Ah, cheese fries—what a delightfully indulgent treat! Imagine a cascade of golden fries cloaked in a gooey, molten layer of cheese, each bite more decadent than the last. I remember the last time I made these, it was a rainy afternoon, and honestly, they brought a little sunshine to my plate.
Steps
- Follow the package instructions to bake the frozen French fries until they are crispy and golden.
- As the fries bake, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic in the melted butter until it turns lightly golden.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the garlic butter mixture, whisking continuously until the flour is fully absorbed.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking, ensuring any lumps are broken up. Keep whisking as the mixture simmers and thickens over 3-4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Add grated cheddar cheese to the sauce one handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts completely before adding more. Continue until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Arrange the cooked fries on a serving platter, drizzling the cheese sauce generously over them. Garnish with sliced green onions and diced jalapeños if desired, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen French fries
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (equivalent to ? stick)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 6 ounces medium cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- ? teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Diced jalapeño peppers
- Bacon crumbles
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2120kcal | Carbohydrates: 156g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 64g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 56g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 224mg | Sodium: 5732mg | Potassium: 2396mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 2456IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 1484mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- What are the best types of frozen fries to use for cheese fries?
- The ideal frozen fries for cheese fries are your preferred kind! Regular, shoestring, steak, or crinkle-cut fries all work well. Personally, I prefer extra crispy fast-food-style fries since they hold up nicely to the cheese sauce.
- Are cheese fries gluten-free by default?
- Unfortunately, these cheese fries are not gluten-free. Many frozen french fries brands include wheat flour, and the recipe uses all-purpose flour to thicken the cheese sauce.
- What is the best cheese option for cheese fries?
- Classic cheddar cheese is the top choice for cheese fries. However, you can substitute some or all of the cheddar with other varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, Swiss, Colby jack, or American.
- How can I fix a grainy cheese sauce?
- To avoid a grainy texture, slowly add the cheese to the sauce off the heat. If the cheese does not melt smoothly, return the saucepan to low heat and stir continuously until it dissolves.
- What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
- If your sauce is too dense, add a bit more milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Tips
- For a smoother cheese sauce, add the cheese gradually off the heat and stir continuously. If the sauce starts to become grainy, return it to low heat and keep stirring until it melts properly.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, skip the cayenne pepper. On the other hand, if you enjoy more heat, consider doubling the cayenne for extra kick.
- In case your cheese sauce becomes too thick, incorporate a bit more milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- If you’re looking to customize the flavor, try swapping some or all of the cheddar cheese with alternatives like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Swiss to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan – If you don’t have a medium-sized saucepan for making the cheese sauce.
- Whisk – Necessary for whisking the ingredients in the cheese sauce to ensure smoothness.
- Cheese Grater – For grating the cheddar cheese.
- Baking Sheet – For baking the frozen French fries.
