Texas Cheese Fries

Fries. Cheese. Bacon. All drizzled with sour cream. What’s not to love?

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As a girl who grew up in the good ol’ Crossroads of America, I learned quite quickly that my city was passionate about two things: fried food and cheese. And, on occasion, bacon. Of course, it just so happens that this recipe brings together all those things and tops it off with my favorite condiment of all time (and a Midwestern staple): ranch.

Don’t be fooled by the name—there’s very little about these Texas cheese fries that makes them ‘Texan,’ outside of perhaps the jalapeños, a nod to common Tex-Mex cuisine, and its identity as an indulgent comfort food. To me, it feels more Midwestern, something that I’d find at the local watering hole to soak up a couple pints of beer while watching the big game. And believe me, we have plenty of those.

This recipe celebrates familiarity in many ways: the ingredients are things that possibly even a toddler could recognize, and when combined together, give you jolts of happiness that you didn’t even know food could produce. Of course, our version is the shortcut version, relying on things like frozen French fries to help satisfy your craving even faster. But if you’re feeling particularly chef-like or hoping to use up those potatoes that are about to go bad, you could definitely make some fries of your own before topping them as described. The littlest things can make the biggest difference in a dish like this one.

Are Texas Cheese Fries Healthy?

Off the bat, this snack—or meal, however you want to look at it—isn’t necessarily the healthiest around, given its use of fried food and some high-fat ingredients like cheese and bacon. However, our banes are also our blessings, they say, and those same high-fat ingredients help pack a protein punch while baking your fries, as our recipe calls for, rather than deep-frying them avoids the additional unneeded fat and grease, allowing you to focus on balance.

Can I Customize My Texas Cheese Fries?

Absolutely! This recipe is more of a ‘guideline,’ if you will, but cheese fries come in all shapes and sizes—really! For a ‘fair-style version,’ switch out the shredded sharp cheddar for a nacho cheese sauce. Looking to make things a little funky? Top your plate off with some chunks of blue cheese and a spoonful of caramelized onions that’ll have you feeling oh-so-fantastic. And adding a protein like grilled chicken, pulled pork, or even birria can easily make this bar snack a fulfilling and flavorful meal.

FAQs & Tips

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Personally, I try to never have leftovers when it comes to fries: after all, they’re the most crisp and fresh right out of the oven. But perhaps you made a huge batch for a party and while everyone loved it, you’ve got some left. No problem! Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll be good for 3-4 days. When reheating, throw these in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 10 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and the fries are warmed through. No one likes a cold fry.

Can I Prep This Ahead?

Yes…and no. You can definitely shred the cheese and fry the bacon in advance, simply storing in the fridge until you’re ready to top your fries. Otherwise, the fries are best when freshly cooked, though using frozen fries will help cut a large portion of the time you’d otherwise be spending cutting and cooking potatoes from raw.

Can I Freeze This Dish In Portions To Eat Later?

Unlike a lot of other dishes which can be stored either in the refrigerator OR in the freezer, we do not recommend freezing these fries. This is simply because when you try to reheat the dish, you’ll find that the cheese might go grainy and the fries, soggy, often because of the condensation that forms in freezing and the way that water chemically changes both of these components structurally upon heating.

Serving Suggestions

When I think ‘fries,’ I think ‘game day.’ So it’s no surprise that this could be part of a larger appetizer spread consisting of Cheeseburger Sliders, Pigs In A Blanket, Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks, and perhaps some Carrot Chips—you know, for some health. Of course, don’t forget to wash this all down with some refreshing Limeade or a classic, kid-friendly Strawberry Lemonade while you’re cheering for your favorite team.

When I think ‘fries,’ I also think ‘burgers.’ A combination as iconic as peanut butter-and-jelly and salt-and-pepper, they go hand-in-hand everywhere: at home for a fun weeknight dinner, or at your local watering hole. So why not pair them with some eye-catching Baked Hamburgers, heart-healthy Turkey Burgers, or, for the vegetarians out there, some stunning Sweet Potato Burgers? You could even go wild and serve these Texas cheese fries with a bowl of Cheeseburger Soup, perfect for dunking those fries into for a creamy, crunchy bite.