Description
Make your own Taco Bell-style Nacho Fries at home with crispy seasoned fries smothered in a creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce. This easy recipe features oven-baked fries coated with a smoky spice blend and topped with a smooth cheddar cheese sauce infused with pickled jalapeño brine for that iconic tangy kick. Perfect as a snack or side dish, these nacho fries will satisfy your craving for a cheesy, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries and Seasoning
- 1 pound frozen French fries
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Nacho Cheese Sauce
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeño brine (from jarred jalapeños)
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Season the Fries: In a small bowl, mix the paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the fries and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Bake the Fries: Place the seasoned fries in the oven and bake according to package instructions, usually 25-30 minutes, until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, being careful not to brown it.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the pickled jalapeño brine and ¼ teaspoon chili powder to add tangy heat and depth of flavor. Keep the sauce warm on low heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool slightly for a minute or two. Serve the crispy seasoned fries alongside or drizzled with the warm nacho cheese sauce. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use frozen fries for convenience and consistent crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spice level.
- Pickled jalapeño brine adds authentic tangy flavor to the cheese sauce.
- For extra crispy fries, spread them out evenly without overlapping on the baking sheet.
- If you want a spicier cheese sauce, add more chili powder or a few chopped jalapeños directly to the sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fries crisp and cheese sauce creamy.
