Save to Pinterest This dish features crispy baked fries generously covered with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, crowned by savory, crisp turkey bacon bits. The fries are baked to golden perfection, offering a delightful combination of textures and rich flavors. Optional garnishes like chopped chives and sour cream add fresh and creamy notes. Simple to prepare with basic kitchen tools, this flavorful snack is best enjoyed hot and perfect for sharing.
The first time I made cheese fries for a Super Bowl party, my husband stood over the baking sheet with a fork, quietly stealing bacon bits while I tried to arrange everything on a platter. I turned around three times to find the pile noticeably smaller, each discovery making us both burst out laughing. Now I always cook extra turkey bacon specifically for the 'quality control' phase.
Last winter, my youngest daughter decided she wanted to help make these for her birthday sleepover. She carefully arranged each fry on the baking sheet in perfect rows, then proceeded to eat all the crumbled bacon bits before they even made it to the toppings stage. We ended up cooking a second batch just to have enough for the movie marathon.
Ingredients
- 1 kg russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries: Soaking fresh cut potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, making them crispier in the oven. Frozen fries work perfectly fine if you are short on time.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Toss the fries thoroughly so each piece gets lightly coated for even browning.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt: Sprinkle immediately after tossing with oil while the surface is still moist so it sticks properly.
- 200 g shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch and melts beautifully over hot fries.
- 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates that irresistible cheese pull factor in every bite.
- 6 slices turkey bacon, finely chopped: Cook until very crisp so the bits stay crunchy on top of the cheese.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives: These add a fresh onion flavor that cuts through all the rich cheese and bacon.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and prep the potatoes:
- If using fresh potatoes, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry with clean towels. This step is worth the extra time.
- Coat and arrange the fries:
- Toss the dried fries with vegetable oil and sea salt in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding or they will steam instead of crisp.
- Bake until golden and crispy:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the fries halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown with crispy edges when done.
- Crisp the turkey bacon:
- While fries bake, cook the chopped turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until very crisp. Transfer to paper towels to cool, then crumble into small bits.
- Melt the cheese topping:
- Transfer the cooked fries to an oven-safe serving dish and sprinkle evenly with both cheeses. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Top generously and serve:
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with turkey bacon bits and chives, then serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is at its stretchiest.
Save to Pinterest These fries have become our go-to comfort food whenever anyone in the house has had a rough day. Something about that combination of hot, salty, crispy, and cheesy just makes everything better for a little while.
Making Them Restaurant Style
I have found that using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives you both bold flavor and that incredible cheese pull you see in restaurants. The mozzarella stretches while the cheddar provides the punch.
The Bacon Factor
Turkey bacon crisps up beautifully and adds a lighter smokiness than regular pork bacon. Just make sure to chop it into very small pieces before cooking so it gets evenly crispy throughout.
Serving Suggestions
Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or even some crumbled blue cheese for adventurous eaters. Everyone can customize their own portion.
- Keep the fries in the oven until the very last second so they stay piping hot
- Have your serving dish ready before you start the final cheese melt step
- These taste best eaten immediately while everything is at peak temperature
Save to Pinterest There is something universally happy about cheese fries, and making them at home means you can control every element. Plus, you can eat them in your pajamas without anyone judging you.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve crispy fries without frying?
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Baking the fries at a high temperature after coating them lightly with vegetable oil helps achieve a crispy texture. Turning them halfway through baking ensures even crispiness.
- → Can I substitute turkey bacon with other options?
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Yes, regular bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives can be used depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- → What cheeses work best for melting on fries?
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Cheddar and mozzarella are ideal for their melting qualities and flavor balance, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack can also provide tasty variations.
- → Is it necessary to soak fresh potatoes before baking?
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Soaking cut potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, promoting crispier fries when baked.
- → How should I serve these for best flavor?
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Serve the fries hot immediately after baking, topped with cheese and bacon bits. Adding sour cream and chopped chives enhances the overall taste and presentation.
