Cheesy Fries: What Melted Toppings Make Them So Delicious?

Cheese fries are a popular comfort food, often served as a side dish or snack. They consist of French fries covered in cheese, with various toppings such as bacon, jalapeños, and chives. While the origin of this dish is unknown, it has gained popularity worldwide, especially in English-speaking countries. The type of cheese used for cheese fries can vary, with cheddar, mozzarella, American cheese, and Velveeta being common choices. The choice of cheese determines the overall taste and texture of the dish, making it a versatile and indulgent treat.

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for cheese fries

Cheddar cheese is also a key ingredient in the UK's version of cheese fries, or "cheesy chips." In pubs, diners can order chips topped with a creamy cheddar sauce or sprinkled with cheddar and grilled. In Ireland, a dish called "taco fries" consists of fries covered in ground beef, tomato, peppers, onions, taco sauce, and shredded cheddar.

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways to make cheese fries. Some recipes call for shredded cheddar, while others use a creamy cheddar sauce. The cheese can be melted and poured over the fries, or the fries can be baked with the cheese on top.

When it comes to choosing the right cheddar cheese for cheese fries, there are a few options. Mild, medium, or sharp cheddar can be used, depending on your preference for sharpness and tanginess. Freshly shredded cheddar cheese is recommended, as the anti-caking additives in pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce lumpy.

So, whether you're enjoying them as a snack, a side dish, or a full meal, cheddar cheese is a delicious choice for your cheese fries.

Cheese sauce is a common alternative to shredded cheese

Cheese sauce typically consists of a combination of cheese, butter, flour, and milk. The cheese used in the sauce can vary, with options such as cheddar, American, Velveeta, or a blend of different cheeses. The sauce is prepared by melting the butter, adding flour to create a roux, and then gradually incorporating the milk to form a smooth and creamy base. The cheese is then added to the sauce and melted, creating a rich and decadent coating for the fries.

The process of making cheese sauce involves creating a béchamel sauce, also known as a roux, by combining butter and flour. This forms a thick paste that serves as the base for the sauce. Milk is then slowly incorporated and whisked into the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. This technique ensures a smooth and creamy sauce without any lumps.

The type of cheese used in the sauce can vary depending on personal preference. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, as mentioned in several recipes, but other options include American cheese, Velveeta, or a blend of cheeses. The choice of cheese will influence the flavour and texture of the sauce.

Cheese sauce provides a creamy and indulgent coating for the fries, creating a luxurious and comforting dish. It is a preferred option for those who want their cheese fries to be smothered in a rich and luscious sauce. The sauce also allows for even distribution of cheese throughout the fries, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavour.

While shredded cheese has its own appeal, offering a different texture and allowing for more controlled cheese distribution, cheese sauce presents a decadent alternative that transforms the dish into an indulgent and comforting treat. The choice between shredded cheese and cheese sauce ultimately depends on personal preference, but both options have their unique advantages and contribute to the overall enjoyment of cheese fries.

Steak fries are a good base for cheese fries

Steak fries can be made from scratch or bought frozen, making them a convenient option for a quick and easy snack or meal. When making cheese fries, it is recommended to cook the steak fries until they are extra crispy, which can be achieved by baking them in a single layer on a baking sheet or by cooking them in an air fryer.

Once the steak fries are cooked, the cheese can be added. Shredded cheese or a cheese sauce can be used, and popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, American cheese, or a blend. If using shredded cheese, it can be sprinkled on top of the fries and broiled until melted and bubbly. For a cheese sauce, butter and flour are typically melted in a saucepan to create a roux, and then milk is added to create a creamy base for the cheese to melt into. The sauce is then drizzled over the fries.

In addition to cheese, cheese fries can be topped with a variety of ingredients such as bacon, green onions, jalapeños, ground beef, sausage, chili, and more. These toppings can be added before or after the cheese, depending on the desired level of meltiness.

Overall, steak fries are a good base for cheese fries due to their thickness, crispiness, and ability to hold up to the weight of the cheese and toppings without becoming soggy. With their convenience and versatility, steak fries are a great starting point for creating delicious and indulgent cheese fries.

Cheese fries are a popular snack in the US

The dish consists of French fries covered in cheese, with various toppings often added. While the classic choice of cheese is cheddar, other popular options include American, mozzarella, Swiss, Colby Jack, and Velveeta. The latter is praised for its ability to create a super creamy sauce that evenly coats each fry.

Cheese fries can be made at home or bought from restaurants, with some sources providing recipes for this indulgent comfort food. Homemade cheese fries can be made using frozen or oven-baked fries, with the latter requiring only a couple of potatoes, olive oil, and some basic seasonings. The cheese sauce is made by melting butter, whisking in flour, and then slowly adding milk to create a thick and creamy mixture. The cheese is then added to this sauce and seasoned with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste.

In addition to the cheese, cheese fries can be topped with bacon, jalapeños, sour cream, ranch dressing, and even gravy. They are often served as a side dish, but can also be a complete meal, especially when loaded with extra toppings.

Cheese fries are often served with additional toppings

In the US, toppings vary by region. In the Southwest, loaded fries are often covered in melted cheddar cheese, bacon bits, jalapeño slices, and chives, and served with ranch dressing. In Philadelphia, "pizza fries" are topped with mozzarella and served with pizza sauce on the side, while "mega fries" are topped with cheddar or mozzarella, bacon, and served with ranch dressing. In New York, Long Island, and New Jersey, cheese fries are covered with melted American, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese, and "disco fries" are served with brown gravy. In Cincinnati, Ohio, cheese fries are topped with the city's famous Cincinnati chili, while in New Mexico, they use New Mexico chile and add chopped lettuce, tomato, and olives as a garnish.

In the UK, cheesy chips are often served in pubs and are sometimes topped with nacho sauce, crispy onions, sour cream, and bacon bits. A variation adds beef gravy or curry sauce, and in some cases, mozzarella cheese is used instead of cheddar. In Ireland, "taco fries" are covered in ground beef, tomato, peppers, onions, and various seasonings, and topped with taco sauce and shredded cheddar.

In Puerto Rico, crazy fries (papas locas) are served from food trucks. Potatoes, yams, batata, cassava fries, or Mofongo are coated with bacon, cheese, and roasted pork, chicken, or beef, drizzled with ketchup and mayonnaise, and garnished with corn, chopped lettuce, cilantro, avocado, tomatoes, and bell peppers. In Bulgaria, a common side dish is French fries topped with grated or crumbled sirene (white brine cheese). In the Netherlands, a dish called 'kapsalon' is served as fast food and consists of fries covered with cheese, salad, and shawarma or doner kebab, and is often consumed with large amounts of garlic sauce or chili sauce.

Frequently asked questions