Name: Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Wichita Restaurants WO-Waffle Cheese Fries Small Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 3 cups frozen shoestring or shoestring-style fries (or fresh hand-cut potatoes); 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) or neutral oil (for oven); 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 0.5 cup American cheese, chopped; 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard; 0.25 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 0.25 tsp kosher salt; 0.125 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbsp scallions (green onions), thinly sliced; 2 tbsp crispy bacon bits (optional); 1 tbsp pickled jalapeños (optional), sliced; 0.125 tsp freshly ground black pepper (to finish)

Method

Fries

Prepare and cook fries

If using frozen fries: preheat oven or fryer per package. For deep frying: heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry 3 cups of frozen shoestring fries in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels; immediately sprinkle 1 tsp salt evenly over the fries. For oven method: spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, toss lightly with 1–2 tbsp oil, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–25 minutes, turning once, until crispy; sprinkle with 1 tsp salt.

Cheese Sauce

Make a roux

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Once foaming, add 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–1.5 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and lightly golden (this cooks out the raw flour taste).

Add milk and thicken

Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk, a little at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.

Finish the cheese sauce

Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup grated sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup chopped American cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Whisk in 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep sauce warm on the lowest heat, stirring occasionally so it does not skin over.

Assembly & Finish

Transfer the hot fries to a small serving container or plate arranged for a single small portion (this recipe yields one small serving). Immediately spoon or pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the fries so it coats them well. Sprinkle 1 tbsp thinly sliced scallions, 2 tbsp crispy bacon bits (if using), and 1 tbsp pickled jalapeños (if using) over the top.

Final seasoning and serve: finish with a light grind of black pepper (about 1/8 tsp) and an extra pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately while fries and sauce are hot so cheese stays gooey.

Wo-waffle Cheese Fries Small Recipe