Nacho Fries Recipe

Nacho Fries are made with crispy, golden shoestring potatoes tossed in a bold, smoky spice blend of paprika, garlic, and onion. The fries are served alongside a warm, velvety cheese sauce made from American cheese and a kick of jalapeño brine, replicating that famous fast-food “liquid gold” texture. It is the ultimate addictive snack for movie nights or a fun side dish for a homemade taco feast.

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Nacho Fries Ingredients

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tbsp Salted Butter: Adds a glossy finish to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup Whole Milk: To thin the cheese into a dip.
• 8 oz American Cheese: Slices or block. American cheese is non-negotiable here; it contains the emulsifiers needed for a perfectly smooth, non-greasy melt.
• 1 tbsp Tabasco Jalapeño Sauce: Or the brine juice from a jar of pickled jalapeños. This adds the signature tangy heat.

For the Seasoning Blend:

• 2 tsp Paprika: Sweet or smoked, for color.
• 2 tsp Salt: Essential for a salty snack.
• 1 tsp Chili Powder: For earthy warmth.
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Savory depth.
• 1 tsp Onion Powder: Savory sweetness.

For the Fries:

• 1 lb Frozen Fast Food Fries: (Such as Ore-Ida Extra Crispy). Thin cut fries work best to mimic the original.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying.

How To Make Nacho Fries

1. Blend the spices: In a small bowl, whisk together the paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Chef’s Tip: If you have a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, pulse the mixture a few times to create a fine dust. This helps it cling to the fries better.
2. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Pour in the whole milk and let it warm through gently (do not boil).
3. Create the sauce: Tear the American cheese into pieces and add them to the warm milk. Stir constantly with a whisk or silicone spatula until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the jalapeño sauce or brine. Keep warm on the lowest setting, stirring occasionally so a skin doesn’t form.
4. Heat the oil: Fill a heavy pot or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the potatoes: Working in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, fry the frozen fries for 6–8 minutes. They should be deep golden brown and audibly crispy. Lift them out with a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
6. Season the fries: Transfer the hot fries immediately to a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess grease for a split second, then toss them into a clean bowl. While they are still piping hot and slightly oily, sprinkle generously with the seasoning blend and toss to coat evenly.
7. Serve the dish: Pile the red-dusted fries onto a platter. Pour the warm cheese sauce into a dipping bowl (or drizzle it all over the top if you prefer). Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• American Cheese: Do not try to substitute Cheddar cheese here. Cheddar will separate into oil and clumps without a roux (flour/butter base). American cheese melts into a perfect emulsion instantly.
• Seasoning Adhesion: The seasoning must hit the fries the moment they come out of the oil. If the fries cool and dry off, the spice dust will just fall to the bottom of the bowl.
• Spice Level: The seasoning blend is mild and smoky. If you want heat on the fries themselves, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.
• Frying vs. Baking: While you can bake the fries, deep frying gives that specific “fast food” texture—crunchy outside, fluffy inside—that baked fries struggle to replicate.

What To Serve With Nacho Fries?

These fries are a heavy snack that stands alone perfectly with the cheese dip. However, to turn it into a full “drive-thru at home” meal, serve them alongside soft beef tacos or a bean burrito. For a beverage, an ice-cold Baja-style soda (tropical lime flavor) or a crisp Mexican lager cuts through the salty, spicy profile.

How To Store Leftovers Nacho Fries?

• Refrigerate: Store the fries and cheese sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Sauce: Microwave the cheese sauce in 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Reheat Fries: To restore the crunch, reheat the fries in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes or in a hot oven. Do not microwave the fries, or they will become soggy.

Nacho Fries Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 8g
• Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 4 servings.

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