Kamil Perry
Cheese fries are a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish that can be made in a variety of ways. While the type of cheese and toppings used can vary, the cooking temperature for the fries remains fairly consistent. Most recipes recommend cooking the fries in an oven preheated to between 400 and 475 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range ensures that the fries become crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, the fries are then typically topped with cheese and returned to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 400°F to 475°F |
| Cooking time | 10-20 minutes |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Swiss, Colby Jack, American, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano |
| Toppings | Bacon, Green onions, Herbs, Parsley, Jalapenos, Olives, Pico de Gallo, Shredded chicken, Cooked sausage, Tomatoes, Green chilies, Diced avocado, Cilantro, Roasted corn |
| Sauce | Chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, Sriracha, Mexican crema, Ranch dressing |
| Fries | Frozen, Curly, Crinkle, Steak, Potato wedges, Homemade |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature: 400°F to 475°F
To make cheese french fries, you can bake the fries according to the package directions. If you are making the fries from scratch, preheat your oven to 400°F to 475°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray and set it aside. Toss potato wedges with oil and arrange them on the baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with seasoning salt or salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes. Use a fork to flip the potatoes, sprinkle this side with seasoning salt or salt and pepper, and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and reach your desired level of crispiness.
While the fries are baking, you can make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until lightly golden. Sprinkle in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the butter has absorbed the flour. While whisking, slowly stream in the milk, breaking up any lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce simmers and thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the cheese to the sauce a handful at a time, stirring until it is completely melted before adding more. Once all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, whisk in cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste.
When the fries are done, remove them from the oven and turn the oven heat to 400°F. You can finish the fries on a sheet pan or transfer them to a skillet. Sprinkle or drizzle the cheese sauce over the fries. Return the fries to the oven and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
You can use a variety of cheeses for the sauce, such as cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, American, or classic Monterey jack. You can also sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese on top.
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Bake time: 10-20 minutes
There are several recipes for cheese fries, and the bake time varies depending on the type of potato used and the desired level of crispiness. For example, russets are recommended for this recipe, but any potato can be used. Smaller potatoes, such as reds, will take less time to cook, so adjust the baking time as needed.
One recipe suggests baking the fries for 15 minutes, then using a fork to flip them and baking for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until they are fork-tender and have reached the desired level of crispiness. It is important to keep a close eye on the fries during the last few minutes of baking, as they can quickly go from browned to burned.
Another recipe recommends baking the fries until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take around 15 to 20 minutes. Then, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top and broil for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese has melted.
The bake time for cheese fries can also depend on the oven temperature. One recipe suggests baking the fries at 475°F for 15 minutes, then flipping them and baking for an additional 10 to 20 minutes. Another recipe recommends finishing the fries at 400°F for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
It is important to note that homemade fries and cheese sauce are best when served immediately. The cheese sauce can be made while the fries are baking, and it is important to add the cheese to the sauce off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy. If the cheese isn't melting, return it to low heat and stir constantly.
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Cheese sauce: melt butter, add flour, then milk
Cheese French Fries
Cheese French fries are a delicious snack or side dish that can be easily made at home. While the fries bake in the oven, you can prepare a creamy cheese sauce to smother them in. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a cheese sauce with butter, flour, and milk:
Melt Butter
Start by melting butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter you use can vary depending on your preference, but typically around 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter is a good starting point. You can use grass-fed or regular butter, but it's important to opt for real butter instead of margarine for the best results.
Add Flour
Once the butter has melted, sprinkle in some flour. Whisk the flour into the butter until they combine to form a roux or a paste. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture for a few minutes to activate the starch granules in the flour, which will help thicken the sauce. If you're making a white or light-colored cheese sauce, cook the roux over low heat to prevent browning. You'll know it's ready when it smells slightly nutty and has lost its raw flour taste.
Then Milk
Now it's time to add the milk. If your roux is hot, use cool milk, and if your roux is cool, use hot milk. This temperature difference will help the sauce heat up at a moderate rate, resulting in a velvety-smooth texture. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking the mixture until it becomes smooth. You can adjust the consistency of your sauce by adding more or less milk. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk, and if you like it thinner, add a bit more.
Cheese and Seasonings
Finally, it's time to add the cheese. Shredded cheese will melt more smoothly and quickly than larger chunks. Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly. Adding the cheese off the heat helps prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. If your cheese isn't melting smoothly, return the saucepan to low heat and stir until it melts. You can use a variety of cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, and even mix different types to create your unique blend.
Feel free to experiment with seasonings to enhance the flavor of your cheese sauce. Traditional seasonings for a béchamel sauce include diced or grated onion, a bay leaf, cloves, and nutmeg. You can also add a splash of lemon juice to the cheese to prevent it from becoming stringy. A pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper can add a kick to your sauce.
Tips for Success
- To prevent clumping or stringiness in the sauce, stir in the cheese last, then remove the saucepan from the heat as soon as it starts to melt.
- If your sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Cheese sauce thickened with flour and butter doesn't reheat well, so it's best to make only as much as you need for one meal.
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Cheese type: cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, etc
When it comes to choosing a cheese for your loaded French fries, there are several popular options, each with its own distinct flavour and characteristics. Here is an overview of some of the most commonly used cheeses and their impact on the final dish:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for French fries. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that pairs well with the potatoes. Cheddar melts relatively well, especially sharper varieties, and provides a creamy texture when melted on fries. It is a versatile option and goes well with various other ingredients, such as bacon, chives, or even truffle oil.
Mozzarella Cheese
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Toppings: bacon, green onions, herbs, etc
While cheese and French fries are a match made in heaven, toppings like bacon, green onions, herbs, and more can take your cheese fries to the next level.
Bacon is a classic topping that adds a crunchy, smoky flavor to your cheese fries. You can cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, and then crumble it over the fries.
Green onions, also known as scallions, add a fresh and mild onion flavor to your cheese fries. They provide a nice color contrast and a bit of texture to your dish.
Herbs such as parsley can be sprinkled over your cheese fries, adding a burst of freshness and flavor. Other herbs like chives or thyme could also be used to enhance the taste of your cheesy creation.
But why stop there? You can get creative and experiment with a variety of toppings. Try adding some spice with jalapenos or green chilies, or add some diced avocado for a creamy, cool touch. If you're a fan of meat, toss on some cooked sausage or shredded chicken. For a burst of flavor, add some pico de gallo, olives, or roasted corn.
Don't forget the sauce! While the cheese sauce is a star on its own, you can also dip your loaded cheese fries into something like ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or even get creative with chipotle mayo, BBQ sauce, sriracha, or Mexican crema.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to mix and match toppings and sauces to create your ultimate cheese fry masterpiece.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook cheese french fries in an oven preheated to around 400°F (205°C).
Bake the french fries for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Then, sprinkle cheese over the fries and return to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
You can use any type of cheese you like, but popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, colby jack, and American.
