Name: Ultimate Nacho Cheese Fries Recipe | Crispy, Cheesy Snack
Ingredients: 1½ lbs frozen French fries or hand-cut russet potatoes; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; Salt, to taste; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt, to taste; Sliced jalapeños; Green onions, chopped; Turkey bacon bits; Sour cream; Black olives, sliced; Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fries:

1½ lbs frozen French fries or hand-cut russet potatoes
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt, to taste

For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Sliced jalapeños
Green onions, chopped
Turkey bacon bits
Sour cream
Black olives, sliced
Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo

Instructions

Step 1: Bake or Fry the Fries

You can deep fry, air fry, or oven-bake your fries depending on preference. The goal is maximum crispiness.

Oven Method: Preheat to 425°F. Spread fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with vegetable oil and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking once or twice.

Season with salt once hot.

Step 2: Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
Add garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt to taste.

Step 3: Assemble

Place hot fries on a serving platter.
Pour warm cheese sauce over the top.
Add your desired toppings and serve immediately!