Vegan Nacho Fries Supreme: Taco Bell Inspired Recipe (Dairy-Free!)

Craving Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries but living a vegan lifestyle? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the cheesy, spicy, and satisfying flavors of the original, completely plant-based. We’ll guide you through creating crispy, perfectly seasoned fries and a ridiculously delicious vegan nacho cheese sauce that rivals the real deal. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Nacho Fries Recipe

* **Tastes Like Taco Bell, But Better:** We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to capture the essence of Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries, but with higher quality ingredients and a vegan twist.
* **Completely Dairy-Free and Plant-Based:** Indulge in a cheesy, comforting treat without any animal products.
* **Customizable:** Adjust the spice level to your liking. Add your favorite toppings like vegan sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
* **Easy to Make:** While it involves a few steps, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
* **Perfect for Sharing (or Not!):** Make a big batch for game day, movie night, or a fun weekend treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for both the fries and the vegan nacho cheese sauce:

For the Fries:

* **Russet Potatoes:** These are the best for achieving crispy, golden fries. About 2-3 large potatoes will do.
* **Olive Oil (or other cooking oil):** For tossing the fries before baking or frying.
* **Nacho Fry Seasoning:** This is where the magic happens! You’ll need a blend of spices that mimics Taco Bell’s signature flavor. Here’s what we recommend:
* Chili Powder: For a smoky, slightly spicy base.
* Paprika: Adds color and a touch of sweetness. Smoked paprika will enhance the smoky flavor.
* Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that’s essential in Mexican cuisine.
* Garlic Powder: For that savory, garlicky kick.
* Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds depth of flavor.
* Cayenne Pepper (optional): For extra heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
* Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other spices.
* Black Pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness.
* A Pinch of Sugar (optional): Balances the spices and helps the fries caramelize.
* **Cornstarch (optional):** Helps create extra crispy fries. Toss the fries with a tablespoon or two before adding the oil and seasoning.

For the Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce:

* **Raw Cashews:** The base of our creamy, dreamy vegan cheese sauce. Make sure they’re raw and unsalted.
* **Nutritional Yeast:** This is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its cheesy flavor.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel):** Adds a tangy, spicy kick. You can adjust the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot Rotel.
* **Vegetable Broth:** Provides moisture and flavor.
* **Tapioca Starch (or Cornstarch):** Thickens the sauce and gives it a stretchy, cheesy texture.
* **Lemon Juice:** Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cashews.
* **Garlic Powder:** Enhances the savory flavor.
* **Onion Powder:** Complements the garlic powder and adds depth.
* **Chili Powder:** For that classic nacho flavor.
* **Cumin:** Adds warmth and earthiness.
* **Smoked Paprika (optional):** Enhances the smoky flavor.
* **Salt:** Enhances the flavors.
* **Turmeric Powder (optional):** For color. Just a pinch will give the sauce a vibrant yellow hue.

Optional Toppings:

* Vegan Sour Cream
* Guacamole
* Pico de Gallo
* Diced Tomatoes
* Jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
* Black Olives
* Chopped Cilantro
* Vegan Ground Beef or Crumbles (for a supreme version)

Equipment You’ll Need

* Large Bowl
* Baking Sheet (if baking the fries)
* Deep Fryer or Large Pot (if frying the fries)
* Blender (high-speed recommended)
* Saucepan
* Measuring Cups and Spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the best vegan nacho fries:

Part 1: Making the Crispy Fries

1. **Prepare the Potatoes:** Wash and scrub the potatoes. Peel them if desired (we prefer to leave the skins on for extra nutrients and texture). Cut the potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick fries. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
2. **Soak the Fries (Optional but Recommended):** Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Drain the fries and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. **Preheat Oven or Prepare Fryer:**
* **For Baking:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* **For Frying:** Heat about 2-3 inches of cooking oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
4. **Season the Fries:** In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil (or other cooking oil) until evenly coated. If using cornstarch, toss the fries with cornstarch *before* adding the oil. In a small bowl, combine all the nacho fry seasoning ingredients: chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fries and toss until evenly coated.
5. **Bake or Fry the Fries:**
* **For Baking:** Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
* **For Frying:** Carefully add the fries to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for 3-5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Season immediately with a sprinkle of salt.
6. **Keep Warm (Optional):** If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked fries warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Part 2: Making the Vegan Nacho Cheese Sauce

1. **Soak the Cashews:** Place the raw cashews in a bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours. This will soften them and make them easier to blend into a smooth, creamy sauce. Drain the cashews and rinse them well.
2. **Blend the Sauce:** In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), vegetable broth, tapioca starch (or cornstarch), lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), turmeric powder (if using), and salt. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, depending on the power of your blender. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth.
3. **Heat the Sauce:** Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. The tapioca starch will activate and thicken the sauce as it heats. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to thin it out.
4. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, chili powder, or other spices to your liking.

Part 3: Assembling the Vegan Nacho Fries

1. **Arrange the Fries:** Place a generous portion of the crispy fries on a plate or in a bowl.
2. **Drizzle with Cheese Sauce:** Pour a generous amount of the warm vegan nacho cheese sauce over the fries.
3. **Add Toppings:** Top with your favorite toppings, such as vegan sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, black olives, chopped cilantro, and vegan ground beef or crumbles (if using).
4. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy your delicious vegan nacho fries while they’re warm and cheesy!

Tips and Variations

* **For Extra Crispy Fries:** Double fry the fries. Fry them once at a lower temperature (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes, then remove them and let them cool slightly. Fry them again at a higher temperature (350°F/175°C) until golden brown and crispy.
* **Air Fryer Fries:** If you prefer to use an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Toss the seasoned fries with a little oil and spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
* **Make it Supreme:** Add vegan ground beef or crumbles to the fries for a heartier meal. You can also add vegan sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
* **Spice it Up:** Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the nacho fry seasoning or cheese sauce for extra heat.
* **Customize the Cheese Sauce:** Experiment with different spices and ingredients to create your own unique vegan nacho cheese sauce. You can add roasted red peppers, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or even a touch of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
* **Make it Ahead:** The vegan nacho cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. The fries are best served fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up.
* **Sweet Potato Fries:** Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to complement the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
* **Oil-Free Option:** For an oil-free version, skip the oil when tossing the fries. Bake them on parchment paper, but be aware they may not be as crispy. You can also experiment with using a silicone baking mat.

Serving Suggestions

* **Game Day Snack:** These vegan nacho fries are the perfect snack for game day. Serve them with a variety of toppings and dips for a crowd-pleasing treat.
* **Movie Night Treat:** Enjoy a cozy movie night with a big bowl of vegan nacho fries. They’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.
* **Side Dish:** Serve vegan nacho fries as a side dish with your favorite Mexican-inspired meals, such as tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
* **Appetizer:** Offer vegan nacho fries as an appetizer at your next party or gathering.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and toppings used.*

* Calories: 400-600 per serving
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 5-10g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 500-1000mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-70g
* Fiber: 5-10g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 10-15g

FAQ

* **Can I use pre-made fries?** While fresh-cut fries are best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen fries to save time. Just be sure to season them well with the nacho fry seasoning.
* **Can I use a different type of nut for the cheese sauce?** While cashews provide the creamiest texture, you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid and blending time to achieve the desired consistency.
* **How long does the vegan nacho cheese sauce last?** The vegan nacho cheese sauce will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container.
* **Can I freeze the vegan nacho cheese sauce?** Freezing the sauce is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
* **What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?** If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you may need to soak the cashews for a longer period of time (at least 4 hours, or overnight). You may also need to add more liquid to help the sauce blend smoothly. A regular blender will work, but the sauce may not be as creamy.

Conclusion

These Vegan Nacho Fries Supreme are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! They’re easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for a delicious dairy-free alternative, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven (or fryer), and get ready to indulge in a truly epic vegan treat! Enjoy!