copycat nacho fries recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best copycat nacho fries recipe

I’m obsessed with this copycat nacho fries recipe. It’s a game-changer for family movie nights, sports events, and even everyday snacking.

My kids love it when I serve it as a side dish or as a main course. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

I like to think of it as a healthier alternative to regular fries, with the added bonus of being able to customize it with your favorite toppings. The key to this recipe is using the right type of potatoes – I prefer Russet or Idaho for their high starch content, which makes them perfect for crispy fries.

I’ve tried making this recipe with other types of potatoes, but they just don’t yield the same results. Once you’ve got your potatoes sorted, you can start thinking about the toppings.

I like to keep things simple with melted cheese, salsa, and a sprinkle of cilantro. But feel free to get creative and add your own favorite toppings – the beauty of this recipe is that it’s highly customizable.

Copycat Nacho Fries

Copycat Nacho Fries

4.8 from 794 votes

Crispy seasoned fries topped with warm nacho cheese sauce, seasoned ground beef, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy sour cream. This copycat recipe recreates the popular fast food nacho fries at home with simple ingredients.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Fries

4 medium russet potatoes, cut into thin fries
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Seasoned Beef

1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons water

For Toppings

1/2 cup pico de gallo or diced tomatoes
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sliced jalapenos (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large bowl, toss the potato fries with vegetable oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
6While the fries bake, make the cheese sauce.
7In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
8Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
9Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
10Reduce heat to low, add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and cayenne pepper, and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Keep warm.
11In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
12Drain any excess fat.
13Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and water.
14Cook for 1 more minute until the spices are fragrant and the beef is well coated.
15Remove from heat.
16Arrange the hot crispy fries on a serving platter or in individual bowls.
17Drizzle the warm nacho cheese sauce generously over the fries.
18Spoon the seasoned ground beef on top.
19Add pico de gallo, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.
20Serve immediately while the fries are still hot and crispy.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large bowl
Medium saucepan
Skillet
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning. You can substitute ground turkey or black beans for the beef. Adjust the cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce to control spiciness.

Watch Video Of How Copycat Nacho Fries Works

This copycat nacho fries recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, customizable, and deliciously satisfying.

Plus, it’s a great way to get some veggies into our diet (well, sort of!)

When we’re not serving it at home, we love taking these babies on-the-go – whether that’s packing them in lunches or serving them at family gatherings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Copycat Nacho Fries

Q: What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?

For the crispiest results, I recommend using Russet or Idaho potatoes. These high-starch varieties will give you a better texture than other types of potatoes.

Q: Can I use frozen french fries instead of making my own?

No, I wouldn’t recommend using frozen french fries for this recipe. While they’re convenient, they won’t have the same flavor and texture as freshly made fries.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover nacho fries?

After cooking your nacho fries, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. If you’re storing them in the fridge, be sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods – those oils can transfer flavors!

Q: Can I reheat my nacho fries in the microwave?

Yes, but be careful not to overheat them! Microwave cooking can make your fries dry and rubbery. If you do choose to microwave your leftovers, try heating them in short intervals until they’re crispy again.

Q: Are there any variations on this recipe that I should try?

One fun twist is adding some diced chicken or steak on top of your nacho fries for added protein. You can also try swapping out different types of cheese or adding some diced jalapeños for extra heat.

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