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Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Nacho Dust

Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Nacho Dust

Loaded Carne Asada Fries with Nacho Dust is a flavorful and indulgent dish combining crispy fries, smoky grilled carne asada, melty cheese, and zesty, spicy toppings. Perfect as a party snack or satisfying meal, this recipe balances textures and bold flavors for an unforgettable eating experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Fries Base

  • Russet potatoes or frozen fries (enough for 4 servings)

Carne Asada

  • 1 lb flank or skirt steak, thinly sliced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Nacho Dust Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp cheese powder

Cheese and Toppings

  • 1 cup shredded cheese blend (Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or crema
  • Fresh lime wedges, for serving

Optional Extras

  • Guacamole, for serving
  • Diced tomatoes, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fries: Start by cooking your fries until golden and crispy. Whether using homemade russet fries or your favorite frozen brand, make sure they are hot and ready to soak up the toppings.
  2. Cook the Carne Asada: Marinate your steak ahead of time with lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Grill or sear it to medium rare for maximum tenderness and flavor. Once cooked, slice thinly against the grain.
  3. Make the Nacho Dust: Mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, cumin, and cheese powder together for an authentic nacho dust blend. This seasoning will be sprinkled over fries and meat, creating the signature taste.
  4. Assemble the Fries: Layer the crispy fries on a large platter or baking sheet. Evenly distribute the sliced carne asada on top, then sprinkle the nacho dust seasoning liberally over everything.
  5. Add Cheese and Melt: Cover your loaded fries with the shredded cheese blend, then place them under the broiler or in a hot oven just long enough to melt it into a bubbly, gooey blanket.
  6. Finish with Toppings: Top the loaded fries with dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime for brightness and balance. Add optional guacamole or diced tomatoes if desired.

Notes

  • Use thick-cut fries to better hold toppings and provide satisfying texture.
  • Marinate the carne asada for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
  • Don’t skimp on cheese to create the irresistible gooey texture.
  • Fresh herbs and acidic toppings balance the rich flavors and enhance brightness.
  • Serve loaded fries immediately to enjoy them hot and crispy.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though fries may lose crispness.
  • Freeze carne asada and nacho dust seasoning separately if needed; avoid freezing fully assembled fries.
  • Reheat fries in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness; reheat carne asada separately to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada fries, loaded fries, nacho dust, Mexican appetizer, party snacks, carne asada recipe, cheesy fries, grilled steak fries