Cheesy Fries with Cheese Sauce Variations
Crispy golden fries smothered in creamy homemade cheese sauce—with fun variations like jalapeño cheddar, garlic parmesan, and smoky chipotle.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or fryer
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Base Fries
- 1.5 lb frozen french fries or hand-cut potatoes about 680g
- salt, to taste
Classic Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk warm
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp paprika or cayenne (optional)
Variation Options
- Jalapeño Cheddar: add 2 tbsp diced jalapeños and a pinch of cumin.
- Garlic Parmesan: replace cheddar with 1 cup parmesan and add 1 tsp minced garlic.
- Chipotle Queso: stir in 1 tsp chipotle powder and 2 tbsp salsa.
Instructions
- Bake or fry the fries according to package directions until crispy and golden. Season lightly with salt.
- For the cheese sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the warm milk until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and optional paprika or cayenne.
- For variations, mix in the extra flavor ingredients after the cheese is melted.
- Pour the warm cheese sauce over the cooked fries and serve immediately.
Notes
Try mixing and matching sauces for a fry platter. Reheat leftover sauce gently with a splash of milk. Variations inspired by MixUpRecipes’ cheesy fry ideas.