Granite City Idaho Nachos Copycat Recipe: Crispy Waffle Fries Loaded with Cheese & Bacon
There’s nothing quite like recreating your favorite restaurant dishes right in your own kitchen. The satisfaction of nailing that perfect flavor, customizing it to your liking, and enjoying it whenever the craving strikes is truly unmatched. That’s precisely why copycat recipes hold such a special place in our hearts – and our recipe boxes! Not only do they allow for more frequent indulgence in beloved meals, but they also provide the opportunity to tweak ingredients for a healthier twist or simply to know exactly what goes into every delicious bite.
While our current obsession might be these Arby’s Beef & Cheddars, there’s another classic that consistently makes an appearance on our game day menus and casual gatherings: **Idaho Nachos**. If you’ve never experienced the joy of turning crispy, golden fries into a loaded nacho masterpiece, prepare to have your appetizer game revolutionized!
The Inspiration: Granite City Brewery’s Legendary Idaho Nachos
Our journey to perfecting these homemade Idaho Nachos began during our time living in the Mid-West, where Granite City Brewery was a beloved local chain. Their Idaho Nachos were an absolute standout on the menu – a symphony of perfectly crispy waffle fries, generously smothered in gooey, melted cheese, and often finished with a dollop of cool sour cream and fresh green onions. It was the kind of appetizer that disappeared almost as soon as it hit the table, leaving everyone wishing for just one more bite. This recipe aims to capture that magic, bringing the authentic taste of Granite City’s famous appetizer directly to your home.
Just like these Idaho Nachos, other restaurant favorites are equally satisfying to replicate. For instance, our Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese offers that same creamy, comforting experience, tasting almost identical to the original. Sometimes, the goal isn’t just replication, but a thoughtful modification. Our Pasta Milano (Macaroni Grill Copycat) is a fantastic example, providing a slightly lighter version that allows you to indulge without an ounce of guilt.
Why Waffle Fries Make the Best Nachos
While traditional nachos rely on tortilla chips, the brilliance of Idaho Nachos lies in the use of waffle fries. This isn’t just a quirky substitution; it’s a game-changer! Waffle fries offer several distinct advantages:
- Maximum Crispiness: Their unique lattice shape provides an incredible surface area for crisping up in the oven or air fryer, ensuring every bite has that satisfying crunch.
- Superior Topping Delivery: Those same criss-cross patterns are perfect for catching and holding onto all the delicious melted cheese, savory bacon bits, and fresh green onions. No more toppings sliding off!
- Heartier Base: Fries provide a more substantial foundation than delicate tortilla chips, making for a truly filling and satisfying appetizer or even a light meal.
- Comfort Food Elevated: Combining the universal appeal of french fries with the layered goodness of nachos creates an irresistible comfort food hybrid that’s perfect for any occasion.
Simple Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor
For the complete measurements and detailed instructions, please be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
One of the best things about these Idaho Nachos is how simple and accessible the ingredients are. You don’t need exotic items or complex preparations to achieve incredible flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the few basic components that come together to create this crowd-pleasing dish:
- Waffle Fries: The star of the show! Frozen waffle fries are perfectly convenient. Look for a brand that crisps up well. The ideal fries will be golden brown and firm, not soggy, providing a sturdy base for all the delicious toppings.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon bits add a fantastic depth of flavor and texture. We recommend cooking your bacon until it’s nice and brittle, then crumbling it into small pieces. You can cook it on the stovetop, bake it in the oven, or even use an air fryer for minimal mess.
- Cheese: A blend of shredded Colby & Monterey Jack cheese is specified in the original recipe, and for good reason! This combination melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey, stretchy texture. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions (scallions) provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a vibrant pop of color. They cut through the richness of the cheese and bacon, adding a necessary freshness.
- Sour Cream: A cool dollop of sour cream on top is traditional for Idaho Nachos. Its creamy tang balances the savory elements perfectly. You can also opt for Greek yogurt for a slightly healthier alternative or even a ranch dressing drizzle for another layer of flavor.
With just these few humble ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s pretty darn simple to assemble, but oh so comforting and utterly delicious.
And if you’re a fan of creative nacho bases, you absolutely have to try Totchos – where crispy tater tots replace the traditional chips or fries! They are another fun twist that takes your appetizer spread to the next level.
Crafting Your Perfect Idaho Nachos: Step-by-Step
Making these Idaho Nachos is incredibly straightforward, perfect for a quick snack or a last-minute party dish. The key is to get those fries perfectly crispy! Here’s how to do it:
- Crisp the Waffle Fries: Start by cooking your frozen waffle fries. Follow the package instructions for your preferred method – whether that’s baking them in the oven, frying them, or using an air fryer. The goal is maximum crispiness, so don’t be afraid to let them get a nice golden brown. An air fryer often yields the best crispness with less oil.
- First Layer Assembly: Once your fries are cooked to perfection, begin layering. Arrange about half of the crispy fries on your chosen oven-safe plate, skillet (cast iron works wonderfully for heat retention), or baking tray. Evenly scatter half of your cooked, crumbled bacon and about half of the shredded cheese over this first layer of fries.
- Second Layer & Bake: Repeat the layering process with the remaining fries, bacon, and cheese. This ensures a good distribution of toppings and plenty of melty cheese in every bite. Once layered, place your baking tray or skillet into a preheated oven (usually around 375-400°F or 190-200°C) for just a few minutes, typically 5-10, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the hot nachos from the oven. The final touch involves generously topping them with fresh, sliced green onions and dollops of cool sour cream. Serve immediately while the cheese is still wonderfully gooey and the fries are warm and crispy.
You can adapt the vessel for these Idaho Nachos to suit your needs. A small cast iron skillet is perfect for an individual serving or a small group, while a large sheet pan is ideal for feeding a crowd on game day. Even a casserole dish will work beautifully. No matter how you serve them, these loaded waffle fry nachos are guaranteed to be a hit and leave no one disappointed!
Customization & Serving Suggestions
The beauty of nachos is their versatility, and Idaho Nachos are no exception! Feel free to customize your topping to reflect your personal preferences:
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha ranch.
- Add Protein: Cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even pulled pork can turn these into a more substantial meal.
- Veggies Galore: Diced tomatoes, black olives, corn, or bell peppers can add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Sauce It Up: Beyond sour cream, consider a dollop of guacamole, salsa, or even a creamy cheese sauce for an extra decadent touch.
- Different Cheeses: While Colby & Monterey Jack is classic, try a sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a smoky Gouda for a unique twist.
Idaho Nachos are the ultimate party food. Serve them at your next Super Bowl gathering, a casual Friday night, or as a fun appetizer for movie night. Pair them with cold beers, sodas, or even a crisp white wine for an adult-friendly spread. They also make a fantastic side dish for burgers or sandwiches, though they’re certainly hearty enough to stand on their own.
More Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer Recipes to Explore
If you love easy, flavorful appetizers, then you’re in the right place! We have a wide array of recipes perfect for entertaining or just a delicious snack. Here are some more of our favorites:
- Baked Mexican Cheese Dip: A gooey, spicy, and irresistible dip perfect for any gathering.
- Mini Tostadas: Bite-sized crunch with incredible flavor, great for parties.
- Chili Cheese Dip: The ultimate comfort food dip, rich and hearty.
- White Queso: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly addictive, just like your favorite Tex-Mex spot.
- Roasted Chili Corn Salsa: A vibrant, smoky salsa that’s perfect with chips or as a topping.
- Cheesy Corn Dip: Sweet corn combined with creamy, savory cheese for a delightful dip.
- Smoked Chicken Wings: Juicy, tender, and full of smoky flavor – a perfect game day snack.
Copycat Granite City Idaho Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen waffle fries
- 4 strips bacon, cooked until crisp
- 2 cups shredded Colby & Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1/4 cup green onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the waffle fries according to the package directions, until crispy.
- Line a plate or baking sheet with a layer of the cooked waffle fries. Top with 1/2 the bacon and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Top with the remaining fries, bacon and cheese. Microwave or return to the oven until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven top with sour cream and green onions to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a place where you can share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and see what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
.