Description
This Cheese Fries recipe is a deliciously indulgent snack featuring crispy baked french fries smothered in a smooth, creamy cheddar cheese sauce with a hint of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Topped with green onions, jalapeño peppers, and bacon crumbles, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Fries
- 1 lb. frozen french fries
Cheese Sauce
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 6 oz. medium cheddar cheese, freshly grated (or substitute with mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby Jack, or American)
- ⅛ tsp ground cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings (optional)
- Thinly sliced green onion
- Diced jalapeño peppers
- Bacon crumbles
Instructions
- Bake the fries: Preheat your oven and bake the frozen french fries according to the package directions until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Melt the butter: While the fries are baking, melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it until it becomes lightly golden, releasing its aroma.
- Add flour and cook roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and garlic, whisking constantly to combine. Cook the mixture until the roux is fully absorbed by the butter and slightly cooked, about 1-2 minutes.
- Stream in milk: Slowly pour the whole milk into the roux while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking to create a smooth sauce base.
- Simmer and thicken sauce: Continue whisking until the sauce reaches a gentle simmer and thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat once thickened.
- Add cheese gradually: Add the grated cheddar cheese in handfuls to the hot sauce, stirring each addition until completely melted and smooth before adding more. Continue until all cheese is incorporated.
- Season sauce: Whisk in the ground cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste preferences.
- Assemble the dish: Place the baked fries on a serving platter, then generously pour the warm cheese sauce over them.
- Add toppings and serve: Garnish the cheese fries with thinly sliced green onions, diced jalapeño peppers, and bacon crumbles if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the cheese in the sauce with alternatives like mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby Jack, or American cheese for different flavor profiles.
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Make sure to serve the cheese fries immediately to enjoy the crispiness of the fries before they get soggy.
- To keep the cheese sauce smooth, add the cheese gradually and stir well after each addition.
- Bacon crumbles, jalapeños, and green onions add both texture and a flavor contrast; omit or substitute based on dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American