Randy Chandler
Cheese fries are a popular comfort food, consisting of French fries covered in cheese, with various toppings and sauces. The type of cheese used for cheese fries varies depending on region and personal preference, with cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, and American cheeses being common choices. In the US, cheese fries are often topped with nacho cheese, while in Ireland, a variation called taco fries uses ground beef, tomato, peppers, onions, and cheddar cheese. Loaded fries, a popular pub version, are made with French fries, nacho sauce, crispy onions, sour cream, and bacon bits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Colby Jack, American, Monterey Jack, Velveeta |
| Type of fries | Frozen, Homemade, Crispy, Steak, Crinkle-cut, Curly, Potato wedges, Tater tots |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Milk, Flour, Cayenne pepper, Garlic, Green onions, Jalapenos, Bacon, Ranch dressing |
| Nutritional info (may vary) | Calories: 408-577kcal, Carbohydrates: 29-50g, Protein: 11-15g, Fat: 24-37g |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese sauce vs shredded cheese
Cheese fries are a popular dish, especially in English-speaking countries, and are generally served as a lunch or dinner meal. They are made by covering French fries in cheese, with the option of adding various toppings. The type of cheese used for this dish varies based on personal preference and regional popularity.
Cheese sauce is a popular choice for cheese fries. It provides a creamy and dreamy texture, ensuring every fry is coated. The sauce is typically made with a combination of butter, flour, milk, and cheese. The cheese used in the sauce can vary, with options such as cheddar, American, Velveeta, or a mixture of multiple cheeses. Velveeta, in particular, is praised for its ability to create a smooth and creamy sauce due to its composition of milk, whey, and emulsifiers.
Shredded cheese is another option for cheese fries. Cheddar cheese is a common choice, and it can be shredded or grated over the fries. However, some people find that shredded cheddar can become chewy as it cools down. To prevent this, it is important to add the cheese to the fries while it is still hot, allowing the cheese to melt and coat the fries evenly. Other shredded cheese options include mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, or a combination of these cheeses.
Both cheese sauce and shredded cheese have their advantages and devoted followers. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the desired texture and taste of the final dish. Some prefer the creamy, saucy consistency of cheese sauce, while others opt for the convenience and potential crispiness of shredded cheese.
Additionally, the type of cheese used can be customized based on taste preferences and regional availability. For a stronger flavour, a sharp cheddar or a mixture of cheddar and American cheese is recommended. For a milder taste, mozzarella or a young cheese with a higher water content, such as mild cheddar or Jack, can be used.
Cheese fries are a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit individual tastes and regional variations. Whether you choose cheese sauce or shredded cheese, the key to success lies in using quality ingredients and customizing the recipe to your liking.
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Cheddar cheese
Shredded Cheddar
Shredded cheddar cheese is a common topping for cheesy fries. It can be sprinkled over the fries and then grilled, or melted in the oven. Some recipes recommend coating the cheese in cornstarch before melting it, to create a smooth sauce. Other recipes suggest adding bacon, green onions, parsley, and herbs to the shredded cheddar.
A cheese sauce can be made with cheddar, butter, flour, and milk. The sauce is drizzled over the fries, creating a creamy texture. For a more indulgent dish, some recipes recommend adding bacon, green onions, and ranch dressing.
Variations
While cheddar is a popular choice, other cheeses can also be used for variation. These include mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, and American. In Ireland, "garlic cheese chips" are made with cheddar, while in the UK, "cheesy chips" often use a cheddar sauce. In the US, nacho cheese is a common alternative, especially at snack stands.
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Mozzarella cheese
When making cheesy fries with mozzarella, it is important to note that the cheese should be added slowly and off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. If the cheese is not melting properly, returning it to low heat and stirring continuously can help achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
In addition to the cheese, cheesy fries are often topped with ingredients like bacon, green onions, jalapeños, and herbs. These toppings add flavor, texture, and a bit of spice to the dish, making it a popular comfort food.
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Other cheese options
While cheddar is the classic cheese for cheesy fries, there are many other options to choose from. In the United States, particularly in New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey, American, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese is used. In Ireland, "taco fries" are covered in shredded cheddar, while in Bulgaria, a common side dish consists of French fries topped with grated or crumbled sirene.
If you're looking for a creamy, melty cheese sauce, Velveeta is a popular choice. It's similar to American cheese and melts smoothly and perfectly. You can also make a Mexican version of cheese fries with queso, or try other cheeses such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or Monterey jack. For a more subtle cheese flavor, you can use a blend of shredded cheeses, such as a cheddar and mozzarella blend, which will also help keep the fries crisp.
If you want to add a bit of spice, you can use pepper jack cheese, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top. For a more robust flavor, you can try using a blend of cheeses, such as a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses to find your favorite combination.
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to delicious cheesy fries is to serve them immediately while the cheese is still melted and the fries are crisp.
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Toppings
Cheese fries are a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit different tastes and preferences. While the classic cheese sauce or shredded cheese is a must, the following toppings can take your cheese fries to the next level:
Spicy Toppings: For those who enjoy a kick of heat, jalapeños are a perfect addition to cheese fries. You can dice or slice them and even add other spicy peppers like green chilies. Cayenne pepper is another great option to sprinkle on top for an extra spicy kick.
Savory Toppings: Bacon is a popular choice for adding a savory, crunchy element to cheese fries. You can use real bacon bits, fry up some bacon and crumble it, or add precooked bacon to the fries. If you're looking for a vegetarian option or want to add some greenery, chopped green onions or scallions are a flavorful addition. Other savory toppings include herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives.
Cheesy Toppings: While the base of the dish is already cheesy, you can take it up a notch by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top. This adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
Meaty Toppings: For a heartier meal, you can add shredded chicken or cooked sausage to your cheese fries. If you're feeling extra indulgent, ground beef or shredded pork can be a tasty addition, as seen in some regional variations like "taco fries."
Veggie Toppings: Diced avocado, chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and olives can add a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, starchy base. Pico de gallo is another great option for adding a burst of flavor and texture.
Sauces and Dips: While the cheese sauce or shredded cheese is essential, you can also add other sauces like ranch dressing, brown gravy, curry sauce, or taco sauce for extra flavor and moisture.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique combination, and don't be afraid to experiment with other ingredients that suit your taste buds!
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for cheese fries is classic cheddar cheese. However, you can use other types of cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, or American.
You can use frozen fries for a faster snack, or make your own fries from scratch. Thicker steak fries, crinkle fries, wedges, and curly fries all work well.
Melt butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Stir in flour until well combined, then whisk in milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in cheese and keep stirring until it is melted and smooth.
Cheese fries are often topped with bacon, green onions, and parsley. Other toppings include jalapenos, olives, pico de gallo, shredded chicken, cooked sausage, tomatoes, and avocado.
Preheat your oven to 425-475°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. Toss your fries with oil and arrange them on the baking sheet. Bake for 10-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with cheese and place back in the oven until the cheese melts.
