Cheese Fries: Toppings And Sides To Try

what goes on cheese fries

Cheese fries are a hearty snack or appetizer that can be made in a variety of ways. The base of this dish is French fries, which can be frozen or homemade. The classic cheese fry is simply covered in a cheese sauce, but other toppings can be added, such as chili, bacon, green onions, and jalapeños. For a more indulgent version, cheese fries can be topped with sour cream, crumbled bacon, green onions, and jalapeños to create a nacho-like dish.

To make the cheese sauce, shredded cheese is gradually added to a mixture of butter and flour, along with milk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. For a glossy finish, apple cider vinegar or hot sauce can be included. The sauce is then poured over the fries and served immediately, as it has the best consistency when fresh.

Characteristics Values
Type of Potato Russet, Sweet, Steak, Crinkle-cut, Potato Wedges
Type of Cheese Cheddar, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Colby Jack, American, Blue Cheese, Nacho Cheese, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano
Other Toppings Bacon, Green Onions, Sour Cream, Black Beans, Salsa, Jalapenos, Pickled Jalapenos, Carne Asada, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Beef, Caramelized Onions, Avocado, Cilantro, Roasted Corn, Tomatoes, Green Chilies, Olives, Pico de Gallo, Chili
Sauce Cheese Sauce, Chipotle Mayo, BBQ Sauce, Sriracha, Mexican Crema, Ranch

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Cheese sauce

Ingredients

Use block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking additives that can make your sauce grainy and lumpy. Mild to medium cheddar cheese is a good option, but you can also experiment with other types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or Pepper Jack.

Cooking Process

Add the cheese to your sauce gradually. Use low heat and add a handful of cheese at a time, whisking until smooth before adding another handful. This will ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

Flavour and Texture

Add a splash of vinegar to your sauce for a glossy finish and a rounded flavour profile. A small amount of hot sauce will also add a subtle complexity without making the sauce too spicy.

Consistency

If your cheese sauce turns out too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a handful of shredded cheese to boost the thickness and flavour.

Serving

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Bacon

Some recipes suggest adding scallions or green onions, pickled jalapeños, and sour cream or Mexican crema to the bacon and cheese. This creates a loaded cheese fry dish, perfect as a side or an appetizer.

For a more indulgent version, you can layer the cheese fries, adding half the fries, topping with cheese and bacon, and then repeating with the remaining ingredients.

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Green onions

When making Texas Cheese Fries, it is recommended to use frozen steak fries, which are seasoned with salt and baked. The cheese used is a combination of sharp cheddar and another melting cheese such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or Pepper Jack. The bacon is cooked and crumbled, and the green onions are thinly sliced. Jalapeños are also added for a spicy kick, and the dish is served with sour cream for dipping.

The process of assembling Texas Cheese Fries is simple. First, the frozen steak fries are baked with seasoning. Then, the cheese is added, and the dish is returned to the oven until the cheese melts. Finally, the bacon, green onions, and jalapeños are sprinkled over the fries, and the dish is served with sour cream.

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Sour cream

When choosing sour cream as a topping for cheese fries, it's important to consider the other ingredients used. Sour cream pairs well with a variety of cheeses, meats, and vegetables. It is commonly paired with cheddar cheese, bacon, chives, and green onions, creating a flavourful and indulgent dish. The tanginess of the sour cream helps to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon, while the herbs add a fresh element to the dish.

In addition to its flavour contributions, sour cream also has a functional role in cheese fries. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a great binder for other ingredients. For example, it can be mixed with chopped herbs, spices, or even other cheeses to create a flavourful topping that adheres to the fries. This helps to ensure that each fry is evenly coated and packed with flavour.

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Jalapenos

One way to incorporate jalapenos into cheese fries is to use them as a topping. Sliced or pickled jalapenos can be added to the fries after they are baked and covered in cheese. This method adds a crunchy texture and a spicy flavour to the dish. The jalapenos can be chopped or sliced to the desired size, and the amount added can be adjusted to control the spiciness of the dish.

Another way to include jalapenos in cheese fries is to incorporate them into a cream cheese or sour cream mixture. By combining diced jalapenos with cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, you can create a spicy and creamy sauce that can be spread over the fries. This method infuses the jalapeno flavour into the cheese sauce itself, creating a more cohesive dish.

Additionally, jalapenos can be used in combination with other toppings to create a loaded cheese fry experience. For example, they can be paired with bacon, green onions, or chives to create a savoury and flavourful dish. The contrast between the spicy jalapenos and the cool, creamy sour cream or ranch dressing can also enhance the overall taste sensation.

When preparing jalapenos for cheese fries, it is important to handle them with care. The seeds and membranes of jalapenos contain the majority of the spice, so removing them can reduce the heat level. Wearing gloves or holding the jalapeno with a paper towel while cutting can help protect your hands from the spice. It is also important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling jalapenos to avoid any accidental eye or nose contact with the spice.

Frequently asked questions

Cheese fries are French fries covered in a cheese sauce. The classic cheese fry is simply sauce and potatoes, but you can add other toppings like chilli for chilli cheese fries.

You will need French fries, cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and milk. For the cheese sauce, you can use block cheese, shredded cheese, or canned cheese soup. You can also add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste.

First, bake your French fries until they are golden brown and crispy. Then, make your cheese sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour until a thick paste forms. Slowly add milk and whisk until the mixture is thickened. Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in your cheese a handful at a time. Once the cheese is melted, pour the sauce over your fries and serve immediately.

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