Nacho Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nacho Fries are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, spicy, and savory. They’re easy to make and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving them as a fun appetizer or a hearty main, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Russet potatoes or frozen French fries
• Vegetable oil (for frying or baking)
• Salt
• Cheese sauce or shredded cheddar/jack cheese
• Pickled jalapeño slices
• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Optional toppings: taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, guacamole, hot sauce, cilantro

Directions

1. Prepare the fries:
   • If using fresh potatoes: Wash, peel (optional), and cut into fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and pat dry.
   • Fry twice (first at 300°F for 4–5 minutes, then at 375°F for 2–3 minutes), or bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.
   • If using frozen fries: Cook according to package instructions until crispy.
2. Make the cheese sauce (if not using store-bought):
   • In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Stir until thickened. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Assemble the nacho fries:
   • Place hot fries on a large platter or baking sheet.
   • Drizzle with warm cheese sauce or sprinkle with shredded cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted.
4. Add toppings:
   • Top with jalapeños, tomatoes, green onions, and dollops of sour cream.
   • Add optional toppings like seasoned beef, black beans, or guacamole.
5. Serve immediately:
   • Serve hot, with extra cheese sauce or salsa on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus optional soaking time)
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Taco Nacho Fries: Top with seasoned ground beef or chicken, taco sauce, and shredded lettuce.
• Loaded Nacho Fries: Add black beans, corn, and guacamole for a full meal experience.
• Spicy Nacho Fries: Use spicy cheese, add hot sauce, or sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
• BBQ Nacho Fries: Swap out the cheese sauce for a smoky BBQ cheese blend and top with pulled pork.
• Vegan Nacho Fries: Use dairy-free cheese sauce and vegan sour cream with plant-based protein toppings.

Storage/Reheating

Nacho Fries are best enjoyed fresh.
If you have leftovers, store the fries and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
Reheat fries in a 400°F (200°C) oven until crisp, then reassemble with fresh or reheated toppings. Avoid microwaving assembled fries, as they’ll become soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fries?

Yes, frozen fries work great for this recipe. Just make sure they’re extra crispy before adding the cheese and toppings.

What kind of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both melt well and have great flavor. A homemade cheese sauce offers a smooth, creamy finish.

Are Nacho Fries spicy?

They can be, depending on the toppings. Jalapeños and hot sauce add heat, but you can skip them for a milder version.

Can I bake the fries instead of frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 425°F until crispy, flipping halfway through for even browning.

What toppings go well with Nacho Fries?

Popular toppings include seasoned beef, black beans, jalapeños, tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead (cheese sauce, toppings, fries), but assemble and serve fresh for best texture.

How do I keep the fries from getting soggy?

Assemble just before serving, and serve immediately while the fries are hot and crisp.

Are Nacho Fries gluten-free?

They can be, depending on your fries and cheese sauce. Check labels for hidden gluten or make your own versions from scratch.

Can I air fry the fries?

Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, then top as desired.

What dip pairs well with Nacho Fries?

Salsa, guacamole, spicy queso, or ranch all pair well for dipping or drizzling.

Conclusion

Nacho Fries are a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying twist on a classic snack. Easy to make and fun to eat, they’re perfect for customizing with your favorite nacho toppings and sharing with friends or family. Whether you keep it simple or go fully loaded, this dish is sure to be a standout favorite at any table.

Nacho Fries

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Nacho Fries are a delicious fusion of crispy French fries and classic nacho toppings, smothered in cheese sauce and loaded with jalapeños, sour cream, tomatoes, and green onions. Perfect for parties, game days, or indulgent snacking.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying or Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet potatoes or 1 bag frozen French fries
• Vegetable oil, for frying or baking
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup cheese sauce or 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar/jack cheese
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced green onions
• Optional: 1/2 cup taco-seasoned ground beef
• Optional: 1/2 cup black beans
• Optional: 1/4 cup guacamole
• Optional: Hot sauce, to taste
• Optional: Chopped cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. If using fresh potatoes, wash, peel (optional), and cut into fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and pat dry.
2. Fry twice (first at 300°F for 4–5 minutes, then at 375°F for 2–3 minutes), or bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy. If using frozen fries, cook according to package directions until crispy.
3. If making cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, then slowly add 1 cup milk. Stir until thickened. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
4. Place hot fries on a large platter or baking sheet. Drizzle with warm cheese sauce or top with shredded cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted.
5. Add toppings: jalapeños, diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and any optional toppings like ground beef or black beans.
6. Serve immediately with extra cheese sauce or salsa if desired.

Notes

• For crispier fries, soak fresh-cut potatoes and dry thoroughly before frying or baking.
• Customize toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Store fries and toppings separately if saving leftovers.
• Reheat fries in the oven for best texture—avoid microwaving assembled fries.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg