Cheese Fries Amigo Recipe
Loaded with cheddar jack, bacon, and pico, topped with queso blanco and chipotle ranch.
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Ingredients
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Fries
Cheese & Toppings
Queso Blanco
Chipotle Ranch
Garnish (optional)
Method
Fries
- 1
Cook fries
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking, or heat 2–3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C) if frying. If baking, toss frozen fries with 1–2 tbs oil and spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 tsp kosher salt. Bake 20–28 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp. If frying, fry in batches 3–4 minutes until crisp and golden; drain on paper towels and season with salt immediately.
Queso Blanco
- 2
Make a roux
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbs butter. Whisk in 2 tsp flour and cook 30–60 seconds until bubbly but not brown.
- 3
Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk, smoothing lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
- 4
Lower heat to medium-low and add 1 cup white American cheese and 1/4 cup pepper jack (if using) in small handfuls, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Stir in 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Keep warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally. If too thick, thin with up to 2 tbs milk.
Chipotle Ranch
- 5
Make chipotle ranch
Whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbs buttermilk, 1 tsp dried ranch seasoning (or the dried herbs), 1 tsp minced chipotle in adobo, 1 tsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth. Adjust thickness with additional buttermilk to reach a drizzleable consistency. Taste and adjust chipotle for heat or lime for brightness. Refrigerate until ready.
Cheese & Assembly
- 6
Assemble loaded fries
Place the hot fries on a large oven-safe platter or sheet. Evenly scatter 2 cups shredded cheddar-jack over the fries and distribute crumbled bacon (from 6 slices) on top.
- 7
Place under a broiler 2–3 inches from heat for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, return to a 425°F oven for 3–4 minutes until melted.
- 8
Drizzle warm queso blanco over the melted cheese and fries in a thin even stream so fries remain crisp. Spoon pico de gallo (1 cup) over the top, then drizzle chipotle ranch to taste (about 2–3 tbs). Scatter sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños (if using) and crumbled bacon pieces for extra crunch. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges.
- 9
Serve immediately while fries are hot and cheese/queso are melty.