How to Make Taco Fries

Dress up ordinary French fries.

Taco fries can be as simple or complex as you want them to be. For an easy version of these, just follow the first three steps. If you want to save even more time, use frozen French fries rather than raw potatoes. The toppings are optional and you can use any that you would normally put on to your tacos. Another option is to put the toppings into bowls and have your guests top their own plates of taco fries. Taco fries can be served alone as a snack or as a side for hamburgers, sandwiches or tacos.

Things You'll Need

• Baking sheet Cooking spray 1 1/2 lb. potatoes, peeled, sliced into 1/4" thick fries, or 1 (26 oz.) bag frozen crispy French fries 2 qt. bowl of ice water 1 package taco seasoning mix Gallon zip-top bag Serving plate 1 cup diced tomato (optional) 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (optional) 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) 1/4 cup bottled taco sauce (optional) 1/4 cup sour cream (optional) 1/4 cup guacamole (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Immerse the freshly cut potatoes into the bowl of ice water and let them soak for five minutes. This will get rid of excess starch and help to make the baked fries crispier. Skip this step if you are using frozen French fries.

3. Place the potatoes onto the baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees until golden brown, checking after 20 minutes and then every 10. If using frozen French fries, bake at 450 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.

4. Put the cooked fries and taco seasoning mix into the gallon-sized zip-top bag while they are still hot. Seal the bag and shake it to coat the fries. (See Warning.)

5. Immediately transfer the fries to the serving plate in an even layer.

6. Top the taco fries with any or all of the following: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, taco sauce, sour cream, or guacamole. These toppings are optional but are not needed to have a great plate of taco fries. Serve warm.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let the hot fries remain in the bag longer than it takes to coat them with the seasoning mix. The steam will gather inside the bag and the fries will get soggy.

References

• Taco fries recipe (with frozen fries)
• Taco fries recipe (with fresh)