Cheese Fries Recipe

Prepare potatoes

Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick sticks for classic fries. Rinse cut fries in cold water until water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Soak

Place rinsed fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to improve crispness. If short on time, soak 10–15 minutes and pat very dry.

Dry and season

Drain fries and spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat completely dry. Toss fries with salt and black pepper just before frying.

Fry (shallow/fryer)

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Working in batches, fry the potatoes for 3–5 minutes until golden and cooked through but not overly dark. Remove to a paper-towel-lined tray. If using a fryer, follow fryer instructions and fry at the same temp.

Finish crisp (optional double-fry)

For extra crispiness, increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the drained fries a second time for 1–2 minutes until deep golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with a pinch more salt.

Cook bacon

While fries are frying (or beforehand), cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 6–10 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then chop or crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare banana peppers

Drain pickled banana peppers and pat lightly. If rings are large, halve them. Reserve a few rings for garnish.

Assemble and melt cheese

Preheat oven broiler or set oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the hot fries in an even layer on an ovenproof baking sheet or cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and pepper jack evenly over the fries, then scatter crumbled bacon on top. Place under the broiler (or in the oven) for 2–4 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Add banana peppers & finish

Remove fries from oven and immediately scatter banana pepper rings over the melted cheese. Garnish with chopped chives if using. If you like, drizzle with sour cream or ranch and a few drops of hot sauce.

Serve the cheese fries hot on the baking sheet or transfer to a platter. Provide extra sour cream or ranch and additional banana peppers at the table. Enjoy immediately for best texture.