Loaded Nacho Fries

$- 4 large russet potatoes - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup black beans - 1 jalapeño - Additional toppings: sour cream, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Baking sheet - Parchment paper - Large mixing bowl When I make loaded nacho fries, I love to start with fresh, crispy russet potatoes. They fry up perfectly and hold all the toppings well. For the cheese, I always go for sharp cheddar. It melts beautifully and adds a great flavor. Black beans are a must for a hearty touch. The jalapeño adds just the right kick. You can slice it thin for more heat or leave it off if you prefer milder flavors. Don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream adds creaminess, while pico de gallo gives a fresh taste. Fresh cilantro brightens everything up! For seasoning, I use olive oil to help everything stick together. Garlic powder and smoked paprika give the fries a nice depth of flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. You’ll need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. A large mixing bowl helps with tossing the fries in oil and seasonings. I find this setup makes the whole cooking process smooth and simple. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create these tasty loaded nacho fries! - Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This helps the fries get crispy. - Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cut fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each fry has plenty of flavor. - Step 3: Spread the fries out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking. - Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the fries turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway for even cooking. - Step 5: Take the fries out of the oven and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over them. Then, add 1 cup of black beans and sliced jalapeños on top. - Step 6: Return the fries to the oven for another 5 minutes. This melts the cheese and blends the flavors. - Step 7: Drizzle the fries with 1/2 cup of sour cream. Add 1/2 cup of pico de gallo and some fresh cilantro for a bright touch. Enjoy your loaded nacho fries while they are hot! For a complete guide to make this dish, refer to the Full Recipe. To make great fries, start by cutting your potatoes evenly. This helps them cook at the same rate. Aim for pieces about 1/4 inch thick. A sharp knife works best for this. After cutting, soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step removes extra starch and makes fries crispier. When it comes to cooking, you can choose to bake or fry. Baking is healthier and easier. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss fries with olive oil and seasonings before spreading them in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a deep pot. Fry the fries in small batches until golden brown. To add more flavor, try using different spices. Besides garlic powder and smoked paprika, consider chili powder or cumin. These spices can give your fries a nice kick. You can also mix in some herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh taste. Homemade pico de gallo makes a great topping for loaded nacho fries. To make it, chop fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt. This fresh mix brightens up your fries and adds a burst of flavor. Cheese is key to loaded nacho fries. I recommend using sharp cheddar for its strong flavor. You can also mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy twist. For the best melt, grate your cheese instead of using pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting well. When it's time to melt the cheese, add it to the fries while they are still hot. Return the fries to the oven for a few minutes. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and creates that gooey topping everyone loves. {{image_2}} You can easily make Loaded Nacho Fries vegetarian. Start by substituting cheese. Use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option. You can also replace black beans with lentils or chickpeas for extra protein. Mix in different vegetables too. Try bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms. These add color and flavor. Roasting them enhances their taste, making your nacho fries even better. For meat lovers, add some seasoned ground beef or chicken. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you prefer meat alternatives, consider tempeh or tofu. Just season them with taco spices for more flavor. When cooking protein, use spices like cumin and chili powder. These will amp up the taste of your Loaded Nacho Fries. Want to spice things up? Adjust the amount of jalapeño. Remove the seeds for less heat or keep them for more. You can also use hot sauce as a topping to bring some fire. For alternative spicy toppings, try pickled jalapeños or spicy salsa. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. This lets you control the heat to match your taste. Experimenting with these variations can create a dish everyone loves. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making these tasty Loaded Nacho Fries! To keep your loaded nacho fries fresh, follow these tips. Let the fries cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps moisture out and helps them stay crispy. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating fries can be tricky. I recommend using an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the fries on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes. If you use an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This helps retain their crunch. Spritz with a little oil before reheating for a fresher taste. You can freeze loaded nacho fries, but timing matters. If you freeze before baking, spread the fries on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This keeps them from sticking together. If you freeze after baking, let them cool completely. Wrap the fries securely in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps maintain their flavor and texture. Loaded nacho fries are crispy fries topped with cheese, beans, and other toppings. They blend the fun of fries with the tasty flavors of nachos. Some popular variations include adding guacamole, salsa, or even grilled chicken. You can explore different cheese types or spicy toppings to make it your own. Yes, you can prepare loaded nacho fries ahead of time. For meal prep, cook the fries and store them in the fridge. Put them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and add your toppings. This way, you save time and enjoy delicious snacks quickly. To make loaded nacho fries healthier, consider these tips: - Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes. - Bake instead of frying for fewer calories. - Choose low-fat cheese or skip it for a lighter version. - Add more veggies, like bell peppers or onions, for extra flavor and nutrition. You can find loaded nacho fries at many popular chains. Places like Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings offer great versions. Additionally, local pubs or sports bars often have their own take on this dish. Check your area for unique recipes and flavors. Yes, you can easily customize loaded nacho fries for dietary needs. For gluten-free options, ensure your toppings and sauces are gluten-free. Use dairy-free cheese or yogurt for those avoiding dairy. If you want a vegan version, skip the cheese and add more veggies or beans for protein. Loaded nacho fries are a fun and tasty dish. We covered the main ingredients like russet potatoes, cheese, and jalapeños. You learned how to season, bake, and assemble them for the best flavor. Tips included how to get perfect fries and enhance their taste. Plus, I shared ways to customize for different diets or heat levels. Now, it's time to make these loaded nacho fries your own. Enjoy experimenting with your flavors, toppings, and personal touches. Happy cooking!$

Craving a delicious snack? Try these loaded nacho fries that are perfect for any occasion! Made with crispy russet potatoes, topped with gooey cheddar cheese, black beans, spicy jalapeños, and finished with sour cream and pico de gallo, this recipe is sure to impress. Perfect for game nights or casual gatherings, these loaded nacho fries are easy to make and incredibly tasty. Click through to explore the full recipe and indulge in this mouthwatering treat!

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Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 jalapeño, sliced

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup pico de gallo

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, toss the cut fries with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the hot fries.

Add the black beans and jalapeño slices on top of the cheese. Return the fries to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Remove the fries from the oven and drizzle with sour cream. Top with pico de gallo and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your loaded nacho fries!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4