Cheese Fries

Cheese Fries Ingredients

• Frozen steak fries: The base of this recipe, frozen steak fries provide a crispy texture in the oven without deep frying.
• Cheddar cheese soup: Condensed cheese soup creates a creamy, cheesy sauce without the need to make a roux or melt any cheese.
• Milk: 2% milk helps thin the cheese sauce to the right consistency.
• Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a necessary savory depth to balance the rich cheese.
• Onion powder: Dried onion powder complements the garlic powder and adds greater depth to the cheese sauce.
• Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika adds color and a subtle sweet pepper flavor to finish off the cheese fries. For more intense flavor, use smoked paprika.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare and bake the fries

Christine Ma for Taste Recipes

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Arrange the frozen steak fries in a single layer on two greased 15x10x1-inch baking pans. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and tender.

Editor’s Tip: For extra crispy fries, flip them halfway through the cook time.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce

Christine Ma for Taste Recipes

In a small saucepan, combine the cheddar cheese soup, milk, garlic powder and onion powder. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and heated through.

Editor’s Tip: If the sauce is too thick, dilute it with milk, 1 tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired cheesy consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the cheese fries

Christine Ma for Taste Recipes

Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven. Drizzle the cheese sauce evenly over the fries. Finish by sprinkling paprika over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Editor’s Tip: For a more indulgent version, consider laying down half the fries, topping with half the cheese sauce, then repeating with the remaining fries and sauce.

Christine Ma for Taste Recipes

Cheese Fries Variations

• Amp up the spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick to these cheese french fries. You can also top them with pickled jalapenos.
• Load them up: Top the fries with crumbled bacon, green onions and sour cream for an indulgent nacho-like take.
• Make them Southwest-style: Add black beans, salsa and chopped jalapenos for a Tex-Mex twist to this cheese fries recipe. You can also use a Mexican cheese blend when making the cheese sauce.

How to Store Cheese Fries

These fries are best enjoyed immediately while hot and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

How do you reheat cheese fries?

Reheat cheese fries in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as the fries may become soggy.

Cheese Fries Tips

Christine Ma for Taste Recipes

What type of french fries work best for cheese fries?

While steak fries work best and don’t get soggy when making cheese french fries, you can also use crinkle-cut or waffle fries for added texture and their ability to hold the cheese sauce well. If you have more time, make your own french fries from scratch in the oven

Can I use shredded cheese instead of cheese soup?

Yes, you can make the cheese sauce using shredded cheese instead of canned soup. For a similar creamy sauce, melt two cups of the shredded cheese of your choice—cheddar or Pepper jack both work well—with 1/2 cup of milk.

How can you make the cheese sauce thicker?

If your cheese sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few extra minutes to allow it to further reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce for extra thickness and to boost its cheesy flavor.

What can I serve with cheese fries?

These pair well with burgers, wings such as these garlic parmesan wings or as a snack during game day potluck gatherings. For a complete weeknight meal, serve a platter of cheddar fries alongside grilled chicken or these Dutch oven pulled pork sandwiches.