expert tips

• For extra crispy fries, cook them in an air fryer instead of the oven.
• To make the cheese sauce extra creamy, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese.
• If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own seasoning blend by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
• For a vegetarian version of this recipe, skip the taco meat and add black beans or vegetarian crumbles instead.
• Do your best to coordinate the cooking of the fries and cheese sauce so that they are ready at the same time for optimal enjoyment. Most frozen fries require 15-20 minutes to bake, so begin cooking the cheese sauce when there are 10 minutes left on the fries.
• If the cheese sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of milk or butter over low heat to achieve your desired consistency. To keep the fries warm, place them in a 200-degree oven and serve as needed. You can serve this dish as a family-style meal or as the ultimate game-day snack by loading a sheet tray with fries, taco meat (or beans), and cheese sauce, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings.
• These homemade nacho fries are best eaten the day they are made but if you have leftovers store the toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When you are ready, reheat them in the oven or air fryer until the fries are crisp. Then load them up with the remaining toppings and enjoy.