Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Loaded Nacho Fries Supreme?
They are a comfort food dish featuring crispy seasoned French fries topped with a creamy nacho cheese sauce, seasoned beef, fresh tomatoes, and sour cream.
What kind of cheese is used for the nacho sauce?
The sauce is made with a combination of 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese and 2 cups of grated Velveeta cheese for a rich and gooey texture.
How do you season the French fries?
The fries are seasoned with a mix of sweet paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, and garlic powder halfway through the baking process.
What ingredients are in the nacho cheese flavor base?
The flavor base includes yellow onion, green bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, whole milk, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, cumin, salt, and black peppercorns.
Is this recipe a copycat of a specific restaurant dish?
Yes, it is designed as a Taco Bell copycat, specifically utilizing Copycat Taco Bell Seasoned Beef.
How long do you sauté the vegetables for the cheese sauce?
The onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and garlic should be cooked over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Why do you strain the milk mixture before adding it to the cheese?
Straining the milk mixture removes the solids like onion and pepper bits, ensuring the final nacho cheese sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy.
Can I make the cheese sauce smoother if it doesn't melt completely?
Yes, if the cheese doesn't melt fully after stirring, place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (a double boiler method) and stir continuously until smooth.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of prepared seasoned beef, specifically mimicking the flavor profile of Taco Bell's ground beef.
What toppings are added last?
The fries are finished with a drizzling of sour cream and a garnish of fresh chopped tomatoes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While serving count varies, the recipe uses a full 32-ounce bag of fries and 3 cups of beef, making it ideal for a large group or party.
Can I use whole black peppercorns in the sauce?
Yes, 2 1/2 teaspoons of whole black peppercorns are steeped in the milk mixture and then strained out to infuse flavor without adding grit.
Is there vinegar in the nacho cheese sauce?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar is added to the milk mixture to provide a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
How long should the milk mixture steep?
The milk, vegetables, and spices should steep on low heat for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to fully meld.
What size bag of frozen fries is needed?
The recipe requires one 32-ounce bag of frozen French fries.
Are these fries spicy?
They have a mild to moderate kick depending on the jalapeno used and the chili powder in the seasoning.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While you can, grating your own cheddar and Velveeta from a block is recommended for better melting and a smoother sauce.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
The garlic should be crushed before being added to the sautéed vegetables; removing the skin is standard preparation for crushed garlic.
What kind of milk is best for the sauce?
Whole milk is recommended for the nacho cheese sauce to ensure maximum creaminess.
When should I apply the dry seasoning to the fries?
Apply the seasoning halfway through the oven cooking time so it adheres to the fries without burning.
What is the role of tomato paste in the cheese sauce?
Tomato paste adds a depth of savory flavor and contributes to the classic orange color of nacho cheese.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh potatoes to make fries, but ensure they are cooked until very crispy to handle the heavy toppings.
How should the tomatoes be prepared for garnish?
The tomatoes should be chopped into small pieces for even distribution over the fries.
Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as long as it is prepared with Taco Bell-style seasonings.
How do I serve the Ultimate Loaded Nacho Fries?
Arrange the seasoned fries on a large platter, layer the beef and cheese sauce, and serve immediately while hot.
Is the jalapeno seeded or whole?
The recipe specifies that the jalapeno should be seeded and chopped to control the heat level.
What tags define this recipe's category?
This recipe is tagged as nachos, loaded fries, Mexican cuisine, comfort food, and party food.
Can I use regular salt instead of kosher salt?
You can, but you may need to reduce the amount slightly as regular table salt is finer and saltier by volume than kosher salt.
Is the cheese sauce vegetarian?
The sauce itself is vegetarian-friendly, though the overall dish includes beef unless a meat alternative is used.
Can this be served as a main dish?
While often served as an appetizer, the inclusion of beef and cheese makes it hearty enough to be enjoyed as a main course.