Name: Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Knoxville Restaurants WO-Waffle Cheese Fries Small Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.75 lb frozen shoestring or crinkle-cut fries; 1.5 cups vegetable oil (for frying) or canola oil; 1 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 2 tbs unsalted butter; 2 tbs all-purpose flour; 1 cups whole milk; 1 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 0.5 cups American cheese (or processed cheese), shredded; 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard; 0.25 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 0 to taste salt (to taste); 0 to taste freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 2 tbs cooked and crumbled bacon; 2 tbs sliced green onions (scallions), thin; 1 tbs pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional); 1 tsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Method

Fries

Heat oil

Pour 1.5 cups of vegetable oil into a medium heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, heat until a small piece of bread sizzles and browns in about 45–60 seconds.

Fry fries

Working in a single layer and not overcrowding the pan, fry the frozen fries in two batches if needed for 3–4 minutes per batch until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fries to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. For extra crispness, place the fries in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 5–7 minutes after frying.

Season fries

Immediately season the hot fries with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing gently so they are evenly coated. Keep the fries warm in the oven on low (200°F / 95°C) while you make the cheese sauce.

Cheese Sauce

Make roux

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. When the butter is foamy, add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell cooks off and the mixture is bubbly but not browned.

Add milk

Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a light gravy consistency.

Add cheeses and seasonings

Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup grated sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup shredded American cheese in batches, stirring until melted and smooth. Whisk in 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard and 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Keep the sauce warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally, so it remains pourable but does not separate.

Assembly & Garnish

Plate the fries

Arrange the hot seasoned fries on a shallow serving plate or small basket (this recipe yields a small portion).

Top with cheese sauce

Ladle the warm cheese sauce evenly over the fries, covering most of the surface so fries are nicely coated.

Add toppings

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon over the sauced fries. Scatter 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon pickled jalapeños if using. Finish with a teaspoon chopped fresh parsley for color.

Serve immediately

Serve the WO-Waffle Cheese Fries small immediately while hot and gooey. Provide napkins and optional hot sauce on the side.

Wo-waffle Cheese Fries Small Recipe