thin-cut or seasoned fries, bake or air-fry them according to the package, then toss with the nacho seasoning and serve with cheese sauce.

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