Super Crispy Cheesy Fries are a delicious, indulgent treat featuring perfectly crispy fries topped with gooey melted cheese. Here’s how you can make them at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese of your choice like mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream or ranch dressing (optional, for dipping)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing away any dirt. Leave the skins on for extra texture and flavor.
- Cut the potatoes into thin, even fries (about 1/4-inch thick). The thinner the fries, the crispier they will be.
2. Soak the Potatoes (Optional for extra crispiness):
- Soak the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries.
- After soaking, pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
3. Season and Coat the Fries:
- Place the dried fries on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle the fries with olive oil, then toss them to coat evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using), and toss again to ensure even seasoning.
4. Bake the Fries:
- Spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overlapping. This helps them crisp up evenly.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Bake until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven.
- Immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries. You can also add some Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Return the fries to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove the cheesy fries from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color (optional).
- Serve immediately with sour cream, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- For extra crispy fries: You can also fry the fries in hot oil instead of baking them, but this adds a bit more work. For oven-baked fries, ensure the fries are spread out in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Cheese options: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture or gouda for a smoky flavor.
- Spicy option: Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top for a spicy kick.
These Super Crispy Cheesy Fries are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish to enjoy with burgers or sandwiches! Enjoy!