Waffle Cheese Fries Small Recipe

Preheat

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Allow frozen waffle fries to come directly from the freezer; do not thaw.

Arrange the frozen waffle fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or in the air fryer basket. Drizzle 1 tablespoon oil over fries and toss lightly to coat (optional for extra crispness).

Season fries lightly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then bake in the oven for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. If using an air fryer, cook 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crisp and golden.

When fries are crisp, transfer them to a heatproof serving dish or small tray suitable for a single small portion, spreading them evenly so cheese sauce will coat well.

While the fries cook, make the cheese sauce: in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter until foamy but not browned.

Whisk in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and cook 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly, to make a light roux (this removes raw flour taste).

Slowly whisk in 3 tablespoons whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Lower the heat to low and add 3 ounces shredded sharp cheddar and 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese. Stir constantly until cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. If sauce is too thick, thin with 1 teaspoon milk at a time to reach a pourable consistency.

Keep sauce warm over the lowest heat or in a warm water bath while fries finish if needed. Do not let it boil.

Pour or drizzle the warm cheese sauce evenly over the hot waffle fries so the ridges and holes catch the sauce.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon crumbled cooked bacon over the cheese-covered fries.

Scatter 1 tablespoon thinly sliced scallions and, if desired, 1 teaspoon pickled jalapeño slices across the top for heat and tang.

Finish with a light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately while fries and cheese are hot and the cheese is gooey.