Quick Cheese Fries

Here is my go-to cheese fries recipe, with perfectly crispy oven-baked fries topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, plus some simple seasonings that make all the difference.

These cheese fries are what my kids ask for most on movie nights. I usually make a big batch because they disappear so quickly. Nothing beats digging into a warm, gooey plate of cheese fries while watching your favorite film, right?

What Kind of Cheddar Cheese Should I Use?

For cheese fries, you’ll want to stick with mild to medium cheddar cheese since it melts smoothly and won’t overpower the fries with too strong a flavor. While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it’s better to buy a block and grate it yourself since packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce slightly grainy. Young cheddar (mild or medium) has more moisture than aged varieties, which helps create that perfect, creamy cheese sauce texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try mixing in a small amount of American cheese for extra smoothness, though straight cheddar works great on its own.

Options for Substitutions

This cheese fries recipe is pretty adaptable – here’s how you can switch things up:

• Frozen fries: You can use any type of potato fries you like – sweet potato fries, waffle fries, or even tater tots work great. Just follow the package cooking instructions for crispy results.
• Cheddar cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, American cheese, or a mix of cheeses work well. Just avoid hard aged cheeses as they don’t melt as smoothly.
• Flour: For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour. Use half the amount if using cornstarch.
• Milk: Any type of milk works here – whole, 2%, or even non-dairy options like unsweetened almond milk. Just note that whole milk will give you the creamiest sauce.
• Apple cider vinegar: Any light vinegar works fine here – white vinegar, rice vinegar, or even a splash of lemon juice can add that bit of tang.
• Herbs: Out of parsley or chives? Try green onions, cilantro, or skip the herbs altogether – your fries will still be tasty!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making cheese fries is preventing your cheese sauce from becoming grainy or lumpy – the key is to start with a proper roux by cooking the flour and butter together until light golden, then gradually whisking in warm (not cold) milk.

Another common mistake is using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce clumpy; instead, buy block cheese and grate it yourself for the smoothest results.

The fries themselves need special attention too – make sure they’re extra crispy before adding the sauce, as they’ll naturally soften once covered, and serve them immediately since letting them sit too long will make them soggy.

For the best texture, keep your cheese sauce warm but not too hot (avoid boiling it), and if it thickens too much while waiting, simply whisk in a splash of warm milk to reach your desired consistency.

What to Serve With Cheese Fries?

Cheese fries are a fantastic snack or side dish that pairs really well with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or even some spicy sriracha mayo. If you’re turning these into a meal, they go great alongside a juicy burger or hot sandwich – think sloppy joes or pulled pork. For a casual game day spread, serve them next to some chicken wings, celery sticks, and carrot sticks to balance out all that cheesy goodness. And don’t forget some cold beverages – a frosty beer or ice-cold soda makes these cheese fries even better!

Storage Instructions

Keep: These cheese fries are best enjoyed right away while the fries are crispy and the cheese sauce is warm and gooey. If you have leftovers, store the fries and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know that the fries won’t stay crispy once refrigerated.

Save: The cheese sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to use it, warm it up slowly on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of milk to thin it out.

Prepare: For the best experience, I recommend making fresh fries when you’re ready to eat. Then just warm up your pre-made cheese sauce and pour it over the hot fries. This way, you’ll get that perfect combination of crispy fries and smooth, melty cheese sauce every time.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-30 minutes
Total Time	30-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 30-40 g
• Fat: 70-80 g
• Carbohydrates: 130-150 g

Ingredients

For the fries:

• 1 lb frozen fries

For the cheese sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this)
• 6 oz cheddar cheese (freshly shredded from a block for better melting)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 tsp coarse salt
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder (for a savory depth)
• 1 tsp hot sauce

For the garnish:

• finely chopped parsley or chives

Step 1: Prepare the Fries

Bake the fries according to their package instructions or use a Baked Fries recipe.

Once the fries are finished baking, give them a taste test and add additional salt if necessary to fit your preferences.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a small or medium saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter.

Add an equal amount of flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute, until the mixture turns bubbly and golden brown.

This step, known as making a roux, forms the base of your cheese sauce.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Begin adding milk to the roux a splash at a time.

With each addition, whisk continuously.

The sauce will initially appear chunky, but as you incorporate more milk, it will smooth out.

Continue adding splashes of milk while whisking until all the milk is incorporated.

Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking frequently, until it becomes very thick and smooth.

Step 4: Add Spices and Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in your desired spices.

Add cheese one handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding the next handful.

If the sauce cools too much and the cheese stops melting, return the heat to low to help complete the melting process.

Once the sauce is fully smooth and thick, whisk in 2 more tablespoons of milk to reach a pourable consistency.

Stir in vinegar (and hot sauce, if using) for added flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

If the cheese sauce needs to wait until the fries finish baking, gently reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little more milk if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.

Once the fries are ready, arrange them on a platter.

Pour the warm cheese sauce over the fries, ensuring an even coating.

Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.