These Homemade Cheese Fries are just as easy to make as they are cheesy!
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What is it about cheese and potatoes that is just right? Whether it be the perfect union of cheese and potato in a cheesy potato soup, once- or twice-baked potatoes, there’s something truly special about spud and cheddar uniting in melty matrimony. It feels like a Goldilocks combination of not-too-little fluffy potato and not-too-much salty cheese makes appetizers, side dishes, and snacks just right!
Nothing else quite catches that Goldilocks “just right” balance than crispy crinkle-cut fries with ooey-gooey melted cheese right on top! There’s nothing complicated about cheese fries, yet they’re so delicious and DEVOURable that you can’t resist them! So why does it work? Why does something so simple taste so good?
To find out, just let bliss roll over you like ribbons of melted cheddar over the crisp, rippled edges of perfectly cooked fries. With a recipe so simple, wholesome, and delicious, you don’t need to know the whys and wherefores, just enjoy.
Cheese and potatoes. It just works and it’s always just right.
Are Cheese Fries Healthy?
While your kneejerk answer is probably a “no”, you might be surprised to hear that this highly indulgent dish actually has some surprising boons! Though cheese, especially carefully selected cheeses like sharp cheddar, has saturated fat (which is generally not wanted in most diets), it also has protein, vitamins, and minerals, like B12 and calcium! Melt that golden goodness over some spectacular spuds and you’ll have the perfect plate of mineral-dense, protein-glazed, and totally tasty cheese fries!
Cheese, however, doesn’t fall into the dietary restrictions of a number of diets such as vegan. Not to worry, though! You can get just as much protein power and nutrients from vegan cheese options, many of which coincide with the needs of a keto-conscious diet (be sure to check the label first)! So, don’t let worrying about nutrition stop you from getting dug in!
Frozen Crinkle Fries? Isn’t that kinda cheating?
Cheesy fries can be easily made with one simple hack: using frozen french fries! In my household (and at FoodFaithFitness as a whole) we never hate on frozen vegetables! They’re conveniently pre-cut (which means no prep!) and don’t spoil as easily as fresh veg. But, I’ll admit, when making cheesy fries, it sometimes feels like cheating to use frozen french fries for the base.
That’s why this recipe comes with a bonus. To make crinkle-cut fries at home, you’ll need four Russet Potatoes (and that’s all!). Skin your potatoes and give them a wash. Then, cut your spuds using a ridged waffle-blade on a mandoline. Fry or bake your fries until golden brown, no par boil necessary! And that’s all! Your homemade crinkle-cut fries will always taste better than frozen, not because fresh is better than frozen, but because you made them!
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups frozen French fries
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS
Crisp
Cook the fries as directed to achieve a perfect golden crispiness.
Whisk
Melt butter and whisk in flour to form a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
Combine
Slowly add milk to the roux, stirring to create a creamy mixture.
Melt
Stir in cheddar until it melts into a velvety cheese sauce.
Serve
Pour the cheese sauce over the fries and get ready to enjoy.
Devour
FAQs & Tips
Cheese fries are so easy to make ahead of time, but storing them can be difficult! Refrigerating cheese and reheating it can cause the cheesy sauce to break (meaning the oils and water separate from each other) if done improperly. I suggest storing your fries and your sauce apart, melting a new drizzle by microwaving your sauce in short bursts and stirring regularly before topping your reheated fries.
Of course, you can use any size and shape of fry for our cheese fries; however, there is a huge reason that crinkle-cut fries are common to cheese fries! The crinkles and ridges of crinkle-cut fries serve as little grooves and crevices (nooks and crannies, if you will) for all that cheesy goodness to grab onto!
You can use all sorts of different types of cheeses to help add some kick to your cheese fries! Pepper Jack and Monterey Jack are easily the best go-to spicy cheeses for melting! If that’s not spicy enough for you, go with some classic loaded-fry toppings like sliced jalapeño, roasted peppers, and (when all else fails) your favorite hot sauce!
Serving Suggestions
Cheese fries make an excellent snack on their own, but they’re even better when served up alongside some bacon-wrapped hot dogs! If you’re looking for a delicious mix of crispy savory entrées and sides, try our cheese fries with crispy buttermilk fried chicken (or buffalo cauliflower wings, if you’re going with our vegan alternative!).
Homemade Cheese Fries
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen French fries
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Cook the frozen french fries according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
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Gradually add the milk to the roux while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
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Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Arrange the cooked fries on a serving platter or individual plates. Generously drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the fries.
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DEVOUR!
Nutrition
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