Cheese Fries: Choosing The Perfect Melty Cheese

Cheese fries are a hearty snack or appetizer that can be made in a variety of ways. The base of this dish is a bed of crispy french fries, which can be made from scratch or store-bought, frozen, or baked. The star of the show, however, is the cheese. Different types of cheese can be used, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper Jack. The cheese can be shredded or turned into a sauce before being generously poured over the fries. To take this dish to the next level, various toppings can be added, such as bacon, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, and parsley.

Shredded vs. sauce cheese

Shredded vs Sauce Cheese

The Case for Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese is a popular choice for cheese fries as it allows for even distribution across the fries, ensuring each fry gets its fair share of cheese. It also provides a different textural experience, adding a chewy element to the crispy fries.

The Case for Sauce Cheese

On the other hand, sauce cheese is preferred by those who want their cheese fries to be smothered in a creamy, dreamy coating. Sauce cheese ensures each fry is thoroughly coated, resulting in a luscious, indulgent experience down to the very last fry.

The type of cheese you use will depend on whether you choose to go with shredded or sauce cheese. For shredded cheese, cheddar is a popular option, as are Monterrey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, and Pepper Jack. These cheeses provide a good melt and a nice pull when bitten into.

For sauce cheese, a blend of cheeses will give you a more complex flavor profile. A base of cheddar can be used, with additions such as extra sharp white cheddar, Pepper Jack, or cream cheese to add depth and creaminess. Velveeta is also a popular choice for sauce cheese, as it melts smoothly and perfectly, resulting in an extremely creamy sauce.

Tips for the Perfect Cheese Sauce

• Use block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping, which can make your sauce grainy.
• Use low heat and add the cheese gradually to avoid overheating, which can cause the proteins in the cheese to seize up and separate.
• Add a splash of vinegar to give your sauce a glossy sheen and round out the flavors.
• Hot sauce is optional but adds a subtle complexity without too much heat.

Storing and Reheating Cheese Fries

Both homemade fries and cheese sauce are best served immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days, but the cheese sauce may become grainy and separate upon reheating. To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at around 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Taking it up a Notch

While cheese fries are delicious on their own, you can take them to the next level with additional toppings. Try adding crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream. If you're feeling extra indulgent, drizzle on some nacho cheese sauce or top with chili for an extra hearty dish.

So, whether you team shredded or sauce, one thing is clear: cheese fries are a comforting, indulgent treat that can be customized to your heart's content.

Cheddar cheese

When making a cheese sauce, it is important to add the cheese gradually and to use low heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. The type of cheddar cheese you use can also make a difference; mild to medium cheddar is recommended, as aged cheddar may have too strong of a flavor. Additionally, using freshly shredded cheese from a block of cheddar rather than pre-shredded bagged cheese can help create a smoother sauce.

For a simple preparation, you can top your fries with shredded cheddar cheese and bake them in the oven until the cheese is melted. If you want to get more creative, you can try making a cheddar cheese sauce to drizzle over your fries. You can also experiment with different toppings to complement the cheddar cheese, such as bacon, green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Velveeta cheese

When making cheese fries with Velveeta, it is best to prepare a cheese sauce by melting the cheese with butter and flour, and adding milk or half-and-half to adjust the consistency. This sauce can then be poured over a platter of crispy, golden fries, ensuring each fry is coated in cheesy goodness. The type of fry used is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include steak fries, crinkle-cut fries, or even Tater Tots.

The key to successful Velveeta cheese fries is to serve them fresh. The cheese sauce made with Velveeta does not reheat well, so it is best to time the preparation of the fries and sauce to ensure maximum crispness and creaminess. This indulgent side dish is perfect for game days, comfort food cravings, or as a tasty appetizer.

Mozzarella cheese

Melting Capabilities

Mozzarella is a type of cheese that melts extremely well. This means that when you bite into your cheese fries, you'll get that satisfying, stringy cheese pull that is so desirable in cheese fries. The melting quality of mozzarella also ensures that the cheese coats the fries evenly, creating a cohesive dish.

Mild Flavour

Versatility

Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of ways to create different styles of cheese fries. For example, you can use shredded mozzarella for a classic, gooey cheese fry experience. Alternatively, you can create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce by melting mozzarella with other ingredients like butter, flour, and milk.

Colour

The use of mozzarella cheese can also enhance the visual appeal of your cheese fries. The light, creamy colour of melted mozzarella provides an attractive contrast to the golden brown fries.

Pairing Potential

Mozzarella's mild flavour and melting qualities make it an excellent base for other ingredients. You can pair it with various toppings, such as bacon, green onions, jalapeños, or even drizzle on some BBQ sauce or Sriracha for an extra kick.

So, if you're looking to create some mouthwatering cheese fries, mozzarella is definitely a cheese worth considering! Its melting capabilities, mild flavour, and versatility can take your cheese fries to the next level.

Bacon and herb toppings

Bacon

Bacon adds a smoky, savoury flavour and a crunchy texture to cheese fries. You can use cooked and crumbled bacon, or chop it into small pieces. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought, ready-to-serve bacon. Just ensure it's not too crispy, as it will be placed under the broiler with the rest of the toppings.

Cheese

For the cheese sauce, a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese is a good option. However, you can also use other types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, American, or classic Monterey jack. Grating your own cheese is recommended, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well due to anti-caking agents. Additionally, freshly grated cheese will create a smoother sauce.

Herbs

Green onions, also known as scallions, are a popular choice to add a sharp flavour to the rich, creamy cheese and bacon. You can also add parsley for a fresh herbal note. Chop the herbs thinly to ensure they mix well with the other toppings.

Other Toppings

Feel free to experiment with additional toppings such as jalapenos, olives, pico de gallo, shredded chicken, cooked sausage, tomatoes, green chillies, diced avocado, cilantro, or roasted corn. You can also try different sauces like chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, sriracha, or Mexican crema.

Preparation

Start by baking your chosen cut of fries until they are golden and crispy. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the fries and return them to the oven until the cheese melts. Finally, add the bacon and herb toppings, and serve immediately to enjoy the cheese fries at their best.

Customisation

You can customise your bacon and herb cheese fries further by trying different variations, such as:

• Bacon Nacho Fries: Before baking the fries, dust them with chili-lime seasoning. Add toppings such as jalapenos, pico de gallo, and guacamole or diced avocado. Serve with Mexican crema or sour cream instead of ranch dressing.
• Bacon BBQ Cheese Fries: Sprinkle barbecue rub on the fries before baking them. Once cooked, add toppings like barbecue pulled pork, shredded chicken, or chorizo. Drizzle with a sweet tomato-based barbecue sauce or a tangy white barbecue sauce made with horseradish.

Frequently asked questions