Cheese Fries Recipe
jack, cheddar, bacon, banana peppers
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Ingredients
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Fries
Cheese
Toppings
Method
Fries
- 1
Prep potatoes
Wash and scrub the potatoes. Cut each potato into 1/4- to 1/3-inch thick fries (matchstick or steak-fry style). Place cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- 2
First fry (blanch)
Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer and heat to 325°F (160°C). Working in batches, fry the dried potatoes for 3–4 minutes until soft but not browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fries to a wire rack or paper towels to drain. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- 3
Second fry (crisp)
Raise oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched fries in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels, immediately season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste), and transfer to an ovenproof serving plate or shallow baking sheet. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you prepare cheese and toppings.
Cheese
- 4
Make cheese sauce
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1 tbsp butter. Whisk in 1 tsp flour and cook, whisking, for 30 seconds to make a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 tbsp whole milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar and jack cheese in small handfuls, stirring until fully melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, stir in up to 1 tbsp more milk. Keep sauce warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 5
Assemble fries with cheese
Remove fries from the oven (if kept warm). Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the fries, or spoon/pour to cover most of the surface. For a more molten effect, place the sauced fries under a preheated broiler for 30–45 seconds until cheese bubbles — watch carefully to avoid burning.
Toppings
- 6
Cook bacon
While finishing the fries, lay bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool slightly, then chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- 7
Finish and serve
Scatter crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese-covered fries. Top with sliced banana peppers to taste (about 1/2 cup) and sprinkle with chopped parsley if using. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is melty.