The Best Cheeses To Smother Your French Fries

Whether you're making them at home or ordering them at a restaurant, deciding what kind of cheese to put on your French fries can be a difficult decision. While some may prefer shredded cheddar microwaved over the top of their fries, others may prefer a creamy, melty cheese sauce that is distributed throughout the fries and stays soft and luscious.

Cheddar cheese sauce

Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour (all-purpose)
• Milk (full-fat)
• Cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)
• Seasoning (cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper)
• Optional: garlic, green onions, jalapenos, hot sauce

Method

• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour and cook until the mixture forms a paste, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
• Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to break up any lumps, until the mixture reaches a gravy-like consistency.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition.
• Whisk in the seasoning (cayenne, salt, and pepper) to taste.
• Optional: add in garlic, green onions, jalapenos, or hot sauce for extra flavour.
• Serve immediately with French fries.

Tips

• For a less intense flavour, use mild cheddar, or sharp cheddar for a stronger flavour.
• To prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy, remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese, and stir constantly while it melts.
• If the cheese isn't melting smoothly, return the saucepan to low heat.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency. Keep in mind that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
• This cheese sauce can also be used as a dip for broccoli or other vegetables.

Monterey Jack cheese

When making cheese fries with Monterey Jack, it is important to consider the type of French fries being used. Frozen French fries are a convenient option, but homemade fries can also be used. The thickness of the fries will impact the cooking time, with thicker fries taking longer to cook.

In addition to the cheese, other ingredients can be added to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish. For example, bacon bits, green onions, and sour cream are popular toppings that can be added to Monterey Jack cheese fries.

To make cheese fries with Monterey Jack cheese, start by cooking the French fries according to the package directions or a preferred recipe. While the fries are cooking, shred the cheese or prepare a cheese sauce. If making a sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and then gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Finally, whisk in the shredded cheese until melted.

Once the cheese sauce is ready, it can be spooned over the cooked French fries. The cheese fries can be served as is, or with additional toppings such as bacon, green onions, or sour cream.

Crispy vs soft

When it comes to cheese fries, there are two main options for the cheese component: crispy or soft. Each has its own advantages and can elevate the humble French fry to a whole new level.

Crispy Cheese

Crispy cheese on French fries can be achieved by using shredded or melted cheese. Shredded cheese, particularly cheddar, is a popular choice for cheese fries as it can be sprinkled over the fries and melted in the oven. This method allows the cheese to form a crispy coating on the fries, adding texture and flavour. It's important to note that shredded cheese can become chewy as it cools, so these fries are best served and consumed immediately.

Another way to achieve crispy cheese is by melting cheese, such as raclette, over the fries. This method creates a similar effect to shredded cheese, with the melted cheese forming a crispy coating. However, melted cheese can resolidify quickly, resulting in curds and grease. To avoid this, some people add a small amount of American cheese, which acts as an emulsifier and helps keep the cheese together.

Soft Cheese

On the other hand, soft cheese on French fries can be achieved by using a cheese sauce. Cheese sauce is made by melting cheese, such as cheddar, with butter and flour to create a creamy, dreamy sauce that is then poured over the fries. This method ensures that every fry is coated in cheese, providing a luscious, indulgent experience. It's important to add the cheese slowly and off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

Another option for soft cheese is to use a processed cheese product like Velveeta. Velveeta is similar to American cheese and melts smoothly and perfectly, making it ideal for cheese fries. It can be cubed and melted with butter and flour to create a super creamy sauce that distributes evenly throughout the fries.

Both crispy and soft cheese options have their merits, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Crispy cheese provides a textural contrast to the soft French fry, while soft cheese ensures every fry is coated in cheesy goodness. Why not experiment with both methods and decide which one you prefer? Just remember to serve and consume crispy cheese fries immediately to avoid sogginess, and always add cheese slowly to soft cheese sauces to prevent graininess.

Cheese curds and gravy

Poutine consists of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. The gravy is often beef-based, but other types of gravy are also used. The cheese curds are ideally fresh, as they melt better and have a better texture.

Poutine has become a popular dish, with many regional variations, and is now considered a comfort food. It is often served with additional toppings, such as:

• Crispy bacon
• Green onions
• Sour cream
• Jalapeños

Cheese fries with bacon

Ingredients

• French fries
• Cheese sauce (see recipe below)
• Bacon
• Scallions/green onions
• Pickled jalapeños
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Sauce

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, American, or Velveeta)
• Pickled jalapeño juice (optional)
• Cayenne pepper

Method

• Bake the french fries according to the package directions.
• While the fries bake, make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a light golden brown.
• Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce simmers and thickens.
• Remove the sauce from the heat. Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until it is completely melted before adding more.
• Whisk in the cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste, as well as any optional pickled jalapeño juice.
• Assemble the cheese fries by layering the fries, cheese sauce, bacon, and scallions/green onions in a bowl or serving platter. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
• Top with pickled jalapeños and sour cream or crema.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For a more indulgent option, use thick-cut bacon.
• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños.
• For a Mexican twist, swap the scallions for cilantro.
• For a quick and easy option, use frozen french fries.
• For a healthier option, make homemade oven-baked fries using russet potatoes.
• For the best cheese sauce, use freshly grated cheese and full-fat milk.

Frequently asked questions