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Taco Bell Nacho Fries (Copycat)

Taco Bell Nacho Fries (Copycat)

Crispy seasoned fries topped with a creamy, spicy nacho cheese sauce. This copycat recipe replicates the iconic Taco Bell snack, perfect for game days or a quick indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (28 oz) bag frozen shoestring fries
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake according to package directions, about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Immediately sprinkle with taco seasoning while hot and toss to coat.
  2. While fries bake, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute until the mixture is golden and bubbly (this forms a roux that thickens the sauce).
  3. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, salt, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Stir until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat. If sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of milk.
  5. Transfer hot fries to a serving platter or individual bowls. Drizzle cheese sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately with optional toppings such as seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.

Notes

Store leftover fries separately from cheese sauce. Fries can be reheated in a 400°F (204°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness. Cheese sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to thin if needed. Optional toppings: seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro.

Nutrition

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