Waffle Fry Nachos

Just when you think nachos can’t be improved, someone hands you a plate of waffle fry nachos and your life is forever changed. Replacing tortilla chips with waffle fries gives you crispy, golden potatoes smothered in a mountain of cheese, bacon and salsa. The ridges of the waffle fries grab every topping so you don’t lose half your nacho on the first bite, and the skillet keeps everything hot and gooey while you dig in. These are nachos to the nth degree, the epitome of football food and movie-night snacking.

Waffle Fry Nachos Ingredients

• Frozen waffle fries: Waffle fries are some of the best frozen fries of all time. Something about that crisscross pattern makes them addictive, and they hold up surprisingly well as a base for nachos—even with the holes.
• Bacon: Salty, smoky and crunchy, bacon crumbles bring major flavor and pair perfectly with gooey cheese. Buy them precooked or bake your bacon fresh.
• Green onions: Fresh and mild green onions (aka scallions) cut through all that richness with just a little bite.
• Sliced ripe olives: Briny and savory olives add depth and a pop of color. Buying them presliced saves some time.
• Tomatoes: Juicy, fresh chopped tomatoes keep everything from being too heavy, giving a refreshing balance. Any variety will do, but since you’ll seed and dice them, something larger than cherry tomatoes is best.
• Salsa: The saucy glue that ties everything together—pick your favorite salsa brand or homemade salsa.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar cheese brings those classic nacho vibes to the party. Shred the cheese from a block for the best meltability, but packaged shredded cheese saves time.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and creamy, this excellent melting cheese goes beautifully alongside the cheddar.
• Sour cream: Cool and creamy sour cream is the finishing touch to balance the spice and salt.

Directions

Step 1: Bake the waffle fries

Bake the frozen waffle fries according to the package directions.

Editor’s Tip: Make sure the fries are fully cooked and crunchy before adding toppings, or they’ll turn soggy.

Step 2: Assemble the nachos

Transfer the hot waffle fries to a 10-inch cast-iron skillet or ovenproof pan. Top with the bacon, onions, olives, tomatoes, salsa and both cheeses.

Editor’s Tip: It’s fine if you prefer to bake without the salsa and add it just before serving.

Step 3: Melt the cheese and finish with sour cream

Return to the oven until the cheese melts, about five minutes. Serve with sour cream.

Waffle Fry Nachos Variations

• Try different proteins: Add seasoned ground beef, pico de gallo and jalapenos for a taco-inspired twist. Or spoon smoky pulled pork on top, then drizzle the nachos with barbecue sauce.
• Make it Buffalo-style: Use rotisserie chicken tossed with Buffalo wing sauce, then drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top before serving.
• Add veggies: Pile on black beans, roasted peppers, corn and avocado for a vegetarian option.
• Bump up your breakfast: Add scrambled eggs and sausage crumbles, and drizzle the nachos with queso for a brunch-worthy plate.

How to Store Waffle Fry Nachos

Nachos are always best enjoyed hot and fresh, but if you have leftovers, let them cool before storing. Transfer the nachos to an airtight container and refrigerate them.

How long do waffle fry nachos last?

Waffle fry nachos can last up to three days in the refrigerator, but the fries will soften.

Can you reheat waffle fry nachos?

You can reheat waffle fry nachos in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to help crisp the fries and remelt the cheese. The microwave works in a pinch, but won’t restore the fries’ crispiness.

Waffle Fry Nachos Tips

What other types of fries can you use for nachos?

All kinds of fries can work for this! To switch up the flavor and texture, you can use curly fries, crinkle-cut fries, shoestring fries or even homemade sweet potato fries. Each kind gives the nachos its own personality.

What can you serve with waffle fry nachos?

Waffle fry nachos pair well with chicken wings, sliders or a big Mexican fiesta salad if you’re pretending to be balanced. You can also set out extra dips like guacamole, queso or ranch to give everyone more options.