Cheese Fries: Melty, Stretchy Cheese For The Perfect Fry

Cheese fries are a delicious snack, side dish, or meal that can be made in a variety of ways. While some recipes call for shredded cheddar cheese, others suggest using a cheese sauce made with Velveeta, flour, butter, and milk. Some recipes also include additional toppings such as bacon, green onions, or jalapeños. Whether you prefer your cheese fries loaded with toppings or simply coated in a creamy cheese sauce, they are a comforting and indulgent treat.

Cheddar cheese

There are a few varieties of cheddar to choose from when making cheese fries. Mild cheddar has a softer, gentler flavour, while sharp cheddar packs a punch and will really make your cheese fries sing. Extra sharp cheddar will give a real tang to your dish, and is a great option if you want to ensure the cheese flavour comes through. White cheddar is another option, which has a slightly different, less nutty flavour than its orange counterpart.

When preparing cheddar cheese sauce for cheese fries, it is best to shred a block of cheese yourself, rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. This is because bagged, pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking additives which can make your sauce lumpy. It is also important to add the cheese to the sauce slowly, and off the heat, to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. If the cheese isn't melting, simply return it to a low heat and stir until smooth.

Velveeta

When it comes to making cheese fries, Velveeta is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of ways. One classic method is to melt the Velveeta and mix it with milk to create a creamy cheese sauce that can be drizzled over the fries. This sauce can also be customised with additional ingredients such as bacon, jalapeños, or chopped green onions to add extra flavour and texture.

Another advantage of using Velveeta for cheese fries is its ability to melt evenly and smoothly. This makes it ideal for creating loaded cheese fries, where the cheese is melted directly on top of the fries, creating a rich and indulgent dish. The mild flavour of Velveeta also pairs well with other toppings such as chilli, sour cream, or guacamole, allowing for a variety of flavour combinations.

Overall, Velveeta is an adaptable and accessible choice for those seeking a creamy, mild-flavoured cheese to elevate their cheese fries. Its meltability and versatility make it a popular option for crafting indulgent and delicious loaded cheese fries.

Mozzarella

When using mozzarella for cheese fries, you can either shred the cheese and sprinkle it over the fries, or make a sauce by melting the cheese with butter and flour. If you opt for the sauce, be sure to add the cheese slowly and off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. You can also include milk to create a creamier consistency.

So, if you're looking to mix up your cheese fry game, mozzarella is a delicious option that will leave you with gooey, cheesy, and mouthwatering fries.

Shredded cheese

Shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheese fries, and it can be used to make a creamy cheese sauce or sprinkled over the fries before baking. Using block cheddar cheese and shredding it yourself will result in a creamier sauce as it melts better. However, if convenience is a priority, you can use pre-shredded cheddar cheese, but the sauce may be stretchier.

If you're looking for a stronger flavour, you could try shredded smoked gouda or raclette cheese. These cheeses offer a unique taste that can elevate your cheese fries.

For a super creamy sauce, some people swear by using Velveeta, which is similar to American cheese. It melts smoothly and perfectly due to its combination of milk, whey, and emulsifiers.

When making a cheese sauce for your cheese fries, it's important to add the shredded cheese slowly and off the heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. Additionally, using higher-fat milk or cream will result in a smoother and creamier sauce.

Bacon

The bacon is added to the cheese fries after the cheese has been melted. Sprinkling the cooked and crumbled bacon over the melted cheese ensures that it sticks to the cheese and fries, giving you a mouthful of flavour in every bite.

Frequently asked questions