The Ultimate Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe for Home Cooks

Craving the ultimate copycat taco bell nacho fries that will transport you straight to flavor paradise?

Crispy potato strips coated in bold spices promise an addictive snack experience.

Recreating this popular fast-food favorite demands precision and a dash of culinary creativity.

Restaurant-style magic happens when you perfectly season each golden fry with zesty seasoning blends.

Cheese sauce provides the perfect creamy complement to these crunchy potato wonders.

Homemade versions often surpass the original, letting you control quality and intensity of flavors.

Your kitchen will become a flavor laboratory, ready to craft these irresistible nacho fries that everyone will be talking about.

FAQs About Nacho Fries Copycat Recipe

• How do I ensure my fries are crispy like Taco Bell's?

Use a double-coating method with buttermilk and seasoned flour, and maintain oil temperature at 375°F while frying in small batches to prevent soggy fries.

• Can I make these fries ahead of time?

Partially fry the potatoes, let them cool, and freeze. When ready to serve, refry at 375°F for a crisp exterior and hot center.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content, which helps create a crispy exterior and fluffy interior when fried.

• How can I make the seasoning blend more flavorful?

Experiment by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.

Why Nacho Fries Copycat Recipe Hits The Spot

• Craft Gourmet Fast Food: Recreate Taco Bell's iconic nacho fries at home with professional-level cooking techniques and simple ingredients.
• Master Customizable Seasoning: Control flavor intensity by adjusting spice blend, making each batch uniquely tailored to personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect shareable appetizer that transforms classic french fries into a restaurant-style indulgence for game nights, gatherings, and casual celebrations.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking Challenge: Straightforward recipe with clear steps allows home cooks of all skill levels to successfully prepare restaurant-quality dish without complex culinary training.

Everything You Need For Nacho Fries Copycat

• Russet Potatoes: A starchy potato perfect for creating crispy, golden french fries with a soft interior.

• Chili Powder, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A signature spice mix that delivers bold, zesty flavor to the fries.

• All-Purpose Flour, Buttermilk: The flour provides a crispy exterior while buttermilk helps the seasoning adhere and creates a tender coating.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Nacho Cheese Sauce: These cheeses add rich, melty goodness and classic Taco Bell flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes, Green Onions, Pickled Jalapeños, Sour Cream: Fresh toppings that provide color, texture, and additional layers of flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: The ideal oil for deep-frying, creating a crisp and golden exterior on the fries.

How To Make Nacho Fries Copycat At Home

Step 1: Slice Potatoes Into Fry Shapes

Grab russet potatoes and a sharp knife. Cut potatoes into long, skinny strips that look just like french fries. Make sure each fry is about the same width so they cook evenly and get super crispy.

Step 2: Whip Up Spicy Seasoning Mix

• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these spices in a shallow dish to create a zesty coating that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Build Coating Station

Set up two bowls side by side. Fill one with all-purpose flour and the other with buttermilk. This will be your magical transformation zone for turning plain potatoes into crispy delights.

Step 4: Dredge Potato Strips

Dip each potato strip first into buttermilk, then roll it in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour to ensure a light, crunchy exterior that’ll make Taco Bell proud.

Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer. Bring the temperature up to 375°F. Use a cooking thermometer to keep the heat consistent for perfect golden fries.

Step 6: Fry Potato Strips

Carefully drop potato strips into hot oil in small batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes, flipping occasionally. Watch for that beautiful golden brown color that signals crispy perfection.

Step 7: Drain and Season

Pull fries out with a slotted spoon and let them rest on paper towels. Sprinkle with extra seasoning mix while they’re still hot and steamy.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Goodness

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the crispy fries on a baking sheet and shower them with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 9: Melt and Drizzle

Pour nacho cheese sauce over the fries. Pop the baking sheet in the oven for 5-7 minutes until the cheese transforms into a gooey, melted paradise.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• A dollop of sour cream

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Taco Bell Nacho Fries!

Best Tips For Nacho Fries Copycat Recipe

• Slice with Precision: Use a sharp knife and cut potatoes into uniform, thin strips to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness throughout.
• Master the Temperature: Maintain oil at exactly 375°F for perfectly golden, crispy fries without absorbing excess grease or becoming soggy.
• Drain Thoroughly: Place freshly fried fries on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring a light and crunchy exterior that stays crisp longer.
• Season Generously: Apply seasoning blend immediately after frying while fries are still hot to help spices adhere and maximize flavor intensity.
• Layer Cheese Strategically: Spread cheese evenly across fries and bake just until melted to prevent overheating and maintain the perfect texture.

Cool Combos For Nacho Fries Copycat

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace chili powder with cayenne pepper and add ground cumin for an intense, smoky heat that kicks up the flavor profile.
• Loaded Ranch Fries: Incorporate ranch seasoning mix into the flour coating and top with crumbled bacon bits, creating a creamy, savory version of the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Fiesta Fries: Swap cheese sauce with homemade salsa verde and add black beans, roasted corn, and diced bell peppers for a plant-based, colorful alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the seasoning blend, then top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spin.

Perfect Pairings With Nacho Fries Copycat

• Cool Beer Companion: Grab a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona Extra to balance the spicy, cheesy nacho fries with refreshing carbonation.
• Zesty Margarita Match: Mix a classic margarita with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to cut through the rich, greasy fries and complement the bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Tangy Soda Sidekick: Pour an ice-cold Mexican Coca-Cola with real sugar for a sweet counterpoint that enhances the savory, cheesy potato goodness.
• Fiery Hot Sauce Pairing: Bring Valentina or Tapatio hot sauce to add an extra kick of heat and elevate the nacho fries' bold seasoning profile.

How To Store Nacho Fries Copycat Fries Right

• Store leftover nacho fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, understanding they will lose crispiness.
• Revive cold fries by spreading them on a baking sheet and crisping in a preheated oven at 425°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they regain their crunch.
• Keep the remaining seasoning blend in a sealed spice jar or container in a cool, dark pantry for future use, maintaining its potency for up to 3 months.
• Mix dry seasoning ingredients and chop garnishes in advance, storing separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to streamline the cooking process and save time during meal preparation.

Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering Copycat Taco Bell Nacho Fries deliver crispy, spice-coated potato magic straight from your kitchen. Mexican-inspired seasoning and cheesy sauce bring restaurant-quality crunch you’ll devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Nacho Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup nacho cheese sauce
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 0.25 cup diced tomatoes
• 0.25 cup pickled jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Slice russet potatoes into thin, uniform french fry shapes using a sharp knife, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Mix chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish to create the signature seasoning blend.
3. Create a dredging station with all-purpose flour in one bowl and buttermilk in another, positioning them side by side for easy coating.
4. Dip each potato fry first into buttermilk, then thoroughly coat with seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess for a light, crispy exterior.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F, carefully maintaining consistent temperature for optimal crispiness.
6. Fry potato strips in small batches for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture, avoiding overcrowding.
7. Remove fries with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, and immediately sprinkle with additional seasoning blend.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange crispy fries on a baking sheet, then generously top with shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Drizzle nacho cheese sauce over the fries and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts completely.
10. Garnish with diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, pickled jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream before serving immediately.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and crispy texture throughout each fry.
• Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika or cayenne for a personalized flavor profile that matches your heat preference.
• Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature precisely, preventing soggy or burnt fries during the deep-frying process.
• For a healthier alternative, consider air frying the seasoned potato strips at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway through cooking to achieve similar crispiness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg