Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso

When it comes to satisfying cravings, few things hit the spot quite like a heaping plate of piping hot, crispy fries smothered in a rich, zesty cheese sauce. Introducing our Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso – an irresistible fusion of Tex-Mex flavors that will have you going back for more. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this sensational dish!

💝 The Magic Behind This Dish

The secret to these Nacho Fries lies in the interplay of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden-brown fries provide the perfect canvas for the velvety Chipotle Queso sauce, which packs a delightful punch of smoky, spicy goodness. And because the fries are baked rather than fried, you can indulge without the guilt. What’s more, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, with most of the ingredients likely already in your pantry or freezer. Get ready to wow your taste buds and impress your guests with this restaurant-worthy snack that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs frozen french fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

The beauty of this Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crispy fries, melty cheeses, and a smoky-spicy queso sauce creates a flavor profile that has made this type of dish perennially popular.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen french fries out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the fries evenly.
2. Step 2: Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, then stir in the chopped chipotle chiles, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Pile the crispy fries onto a serving plate and drizzle the chipotle queso sauce over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with any desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro.

Timing Overview

Compared to traditional nachos which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso recipe saves you 10 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

These Nacho Fries provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 40% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🧘‍♀️ Guilt-Free Versions

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 25% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

❗ Critical Don’ts

📦 Storage & Leftovers

These Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso retain their quality remarkably well:

❓ FAQs

How far in advance can I make the queso sauce?

The queso sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently, until warmed through and smooth.

Can I use different types of cheese in the queso?

Absolutely! The combination of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses creates a delicious flavor profile, but you can experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses. Just be sure to shred or chop the cheese into small pieces to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.

Are these Nacho Fries gluten-free?

The fries themselves are naturally gluten-free, but the queso sauce contains all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free thickener, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder. You can find these alternatives in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.

How can I make these Nacho Fries spicier?

For an extra kick of heat, you can increase the amount of chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce used in the queso. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons and adjust to your desired level of spiciness. You can also garnish the finished fries with sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely! If you prefer to use fresh potatoes, simply peel and cut them into thin fries, then follow the same baking instructions as the frozen fries. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to achieve the desired crispness.

🌈 Happy Cooking!

These Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course, they’re sure to impress with their crispy texture and bold, smoky-spicy flavor profile. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Nacho Fries demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible dish tonight? Your taste buds are in for a delightful adventure!

Nacho Fries with Chipotle Queso

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0/5

⏱️ Timing Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

🥘 Ingredients

• 3 lbs frozen french fries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp chopped canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

📝 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen french fries out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the fries evenly.
2. Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, then stir in the chopped chipotle chiles, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
6. Pile the crispy fries onto a serving plate and drizzle the chipotle queso sauce over the top. Serve immediately, garnished with any desired toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro.

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories: 497

Protein: 16g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 28g

Fiber: 4g

Sodium: 968mg

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