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side essentials: seasoned cheesy fries

Andy59 avatar
Recipe by
Andy Anderson !
@Andy59
Wichita, KS

This recipe is not so much about the fries, as it is the seasoning and the cheese sauce. This go great on a plateful of French fries, and are equally good on steamed veggies. Or as a seasoning for a nice juicy burger. We will be using them on fries; but, not just any old fries… But, more on that later. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

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yield serving(s)
prep time 10 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For side essentials: seasoned cheesy fries

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • THE SEASONING
  • 2 tsp
    smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp
    salt, kosher variety, fine grind
  • 1 tsp
    garlic powder
  • 1.2 tsp
    white pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp
    dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp
    coconut sugar
  • THE CHEESE SAUCE
  • 2 oz
    sharp cheddar, grated
  • 2 oz
    pepper-jack, grated
  • 2 tsp
    arrowroot powder
  • 1 - 2 pinch
    ground cumin
  • 1/2 c
    evaporated milk
  • 1 - 2 tsp
    hot sauce, i prefer frank’s
  • THE FRIES
  • more on the fries later
  • OPTIONAL ITEMS
  • crispy bacon bits, for topping

How To Make side essentials: seasoned cheesy fries

  • 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 2
    I used to deep fry my French fries… until I became acquainted with Bonnie’s oven-baked fries; now, it is my go-to method for making fries. You can use any fries that you desire. You can make your own recipe, buy a bag of frozen… Up to you. However, if you want really yummy, oven-baked fries, check out this recipe. I do not think that you will be disappointed: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/potatoes/best-oven-baked-fries-and-potato-wedges-2.html?r=4
  • 3
    The making of the sauce can be a bit tricky. If your burner is too high, or you let it cook too long it can get a grainy texture. I would have a bit of extra cheese, and evaporated milk on hand, just in case you need to do some adjusting. Finally, I like to check the seasoning as it cooks. And, depending on the type of cheeses being used, I find that it usually needs a bit of salt, to help bring out the flavors.
  • 4
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • 5
    THE SEASONING
  • 6
    Combine the ingredients for the seasoning in a small bowl, and reserve.
  • 7
    THE FRIES
  • 8
    If you are using Bonnie’s recipe, then sprinkle on a good portion of the seasoning, just before you put them into the oven. If you are using frozen fries, then follow package directions for baking, and sprinkle on the seasoning just before you put them into the oven.
  • 9
    THE CHEESE SAUCE This is a fairly straightforward way to make a good cheese sauce. You can vary it using different cheeses, and spices.
  • 10
    Add the grated cheese, and toss with the arrowroot powder, and cumin, until thoroughly coated.
  • 11
    Pour in the evaporated milk, and set the temp to medium low.
  • 12
    Stir until the cheese has melted into the liquid.
  • 13
    When fully melted, set the burner to low, low (just enough to keep it warm), until needed.
  • 14
    Remove the fries from the oven.
  • 15
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • 16
    You can go about this in several ways: 1. On The Side: Place the fries on a plate, sprinkle on a bit more seasoning, and serve the cheese on the side. 2. Over The Top: Follow method 1; however, instead of having the cheese on the side, drizzle it on top. 3. Cheesy French Fry Bowl: My personal fav. Put the fries in an individual bowl, sprinkle on some seasoning, drizzle with cheese, give them a fork, and stand back. And a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits would be a brilliant addition. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    17
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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