Name: Taco Bell Nacho Fries Copycat – Easy Recipes That Kids Can Make for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

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Key Takeaways
The Irresistible Comeback of Nacho Fries
Why This Is One of the Best Easy Recipes That Kids Can Make for Dinner
Fun in the Kitchen: Cooking as a Family
Perfecting the Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce
The Secret to Crispy Oven-Baked Fries
Serving Suggestions & Add-On Ideas
Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

Get ready to recreate the beloved Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home! This simple recipe brings together seasoned crispy fries and a smooth, homemade nacho cheese sauce. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or fun weekend snacks. A true favorite from Lila on Lila Cooks.

The Irresistible Comeback of Nacho Fries

There’s something undeniably magical about Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries. When I saw how excited my family got every time they returned to the menu, I knew it was time to recreate them at home. This copycat version has become one of the top easy recipes that kids can make for dinner — especially when they want to get involved in the kitchen. With just a few pantry ingredients and some cheese magic, you’ll have smiles all around.

Why This Is One of the Best Easy Recipes That Kids Can Make for Dinner

Whether you’re new to cooking or trying to get your kids into meal prep, this dish is a great place to start. It’s incredibly forgiving, doesn’t require fancy tools, and results in something utterly delicious. The main keyword in this recipe isn’t just about what’s being cooked — it’s about the experience you’re sharing around the table. And when a dish is this flavorful and easy, it becomes more than just food — it’s a memory in the making.

Fun in the Kitchen: Cooking as a Family

Recipes like these encourage connection and creativity. Kids love cutting potatoes into fun shapes, sprinkling on seasonings, and whisking the cheese sauce. It’s a great way to introduce them to safe kitchen practices while creating one of the best easy recipes for kids to make for dinner 3 ingredients at a time. Plus, it opens the door to conversations about food, flavor, and nutrition.

Perfecting the Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is where this dish truly shines. Rich, velvety, and with a touch of spice, it’s the perfect companion for crispy fries. Even though it sounds fancy, it’s made from common ingredients and comes together in minutes. It’s creamy enough to rival even the best creamy sweet potato soup easy recipes, but way more fun to dip into!

The Secret to Crispy Oven-Baked Fries

While deep-frying gives that fast-food crunch, we’ve found that baking works beautifully too — especially when you follow our tip of soaking the potatoes. They come out golden, crispy, and better for you. It’s a total win for parents and picky eaters alike, especially when you’re pulling together quick and easy recipes for dinner simple and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions & Add-On Ideas

These fries are amazing on their own, but they also make a great base for loaded nacho plates. Add cooked ground beef, jalapeños, or even black beans for a protein-packed upgrade. The base also pairs well with easy recipes with ground beef and noodles if you’re planning a theme night. Whether it’s game day or movie night, this snack fits the bill.

Notes & Tips

Don’t forget to soak your cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes — it removes excess starch and helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. If you want a smokier flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix. Leftover cheese sauce? It’s excellent over steamed veggies or as a dip for pretzels.