Cheese Fries
An easy homemade cheese sauce takes it to the next level!
By Hannah Klinger; Recipe by Taylor Wann
Jump to recipe
Yields:
6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
If there's one comfort food that will make friends of any rival fans at your Super Bowl watch party, it's cheese fries. These spuds are worthy of the biggest game of the year for a few reasons: A homemade three-cheese sauce infused with bacon, chopped dill pickles, and a side of ranch dressing. Frozen fries are so convenient here; they'll crisp in the oven while the sauce comes together. Be sure to have all your ingredients for the cheese sauce at the ready as it thickens fast. Make this one of your go-to Super Bowl snacks—it's sure to keep friends coming back year after year!
How do you make a smooth cheese sauce?
The secret to a smooth cheese sauce is all in the whisk. Whisk constantly once the flour is added to the drippings to prevent any lumps. Do the same with the cream cheese so it melts evenly. Then whisk as you gradually add the shredded cheeses. Keeping the heat at medium-low throughout will also help the sauce stay smooth.
What is a roux?
A roux is a French term for flour that's cooked in fat (like butter, oil, or drippings). This base helps to thicken sauces and stews. It's usually cooked first, before any other ingredients are added, to cook out flour's raw taste.
What is the secret to crispy bacon?
Place bacon strips in a cold pan and turn the heat no higher than medium. This will slowly render out all the drippings so the bacon gets extra crispy.
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Ingredients
- 28 oz. frozen French fries
- 4 strips thick cut bacon, uncooked
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 oz. cream cheese
- 1 tsp. yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped pickle chips
- 1 Tbsp. chopped chives
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Directions
- Step 1Preheat the oven to 450°F or according to package directions. Place the frozen French fries on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Step 2Add the bacon to a medium skillet over medium heat, and cook until browned and crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the bacon slices to a paper towel and set aside. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Step 3Bake the fries according to package directions while making the cheese sauce.
- Step 4Whisk in the flour to the skillet with bacon grease. Cook, whisking constantly for 1 minute.
- Step 5Whisk in the milk and cook until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese, mustard, and salt until completely combined.
- Step 6Remove from the heat. Gradually add the cheddar and colby jack cheeses, while whisking, until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 7Remove the fries from oven and place on serving plate. Pour the cheese sauce over the hot fries. Crumble the bacon over the fries and top with pickle chips and chives. Serve immediately alongside ranch dressing.
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