Wo-waffle Cheese Fries Large Recipe

If frying

Heat 1.5–2 cups vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Pat frozen waffle fries dry with paper towels. Fry fries in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 3–5 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fries to a paper towel–lined baking sheet.

If oven-baking (alternate)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss frozen waffle fries in a large bowl with 1 tbsp oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake 18–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until deep golden and crisp.

If fried, after each batch drain briefly on paper towels and while still hot toss lightly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp paprika and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to season evenly. Keep fries warm on a low oven sheet (200°F/95°C) while preparing cheese sauce.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter until foaming but not browned.

Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook 1–1.5 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a blonde roux (this removes the raw flour taste).

Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk, a little at a time, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.

Reduce heat to low, stir in 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 2 tbsp softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, stir in up to 2 tbsp more milk to reach a pourable consistency.

Season the cheese sauce with 1/2 tsp mustard, 1/4 tsp hot sauce, 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally to prevent skin forming.

Place the cooked waffle fries on a large oven-safe platter or rimmed baking sheet in an even layer. If fries have cooled, warm them 3–4 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven to crisp.

Ladle the warm cheese sauce evenly over the fries, using as much as desired to coat and fill the waffle holes. For a baked finish, place the sauced fries under a hot broiler 1–2 minutes to bubble the cheese (watch closely to avoid burning).

Scatter crumbled bacon evenly over the cheesy fries, then sprinkle sliced pickled jalapeños and thinly sliced green onions. Drizzle ranch or dot sour cream across the top if using, and finish with chopped parsley for color.

Serve immediately while hot and gooey with extra napkins and optional dipping sauces on the side.