Are you craving a delicious, crunchy, and cheesy snack that combines the best of nachos and fries? Look no further! This exclusive Nacho Fries recipe will guide you through making the perfect loaded fries at home. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a movie night, or just treating yourself, these crispy, flavorful, and fully loaded nacho fries will be a hit.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- The secret to perfectly crispy fries
- A homemade nacho cheese sauce that’s better than store-bought
- Toppings that take your nacho fries to the next level
- Tips for meal prep and storage
- Variations to suit different dietary preferences
Let’s dive in and make the best Nacho Fries recipe you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love This Nacho Fries Recipe
Restaurant-quality at home – Skip the fast-food version and make these even better!
Fully customizable – Add your favorite proteins and toppings.
Perfect for sharing – Great for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner.
Easy to make – Simple steps for crispy fries and creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients for the Best Nacho Fries
For the Fries:
- 4 large russet potatoes (or frozen fries for a shortcut)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying) or 2 tbsp olive oil (for baking)
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack & cheddar)
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
For the Toppings:
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup guacamole
- ½ cup pico de gallo (or diced tomatoes & onions)
- ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or shredded chicken (optional)
- ½ cup black beans (drained & rinsed)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fries (From Scratch or Frozen)
Option 1: Homemade Crispy Fries
- Peel & cut potatoes into ¼-inch thick sticks.
- Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (this makes them crispier).
- Drain & pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Toss with cornstarch & spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper).
- Fry or bake:
- Deep-fry method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Oven-baked method: Toss with olive oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Option 2: Using Frozen Fries (Quick Version)
- Bake or air-fry according to package instructions for a faster alternative.
Step 2: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to make a roux (cook for 1-2 minutes).
- Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a simmer until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat & add cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, and salt.
Step 3: Assemble the Loaded Nacho Fries
- Arrange fries on a serving platter or baking sheet.
- Drizzle warm cheese sauce generously over the fries.
- Add toppings – ground beef, black beans, jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Nacho Fries
- Double-fry method (for extra crispiness): Fry once at 325°F (160°C), cool, then fry again at 375°F (190°C).
- Cheese sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk. Too thin? Simmer longer or add more cheese.
- Spice it up with hot sauce, chipotle mayo, or extra jalapeños.
- Keep fries crispy by adding toppings just before serving.
Variations & Dietary Adjustments
- Vegan Nacho Fries → Use vegan cheese, cashew cream, and plant-based toppings.
- Gluten-Free → Swap flour for cornstarch in the cheese sauce.
- Protein-Packed → Add grilled chicken, pulled pork, or seasoned tofu.
- Breakfast Nacho Fries → Top with scrambled eggs, bacon, and salsa.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Store separately: Keep fries, cheese, and toppings in airtight containers.
- Reheat fries in an air fryer (5 mins at 375°F) or oven (10 mins at 400°F).
- Cheese sauce can be reheated on the stove with a splash of milk.
Final Thoughts
This ultimate Nacho Fries recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them from scratch or using a shortcut, the crispy fries, creamy cheese, and bold toppings will make this a favorite snack or meal.
Try it today and let us know in the comments—what’s your favorite nacho fries topping?