Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?

Absolutely! Slice potatoes into fry shapes, toss with a little oil and bake until crisp, then proceed with the recipe. Fresh fries are always delicious if you have the extra time.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Just double-check the fries and all toppings (salsa, seasoning blends, etc.) for hidden gluten. Most simple frozen fries are naturally gluten-free, and everything else here can be adapted.

Can I prepare the nacho dust ahead of time?

Yes! Mix up a jar of nacho dust and keep it in your spice drawer—it’s a great all-purpose seasoning for popcorn, roasted veggies, or any kind of potato.

What other toppings are good on carne asada fries?

The sky’s the limit! Try diced tomatoes, black olives, corn, shredded lettuce, extra hot sauce, or even a fried egg for a hearty breakfast version.

Nacho Dust Carne Asada Fries Recipe

Description

Nacho Dust Carne Asada Fries are an irresistible fusion of crispy oven-baked French fries, tender diced carne asada, and a melty blanket of cheddar cheese, all topped with a signature homemade nacho seasoning blend and your favorite fresh toppings. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or satisfying any Tex-Mex craving, this loaded fries recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Nacho Dust

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Fries

26 ounces frozen French fries
1 pound cooked diced carne asada
4–6 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Toppings

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup guacamole
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup fresh salsa
1/4 cup sliced or pickled jalapenos
1/4 cup diced red onion

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s hot and ready for evenly baking the fries.
Mix Nacho Dust: In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed for a balanced flavor blend.
Prepare Fries: Arrange the frozen French fries in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle all the nacho dust seasoning over the fries and toss them gently to ensure even coating.
Bake Fries: Place the seasoned fries in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or follow the package instructions, until the fries are golden and fully cooked through.
Add Carne Asada and Cheese: Once the fries are cooked, evenly scatter the diced cooked carne asada over the hot fries. Top the entire tray generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
Melt Cheese: Return the tray to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Add Toppings and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and portion into servings as desired. Finish by topping with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, salsa, sliced or pickled jalapenos, and diced red onion. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For leftover fries, spread them on a baking sheet, toss with nacho dust, spray with nonstick cooking spray, and bake at 425°F for 5-7 minutes until crisp before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
Customize toppings to your preference; try adding chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or olives.
For extra spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the finished dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 790 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 1721 mg
Fat: 53 g
Saturated Fat: 24 g
Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 132 mg