Patrick Oconnell
Portillo's cheese fries are a popular menu item, and the cheese sauce has been described as melty, smooth, and perfectly dunkable. While the exact recipe is unknown, some have speculated that it may be made with extra sharp cheddar cheese, and one former employee claimed that the sauce is Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce. Others have compared it to Velveeta, and some have suggested adding Frank's Red Hot for a spicy kick. Portillo's cheese sauce has a loyal following, with some customers claiming to crave it and even dip their hot dogs in it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Sauce Brand | Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce |
| Cheese Sauce Consistency | Melty, smooth, and dunkable |
| Cheese Sauce Recipe | Extra sharp cheddar sauce with Frank's Red Hot |
| Cheese Sauce Similarity | Gehls |
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What You'll Learn
- Portillo's cheese sauce is reportedly made with Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce
- Some claim it tastes like Velveeta
- Others suggest it's similar to J. Kenji López-Alt's recipe for extra sharp cheddar sauce with Frank's Red Hot
- It's served with crinkle-cut fries
- The cheese is also used on hot dogs and Italian beef
Portillo's cheese sauce is reportedly made with Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce
A former employee of Portillo's confirmed on Reddit that the company uses Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce. This product is manufactured by Conagra Foodservice and is available in 10-can packs.
Some customers have speculated about the brand of cheese used by Portillo's, with one person suggesting it could be Gehls, a common choice for medium to high-volume foodservice operations. However, another customer who purchased Gehls to compare found that it did not taste the same as Portillo's cheese sauce.
While the exact recipe for Portillo's cheese sauce may be difficult to replicate, culinary enthusiasts have experimented with adding Frank's Red Hot to extra sharp cheddar sauce to enhance the flavor. This modification showcases the popularity of cheese sauces, with many customers specifically seeking out Portillo's for their signature cheese-based items.
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Some claim it tastes like Velveeta
While the exact cheese sauce used by Portillo's for their cheese fries remains a mystery, some customers have ventured guesses. One Reddit user claimed to have worked at Portillo's and revealed that the sauce is an Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce. However, another Reddit user disputed this claim, suggesting that the cheese might be Gehls, a brand commonly used in food service operations.
Some customers who have tasted Portillo's cheese sauce have compared it to Velveeta. One customer described the cheese sauce as "melty, smooth, and perfectly dunkable," with the perfect consistency. They noted that it tasted like what they had always imagined Velveeta should taste like, but with something slightly better that could be attributed to the proximity to Wisconsin.
While the exact recipe for Portillo's cheese sauce remains a closely guarded secret, some enthusiasts have attempted to recreate it at home. One such enthusiast stumbled upon a recipe by their culinary hero, J. Kenji López-Alt, which involves adding Frank's Red Hot to an emulsified extra sharp cheddar sauce. While this recipe may not be the exact replica of Portillo's sauce, it showcases the dedication of cheese enthusiasts in their quest for the perfect cheese sauce.
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Others suggest it's similar to J. Kenji López-Alt's recipe for extra sharp cheddar sauce with Frank's Red Hot
While the exact cheese used in Portillo's cheese fries is unknown, some people have speculated about potential matches. One former employee has claimed that Portillo's uses Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce. However, others have disputed this, stating that they believe the cheese used is Gehls, a common choice for medium to high-volume food services.
Some enthusiasts have also attempted to recreate the cheese sauce at home. One person stumbled upon a recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt on Serious Eats, which combines Frank's Red Hot with extra sharp cheddar sauce. This combination has been described as "beyond amazing," and some believe it may be similar to Portillo's iconic cheese sauce.
The cheese sauce at Portillo's has a reputation for being exceptionally melty, smooth, and dunkable, with a consistency that is just right. It has a loyal fan base, with some customers claiming to be addicted to it. The secret to its allure may lie in the quality of the cheese or a special blend of spices, but unfortunately, the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret by Portillo's.
While the exact cheese used in Portillo's cheese sauce may be a mystery, the speculation and attempts to recreate it by enthusiasts are a testament to its popularity and unique taste. The combination of extra sharp cheddar sauce and Frank's Red Hot suggested by J. Kenji López-Alt may provide a good starting point for those seeking to emulate the iconic flavor at home.
Whether it's the Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce, Gehls, or a proprietary blend, one thing is clear: Portillo's cheese sauce has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of its fans, who continue to crave and celebrate its unique taste.
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It's served with crinkle-cut fries
Portillo's cheese fries are served with crinkle-cut fries. The cheese sauce used by Portillo's is a well-kept secret, with many trying to replicate it at home. Some have speculated that it is an Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce, while others have suggested it could be Gehls, a common choice for food service operations. The sauce is described as melty, smooth, and perfectly dunkable, with a consistency similar to Velveeta but even better. It has a perfectly emulsified, extra sharp flavour that goes well with not just the crinkle-cut fries but also hotdogs and Italian beef.
Portillo's cheese fries are a popular menu item, with many customers expressing their love for the dish online. The cheese sauce, in particular, seems to be a standout feature, with people raving about its taste and texture. Some have even tried to recreate the sauce at home, showing its popularity and the unique craving it evokes.
The crinkle-cut fries themselves are also an important part of the dish. The crinkle-cut shape provides a larger surface area for the cheese sauce to cling to, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour. The crispy texture of the fries also adds to the overall sensory experience, creating a satisfying contrast with the smooth and dunkable cheese sauce.
Portillo's cheese fries have become a staple in Chicago, where the restaurant is based, and its popularity has led to the expansion of the chain across the United States. People from all over have expressed their fondness for the dish, and it has become a comfort food for those who have moved away from Chicago, reminding them of home.
The combination of the crinkle-cut fries and the unique cheese sauce has made Portillo's cheese fries a beloved and iconic dish, with a dedicated following. The dish's versatility, allowing it to pair well with various menu items, also contributes to its popularity. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side, Portillo's cheese fries have certainly made an impression on food enthusiasts.
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The cheese is also used on hot dogs and Italian beef
Portillo's cheese sauce is a well-loved part of their menu, and it seems that the cheese used on their famous cheese fries is the same as that used on their hot dogs and Italian beef.
A former employee of Portillo's has stated that the cheese used is Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce. This sauce is also said to be similar to Velveeta, with a smooth, melty, and perfectly dunkable consistency.
The cheese sauce is a popular addition to the hot dogs, and some customers have stated that they like to dip their hot dogs into the cheese sauce that comes with the cheese fries. The cheese is also a hit on Italian beef, with customers raving about how well it goes with the meat.
Portillo's offers a unique dining experience with their signature cheese sauce, and it is no wonder that customers crave it, with some even trying to recreate the recipe at home. The cheese sauce has a loyal following, with people travelling far and wide to get their fix or seeking out similar cheeses to satisfy their cravings.
While the exact recipe for Portillo's cheese sauce remains a closely guarded secret, it is clear that the cheese is a key component of their menu, enhancing the flavour of not only their cheese fries but also their hot dogs and Italian beef.
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Frequently asked questions
Portillo's uses Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce for its cheese fries.
Yes, you can buy the Award Cuisine cheddar cheese sauce used in Portillo's in bulk online from conagrafoodservice.com.
Although the exact recipe for Portillo's cheese sauce is not publicly available, one food enthusiast suggested that it might involve adding Frank's Red Hot to an extra sharp cheddar sauce.
Portillo's cheese sauce has been described as melty, smooth, and perfectly dunkable. It has also been likened to Velveeta in terms of taste and consistency.
