Healthy Tex-Mex Cheese Fries Delight
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on classic cheese fries with our Healthy Tex-Mex Cheese Fries Delight! These crispy, seasoned fries are baked to perfection and topped with savory veggie bacon, zesty jalapeños, and fresh scallions, all drizzled with a luscious low-fat buttermilk ranch dressing. This recipe is designed to satisfy your cheese fries craving while keeping your calorie count in check—unlike the heavy options at restaurants. By using Yukon gold potatoes with their nutritious skins intact, you’re adding fiber to your dish. With just the right amount of sharp cheddar cheese for melting goodness, you’ll enjoy a wholesome serving that feels indulgent but leaves you feeling light and satisfied. Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yukon gold potatoes
2 medium (washed, dried, skin on)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons
Smoked paprika
1 teaspoon
Chili powder
1/4 teaspoon
Onion powder
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
Cumin
1/8 teaspoon
Coarse salt
to taste
Fresh cracked pepper
to taste
Veggie bacon
2 slices (cooked and finely chopped)
Sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup (shredded)
Scallions
2 tablespoons (diced)
Sliced pickled jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon (jarred or canned)
Low-fat buttermilk ranch dressing
to serve
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
2
Wash and dry the Yukon gold potatoes, keeping the skin on for extra fiber. Cut each potato lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices, then slice each piece into 1/4-inch fries.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut potato fries and olive oil. Toss well to ensure they are evenly coated. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, coarse salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Toss again to distribute the spices evenly across the fries.
4
Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, turning the fries halfway through for even cooking, until they are tender and crisp. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fries.
5
Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and transfer them to two small oven-safe dishes (or one large dish for sharing). Top the fries with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped veggie bacon, and diced scallions.
6
Return the topped fries to the oven for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Serve immediately with a side of low-fat buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healthy Tex-Mex Cheese Fries Delight?
It is a guilt-free, baked version of classic cheese fries featuring Yukon gold potatoes, veggie bacon, and Tex-Mex seasonings.
What type of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, you should keep the skin on the potatoes to add extra fiber to the dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How thick should the fries be cut?
Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices, then slice those into 1/4-inch thick fries.
What spices are used to season the fries?
The seasoning mix includes smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, coarse salt, and fresh cracked pepper.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is a vegetarian recipe as it uses veggie bacon instead of pork bacon.
How much olive oil is required?
You only need 2 teaspoons of olive oil to coat the fries.
How long do the fries need to bake initially?
Bake the seasoned fries for approximately 25 minutes until they are tender and crisp.
Should I flip the fries while they are in the oven?
Yes, you should turn the fries halfway through the initial cooking time for even baking.
What toppings are added to the fries after baking?
The fries are topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, chopped veggie bacon, and diced scallions.
What kind of cheese is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I prepare the veggie bacon?
The veggie bacon should be cooked and then finely chopped before being added to the fries.
How do I melt the cheese on top of the fries?
Return the fries to the oven for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What dressing is served with these cheese fries?
Serve the dish with a side of low-fat buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.
How do I ensure easy cleanup?
Line your baking sheet with foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray before adding the fries.
Are the jalapeños fresh or pickled?
This recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sliced pickled jalapeño peppers from a jar or can.
How many scallions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of diced scallions.
What makes this recipe 'healthy' compared to restaurant versions?
It is baked instead of deep-fried, uses minimal oil, includes nutrient-rich potato skins, and uses low-fat dressing.
Can I serve this as a full meal?
Yes, the recipe suggests pairing it with a fresh garden salad for a complete and balanced meal.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.
Is there cumin in the spice mix?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of cumin for a warm Tex-Mex flavor.
How much garlic powder do I need?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
What is the serving size for the jalapeños?
Use approximately 1 tablespoon of sliced pickled jalapeños.
Do I need onion powder for this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder is used in the seasoning blend.
How much smoked paprika is added?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Should the fries be baked in a single layer?
Yes, arrange the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly and become crisp.
Can I share this dish?
The recipe can be served in two small oven-safe dishes or one large dish for sharing.
What should the texture of the fries be?
The fries should be tender on the inside and crisp on the outside once fully baked.
When should I serve the fries?
They should be served immediately while the fries are hot and the cheese is melted.