Waffle Cheese Fries Recipe

Cook fries

Choose your cooking method: Frying: heat canola oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen waffle fries in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3–4 minutes per batch until crispy and golden. Remove to a paper towel-lined tray and immediately season with salt and pepper. Baking: preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread fries in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, bake 20–28 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and browned. Season with salt and pepper while hot.

Prepare bacon

Cook bacon until crisp by baking on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes or pan-frying until brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces. Measure out the required amount (6 slices crumbled).

Shred cheeses and slice peppers

Shred the cheddar and jack cheeses if not pre-shredded. Slice the banana peppers into rings or halves and drain excess liquid if using jarred peppers. Thinly slice chives or green onions.

Assemble cheesy fries

Preheat your oven broiler to high or set oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the hot cooked waffle fries on an oven-safe baking sheet or cast-iron skillet in a single layer (if using multiple trays, distribute toppings evenly). Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and jack cheeses over the fries, then scatter the crumbled bacon and banana pepper slices across the cheese layer.

Melt cheese

Place the assembled fries under the broiler 3–5 inches from the heat for 1–3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned. Alternatively, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 4–6 minutes until cheese is fully melted.

Finish and serve

Remove the cheesy fries from the oven. Immediately garnish with the sliced chives or green onions. Dollop sour cream in a few places or offer it on the side along with ranch or chipotle ranch for drizzling. Add hot sauce to taste if desired. Serve hot so cheese remains melty and fries stay crisp.