Cheese Fries Recipe

Prepare potatoes (if using fresh)

If using fresh russets: peel (optional) and cut potatoes into 1/4- to 1/3-inch fries. Place cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

Heat oil

In a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven, deep skillet, or deep fryer, pour enough neutral oil to reach about 1 to 1 1/2 inches up the side (about 1.5–2 cups for a 3–4 quart pan). Heat oil to 325°F (160°C) for the first blanch fry. If you don't have a thermometer, oil should shimmer but not smoke.

Blanch fry (first fry)

Working in batches so fries don't crowd, add a single layer of dried fries to the oil and fry for 3–4 minutes until pale, tender, and not yet browned. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper-towel-lined sheet pan. Let fries rest 5 minutes while you heat oil to 375°F (190°C).

Final fry

Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the blanched fries in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove to a paper-towel-lined sheet pan. Immediately season with kosher salt and black pepper while hot.

Cook bacon

While the fries rest or during the final fry, cook the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon slices and cook until crisp, about 6–8 minutes, flipping as needed. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble fries with cheese

Preheat broiler to high (or oven to 450°F/230°C if you prefer). Arrange the hot fries in an even layer on an oven-safe baking sheet or cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the fries, making sure to cover most of the surface so the cheese melts into them.

Melt cheese

Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and bubbling and edges begin to brown. If using a hot oven instead of broiler, bake 4–6 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.

Add bacon and peppers

Remove the fries from the oven/broiler. Immediately sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sliced banana peppers over the melted cheese so toppings adhere to the cheese.

Garnish and serve

Top with sliced green onions and chopped parsley if using. Serve hot with optional ranch dressing and a drizzle of sriracha on the side or over the top for heat. Enjoy immediately so fries stay crisp and cheese is gooey.

Serve ranch dressing in a small ramekin alongside the fries for dipping. Mix sriracha into ranch (about 1 tsp sriracha per 1/4 cup ranch) for a spicy dip if desired.