Kamil Perry
Cheese fries are a beloved dish worldwide, but the origin of this iconic meal is a mystery. French fries, on the other hand, are believed to have originated in Belgium, where historians claim potatoes were being fried as early as the late 1600s. American soldiers stationed in Belgium during World War I were introduced to this delicious treat and brought the concept of fries back to the United States. In the 1950s, the invention of canned cheese products like Cheez Whiz revolutionized the way people enjoyed fries, and the rest is history. While the exact origin of cheese fries may be unknown, names like Don A. Jenkins and Austin Ruse are often mentioned as pioneers of this mouth-watering delicacy.
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What You'll Learn
- Don A. Jenkins is said to have invented the dish in Tomball, Texas
- Austin Ruse may have been the first to serve cheese fries in St. Charles, Missouri
- Cheese fries gained popularity in the US after canned cheese was introduced in the 1950s
- Poutine, a Canadian dish, consists of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy
- Chili cheese fries are topped with chili con carne and are popular in Cincinnati, Ohio
Don A. Jenkins is said to have invented the dish in Tomball, Texas
Don A. Jenkins is said to have invented the chili cheese fry variation at the age of 16 in Tomball, Texas. The story goes that Mr. Jenkins was eating lunch at the local Dairy Queen in Tomball, Texas, and he came up with the dish as a way to quickly finish his meal.
Chili cheese fries are a variation of the popular dish, cheese fries, which are French fries covered in cheese, with various other toppings. Cheese fries are generally served as a lunch or dinner dish and can be found in fast-food locations, diners, and grills, mainly in English-speaking countries. The origin of cheese fries is not known, but it is said that the dish grew in popularity in the United States after canned cheese products such as Cheez Whiz were introduced in 1952.
Don A. Jenkins is often credited as the inventor of chili cheese fries, especially by people from Texas. However, there are other origin stories for the dish, and it is difficult to determine the true creator. For example, some sources claim that a young fry cook named Austin Ruse first served chili cheese fries while working at Dairy Queen in St. Charles, Missouri. This version was not officially on the menu but could be specially ordered.
The popularity of cheese fries and their variations, such as chili cheese fries, can be attributed to the introduction of canned cheese products like Cheez Whiz in the 1950s. The ability to easily spray cheese onto French fries at home likely contributed to the creation and spread of cheese fries as a dish. Over time, different regions have developed their own unique variations of loaded fries, with different toppings and cheeses used in each state.
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Austin Ruse may have been the first to serve cheese fries in St. Charles, Missouri
Cheese fries, or "cheesy chips" in British English, are a dish consisting of French fries covered in cheese, often with additional toppings. While the origin of the dish is unknown, it is said that cheese fries gained popularity in the United States after the introduction of canned cheese products like Cheez Whiz in 1952. Don A. Jenkins is credited with inventing the chili cheese fry variation in Tomball, Texas when he was just 16 years old.
However, there is another claim that a young fry cook named Austin Ruse was the first to serve cheese fries. Ruse reportedly worked at a Dairy Queen in St. Charles, Missouri, and may have been the first to introduce this now-iconic dish to the area. While the exact timeline of Ruse's creation is unclear, his innovation left a lasting impact on the culinary landscape of St. Charles. It is possible that Ruse's creation inspired similar dishes across the United States, contributing to the widespread popularity of cheese fries today.
The exact ingredients and toppings used by Ruse in his cheese fries remain a well-kept secret. However, it is speculated that his version incorporated the classic combination of melted cheddar cheese and bacon bits, with the addition of jalapeño slices and chives to add a spicy kick. This combination of flavors has become a hallmark of cheese fries in the Southwest US, where the dish is often served with a side of ranch dressing.
Austin Ruse's contribution to the world of cheese fries is a testament to the creativity and experimentation that defines American cuisine. While the exact origins of cheese fries may be disputed, Ruse's innovation and willingness to experiment with new flavors have undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the culinary preferences of St. Charles, Missouri, and beyond. His creation continues to be a beloved comfort food for many, showcasing the power of simple ingredients and the enduring appeal of fried potatoes smothered in cheese.
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Cheese fries gained popularity in the US after canned cheese was introduced in the 1950s
Cheese fries, or "cheesy chips" in British English, consist of French fries covered in cheese, with various possible toppings. The origin of the dish is unknown, but it is generally served as a lunch or dinner dish in fast-food locations, diners, and grills mainly in English-speaking countries.
Cheese fries are said to have gained popularity in the United States after canned cheese products, such as Cheez Whiz, were introduced in 1952 (or 1956, according to some sources). This allowed people to easily spray cheese on French fries at home, and adding additional toppings like chili was a natural progression.
In the United States, McDonald's began offering bacon cheese fries in 2004, and the side dish quickly gained popularity in other countries like Canada, Australia, and Japan.
There are several claims regarding the invention of chili cheese fries. One legend mentions Don A. Jenkins, who, at the age of 16, is said to have invented the dish while eating lunch at a Dairy Queen in Tomball, Texas. Another story credits a young fry cook named Austin Ruse, who allegedly first served chili cheese fries while working at a Dairy Queen in St. Charles, Missouri.
Chili cheese fries, also called Coney Island fries, are topped with chili con carne and grated cheese, typically cheddar or American. They had begun to be sold commercially in the United States by 1975. In Cincinnati, Ohio, local chili restaurants use their own Cincinnati chili for their chili cheese fries, while in New Mexico, they use New Mexico chile and often add chopped lettuce, tomato, and olives as garnish.
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Poutine, a Canadian dish, consists of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy
Poutine is a Canadian dish that consists of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. It originated in Quebec in the 1950s and has since spread across Canada and the United States, even being considered by some as Canada's national dish.
There are several stories about the origin of poutine. One of the most popular stories claims that in 1957, a customer asked a restaurateur named Fernand Lachance to put a handful of cheese curds in a takeout bag of french fries. Lachance is said to have exclaimed, "ça va faire une maudite poutine!" ("It will make a damn mess!"), and the dish was later added to the menu of his restaurant, Le Café Idéal (later renamed Le Lutin qui rit, or "The Laughing Elf"). Beginning in 1962, Lachance added hot gravy to the dish to keep it warm.
Another origin story claims that a drive-in restaurant in Drummondville, called Le Roy Jucep, began serving french fries with gravy in 1958, and some customers would add a side order of cheese curds. The owner, Jean-Paul Roy, added this combination to the menu in 1964 as "fromage-patate-sauce," which was later shortened to poutine.
Regardless of its exact origin, poutine has become a cultural marker and a symbol of Canadian identity, especially in Quebec, where it is celebrated in many annual poutine festivals. It has also gained popularity outside of Canada, although it is still largely associated with Canadian cuisine.
The dish typically consists of deep-fried fries, poutine gravy (often a combination of beef and chicken stock), and white cheddar cheese curds, although some variations may include additional toppings. The freshness of the curds is essential, as they lose their complex texture and characteristic squeaky sound when chewed over time. While some restaurants may skimp on the curds, the general consensus is that more is better.
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Chili cheese fries are topped with chili con carne and are popular in Cincinnati, Ohio
Cheese fries are a beloved dish worldwide, but the origin of this meal is unknown. While the exact history of cheese fries is uncertain, some sources claim that Don A. Jenkins invented the chili cheese variation in Tomball, Texas. Another report suggests that Austin Ruse, a young fry cook, first served this dish at a Dairy Queen in St. Charles, Missouri.
Chili cheese fries, a mouth-watering variation, are topped with chili con carne and enjoyed by many. This delicious combination is especially popular in Cincinnati, Ohio, where it is considered a local specialty. Cincinnati chili cheese fries feature the city's famous Cincinnati chili, a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce that bears little resemblance to traditional chili con carne. This unique chili is typically served over spaghetti or hot dogs, but it also makes a mouthwatering topping for crispy French fries.
The story of Cincinnati chili begins with Tom and John Kiradjieff, who emigrated from Greece to the United States in 1921. In 1922, they started selling hot dogs with a "stew with traditional Mediterranean spices" at their stand in Cincinnati. Tom Kiradjieff modified this sauce, creating a dish he called "chili spaghetti." He initially cooked the spaghetti in the chili but eventually began serving the sauce as a topping, adding grated cheese in response to customer requests.
Today, Cincinnati chili cheese fries are a local favourite, with many restaurants in the city offering their own takes on this indulgent dish. While the specific ingredients and toppings may vary, the combination of spicy chili, melted cheese, and crispy fries creates a flavour sensation that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. Whether enjoyed at a cozy diner or a bustling chili parlor, Cincinnati chili cheese fries are a must-try when visiting Ohio.
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Frequently asked questions
The origin of cheese fries is unknown. However, it is said that the dish grew in popularity in the United States after canned cheese products such as Cheez Whiz were introduced in 1952.
Don A. Jenkins is said to have invented chilli cheese fries at the age of 16 in Tomball, Texas. Another claim states that a young fry cook named Austin Ruse was the first to serve this dish while working at Dairy Queen in St. Charles, Missouri.
Cheese fries are French fries covered in cheese, with the possible addition of various other toppings. They are generally served as a lunch or dinner dish and can be found in fast-food locations, diners, and grills mainly in English-speaking countries.
Chilli cheese fries are topped with chilli con carne. The cheese used is usually American or cheddar.
