East Coast Fries Recipe
Fries topped with cheddar jack cheese and bacon. Served with a side of sour cream.
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Ingredients
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Fries
Toppings
Sauce / Side
Method
Fries
Dry fries
Drain the soaked potatoes and spread them on clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat thoroughly dry — moisture will cause oil to splatter and prevent crisping.
Heat oil
Pour about 2 cups oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, leaving at least 2 inches of headspace. Heat oil over medium-high until it reaches 325°F (160°C) for the first blanch. If you don't have a thermometer, test with a single fry — it should produce small steady bubbles.
First fry (blanch)
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the potatoes for 3–4 minutes until just softened and pale and beginning to turn light gold. They should not brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to a wire rack or paper towel-lined baking sheet. Let cool 10 minutes.
Second fry (crisp)
Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry batches again for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Immediately season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper while still hot.
Toppings
Cook bacon
While the fries cool slightly after the first fry (or ahead of time), cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, turning as needed. Drain on paper towels and when cool enough, chop or crumble into small pieces.
Assemble fries with cheese
Place the hot fries on an oven-safe platter or sheet. Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar-jack cheese over the fries. Return to a preheated oven or under a broiler set to low for 1–2 minutes just until the cheese melts. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Add bacon and scallions
Remove cheesy fries from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced scallions over the melted cheese so they adhere.
Sauce / Side
Prepare sour cream side
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream with the optional lemon juice and hot sauce if using. Season with a pinch (about 1/8 tsp) of salt. Taste and adjust brightener or heat to your preference.
Serve
Serve the East Coast Fries hot with the sour cream on the side for dipping. Yield is intended for sharing as an appetizer or side.