1. Prepare the Fries:

1. Preheat the Oven: If you’re using frozen fries, follow the instructions on the package. If you’re making them from scratch, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Season the Fries: Toss the fries in olive oil and season with chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
3. Bake the Fries: Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes (or according to package instructions for frozen fries). Flip halfway through for an even crisp.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Make a Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it forms a paste. This helps thicken your sauce.
3. Add the Milk: Slowly add the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture starts to thicken (around 2-3 minutes).
4. Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and smooth. Add mustard powder and cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Taste and add salt if needed.

3. Assemble the Nacho Fries:

1. Layer the Fries: Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and place them on a serving platter or individual plates.
2. Drizzle the Cheese Sauce: Pour the warm cheese sauce generously over the fries.
3. Add Toppings: Top with your choice of sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and any other toppings you like.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Nacho Fries immediately while they’re hot, crispy, and cheesy. Perfect for sharing or indulging in by yourself (we won’t judge!). Enjoy your tasty, loaded fries with friends and family, or savor every bite as a solo snack. Don’t forget to serve with extra salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping!