The Best Cheeses To Pair With French Fries

French fries are a popular snack, and adding cheese to them takes them to the next level. There are many types of cheese that go well with French fries, and the choice of cheese can depend on personal preference. Some popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and Swiss cheese. The type of French fry used can also vary, from thin, fast-food-style fries to steak fries or potato wedges.

Cheddar cheese, shredded off the block, is best

Cheddar Cheese: The Perfect Topping for French Fries

French fries are a beloved snack, side dish, or meal for many people. While they are delicious on their own, adding cheese takes them to the next level. There are several types of cheese that can be paired with fries, but cheddar cheese, shredded off the block, is the best option. Here's why:

Taste and Texture

Cheddar cheese has a rich, sharp, and creamy flavour that perfectly complements the salty, crispy texture of French fries. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey and indulgent topping that is simply irresistible. Shredding the cheese off the block ensures that it melts evenly and creates a smooth and creamy sauce.

Versatility

Cheddar cheese is a versatile topping that can be paired with a variety of other ingredients to create unique and delicious flavour combinations. For example, it goes well with bacon, green onions, jalapeños, and sour cream, allowing you to create loaded cheese fries that are perfect for game days, parties, or indulgent snacks.

Ease of Use

Cheddar cheese is readily available in most supermarkets and grocery stores. It is also easy to shred and melt, making it a convenient option for those looking to quickly satisfy their cheese fry cravings. When making cheese fries, simply shred the cheddar cheese, melt it, and pour it over your favourite type of French fries.

Customisation

While cheddar cheese is delicious on its own, you can also customise it to create a more complex cheese sauce. For example, adding onion powder, garlic powder, and a splash of vinegar can enhance the flavour and create a glossy finish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to give your cheese fries a spicy kick.

Health Benefits

While French fries may not be the healthiest option, adding cheddar cheese can boost their nutritional value. Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a more well-rounded snack or side dish.

In conclusion, cheddar cheese, shredded off the block, is the ideal topping for French fries. Its flavour, texture, and versatility elevate the classic side dish, making it a favourite among cheese and fry enthusiasts alike. So, the next time you're craving cheese fries, be sure to reach for the cheddar cheese and get shredding!

Use low heat and add cheese gradually

When making cheese sauce, it's important to use low heat and add the cheese gradually. This is because cheese sauces can easily turn out gloppy or grainy. Adding a handful of cheese at a time and whisking until smooth before adding another handful will help you avoid this issue. This gradual process ensures that the cheese melts evenly and incorporates smoothly into the sauce, creating a desirable consistency.

Additionally, using low heat helps to prevent the sauce from burning or scorching. It allows you to have better control over the cooking process, ensuring that the cheese melts at a steady pace. This method may take a bit longer, but it's worth the extra time and effort to achieve a smooth and creamy cheese sauce for your French fries.

By following this tip, you'll be able to create a delicious and indulgent cheese sauce that your family and friends will love. It's the perfect topping for your French fries, taking them to the next level of flavour and texture. So, the next time you're making cheese fries, remember to use low heat and add the cheese gradually for the best results.

Vinegar makes a glossy finish

Cheese Fries

Ingredients

Fries:

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Frozen French fries (optional)

Cheese Sauce:

• Cheddar cheese
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Apple cider vinegar or red/white wine vinegar
• Hot sauce (optional)

Toppings:

• Bacon
• Green onions
• Sour cream
• Jalapeños
• Ranch dressing
• Chilli
• Parsley or chives
• Crumbled bacon
• Shredded chicken
• Avocado
• Sausage
• Tomatoes
• BBQ sauce
• Sriracha
• Mexican crema

Method

Fries:

If using fresh potatoes, cut them into wedges or slices. For wedges, toss them with olive oil and seasoning, and bake until crispy and soft. For slices, follow the double fry technique: fry at a lower temperature until cooked through, then fry again at a higher temperature until golden.

Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter and whisk in flour until a thick paste forms. Cook until the paste turns golden. Slowly add milk and whisk until the mixture is thickened. Turn off the heat and stir in the spices. Add the cheese gradually, only adding more when the previous amount has melted.

Toppings:

Sprinkle or drizzle toppings of your choice over the fries.

Tips

• Use block cheese and grate it yourself to avoid additives that can make the sauce grainy.
• Vinegar makes a glossy finish to the sauce and rounds out the flavours.
• Hot sauce is optional but adds a subtle complexity.
• Cheese fries are best served immediately.

Variations

• Use different types of cheese such as pepper jack, Swiss, colby jack, American, or classic Monterey jack.
• Try a Mexican version with queso.
• For a healthier option, use vegetarian bacon bits.
• Make your own potato wedges instead of using frozen fries.
• For a different texture, use evaporated milk instead of butter and flour. This variation also refrigerates and reheats better.

Steak fries are best

Steak fries are the best option when making loaded cheese fries. While you can use any type of fry, from curly to crinkle to potato wedges, steak fries are the ideal choice for a few reasons.

Firstly, steak fries provide a crispy texture without the need for deep frying. They bake up crispy in the oven, making them the perfect base for your cheese and other toppings. Their thick cut means they can stand up to the weight of all those delicious toppings without getting soggy.

Steak fries also allow you to control the seasoning. While you can buy pre-seasoned steak fries, the flavour can be overwhelming when combined with toppings. By seasoning your own steak fries, you can ensure the seasoning complements your cheese and other toppings.

When making cheese fries, it's best to use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded bagged cheese. The anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can affect the texture of your cheese sauce, making it lumpy or grainy. Shred your own block of cheese for a smooth, creamy sauce.

While cheddar is a popular choice for cheese fries, you can also use other types of cheese such as pepper jack, Swiss, colby jack, or American. You can even finish your loaded fries with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano.

So, if you're looking to make the ultimate loaded cheese fries, start with steak fries and freshly shredded cheese, then get creative with your toppings!

Top with bacon, green onions, and sour cream

If you're looking to top your French fries with bacon, green onions, and sour cream, there are a few types of cheese you could use.

A popular option is shredded cheddar cheese, which you can sprinkle on top of your fries. Other options include Monterey Jack, mozzarella, colby, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese. If you're looking for something extra indulgent, you could even use a combination of these cheeses.

For the bacon, you'll want to cook it until it's crispy and then crumble it over your fries. Chopped green onions will add a fresh flavor to your loaded fries, and a dollop of sour cream will bring everything together.

Here's a simple recipe you can follow:

Ingredients:

• Frozen French fries (you can use any type of fry you like, such as steak fries, crinkle-cut, or waffle fries)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your choice)
• Bacon strips
• Green onions, thinly sliced
• Sour cream
• Optional: Seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the French fry package.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Spread your frozen fries out on the baking sheet in a single layer. If using, sprinkle with seasoned salt and toss to coat.
• Bake the fries according to the package directions.
• Once the fries are baked, remove them from the oven and top with shredded cheese. Return them to the oven until the cheese has melted, about 3-5 minutes.
• Take the cheesy fries out of the oven and sprinkle them with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
• Drizzle or dollop sour cream over the fries before serving, or serve the sour cream on the side for dipping.
• Enjoy your loaded cheese fries!

Feel free to add other toppings or spices to suit your taste. You can also try dipping your loaded cheese fries in ranch dressing or another sauce of your choice.

Frequently asked questions