There’s something utterly irresistible about a plate of waffle fry nachos—it’s as if the universe decided to merge the best of both worlds. Imagine crispy, golden waffle fries layered with gooey cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a mountain of toppings that almost seems excessive (but just right). I remember the first time I tasted this masterpiece at a food truck, and honestly, I’ve been chasing that flavor high ever since.
Steps
- Cook the waffle fries following the instructions on the package, then take them out of the oven and keep them warm.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, cream cheese, butter, and garlic powder. Heat over medium until blended, then lower the heat.
- Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until melted, and the sauce is smooth.
- Arrange the warmed waffle fries on a large plate or serving platter.
- Drizzle the cheese sauce generously over the fries.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped scallions, diced tomato, and diced jalapeno pepper over the cheesy waffle fries.
- Serve immediately, or set up a nacho bar with toppings in separate bowls for a customizable experience.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen waffle fries
- ½ cup whole milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 5 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of potato instead of waffle fries for the nachos?
- Yes, you can substitute waffle fries with other types of potatoes or even sweet potato fries. However, waffle fries are recommended as they provide a sturdy base to hold all the toppings.
- How can I ensure my bacon turns out crispy without using a rack?
- To achieve crispy bacon without a rack, lay the bacon strips directly on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake at 415°F for 18-20 minutes. This method ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- What precautions should I take when handling jalapeno peppers?
- When cutting jalapeno peppers, consider wearing food-safe gloves, especially if you have cuts on your hands. If gloves are not available, wash your hands thoroughly with white vinegar and cold water afterward to avoid irritation from capsaicin.
- Can I prepare the cheese sauce in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time. Reheat it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency before serving.
- What are some alternative toppings I can use for Waffle Fry Nachos?
- Feel free to customize your nachos with toppings like guacamole, black beans, olives, or grilled chicken. The beauty of nachos is that you can tailor them to your taste preferences.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients Ahead of Time: Cook the bacon in the oven and chop all your vegetables in advance. This will make it easier to assemble the nachos quickly when you’re ready to serve.
- Baking Bacon Efficiently: For crispy bacon with minimal cleanup, bake it in the oven at 415°F on a foil-lined baking sheet. This eliminates the need to flip the slices, and the bacon will be perfectly crisp in 18-20 minutes.
- Handling Jalapenos Safely: Wear gloves when slicing jalapenos to avoid the spicy oils irritating any cuts you might have on your hands. If gloves aren’t available, wash your hands thoroughly with vinegar and cold water afterward to remove any capsaicin.
- Keep Cheese Sauce Warm: Use a slow cooker to keep the cheese sauce warm during serving, especially if you’re setting up a nacho buffet. This way, everyone can enjoy their nachos with hot, gooey cheese.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – For baking the bacon.
- Saucepan – For making the cheese sauce.
- Slow Cooker – Optional, for keeping the cheese sauce warm if serving as a nacho buffet.
