Fiesta Fries! Recipe
Seasoned waffle fries with salsa, sour cream, nacho cheese, jalapeno, and black olive
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Ingredients
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Fries
Toppings & Sauces
Optional add-ins
Method
Fries
Preheat oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven.
Seasoning mix
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to blend evenly.
Toss fries
Spread the frozen waffle fries on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the fries. Use tongs or your hands to turn and toss so each fry is lightly coated. Arrange fries in a single layer with minimal overlap for maximum crispness.
Bake or air-fry
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until fries are golden brown and crisp. If air-frying, cook in batches at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Bake time may vary by brand — cook to desired crispness.
Toppings & Assembly
Warm nacho cheese and salsa
While fries bake, warm the nacho cheese sauce according to package directions (microwave 30–60 seconds, stirring halfway) until pourable. If desired, warm the salsa slightly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to remove chill.
Plate fries
When fries are done, transfer them to a large serving platter or leave on the baking sheet. If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it over hot fries now so it melts slightly.
Add sauces
Drizzle the warmed nacho cheese evenly over the fries. Spoon salsa across the fries in dollops or a thin layer. Add dollops of sour cream or drizzle it in a zigzag pattern. For a cleaner look, you can put sour cream into a small squeeze bottle or piping bag and drizzle.
Finish with toppings
Scatter pickled jalapeño slices and drained black olive slices evenly over the sauced fries. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and the optional crumbled bacon, if using. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
Serving & Notes
Serve Fiesta Fries hot for best texture. Leftovers can be reheated on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes to re-crisp. Keep sauces separate if storing: sour cream and salsa refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3–4 days; reheat nacho cheese gently before using.