Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries
Indulge in the crispy, gooey goodness of these Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries! Perfectly golden Idaho potatoes are fried to perfection and topped with a melty blend of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. These fries are seasoned with a mix of spices that brings a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether served as a delicious snack during game day or as a tempting appetizer at your next gathering, these cheese fries are sure to impress your friends and family. Add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, sour cream, or chopped chives for an extra flavor boost!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
peanut oil
for frying (pour into stockpot or fryer)
Idaho potatoes
2 1/2 lbs (peeled and sliced into 1/3 inch thick rounds)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
shredded mild cheddar cheese
6 ounces (shredded)
shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 ounces (shredded)
paprika
2 1/2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
black pepper
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
onion powder
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
garlic powder
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
dried oregano
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
dried thyme
1 tablespoon (for seasoning (or use Emeril's Essence Creole Seasoning))
Instructions
1
Pour peanut oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed stockpot or deep fryer, ensuring a depth of 4 to 5 inches.
2
Heat the oil to 350 degrees F.
3
While the oil heats up, peel the Idaho potatoes and use a crinkle cutter to slice them into 1/3 inch thick rounds. This crinkled shape helps create extra surface area for crispiness.
4
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the sliced potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry the potatoes for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, ensuring they are crispy on the outside.
5
Remove the fries from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towel-lined plates to absorb excess oil.
6
While the fries are still hot, lightly season them with Creole seasoning and salt to taste, tossing gently to coat evenly.
7
Arrange the seasoned fries in a wide, shallow casserole dish or a baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mild cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the fries. For optimal cheesiness, you can layer the fries and cheese, creating multiple levels.
8
If you desire perfectly melted cheese, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for approximately 4 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure the cheese melts without burning.
9
Serve the Loaded Cheese Fries immediately, and feel free to garnish with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Cheesy Loaded Fries?
They are crispy, golden Idaho potatoes fried and topped with a melty blend of mild cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses plus a flavorful mix of spices.
What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
Idaho potatoes are recommended because they fry to a perfect golden crispiness.
How should I cut the potatoes for the fries?
Peel the potatoes and use a crinkle cutter to slice them into 1/3 inch thick rounds.
Why is a crinkle cutter recommended for the potatoes?
The crinkled shape increases the surface area, which helps the fries become extra crispy when fried.
What kind of oil should be used for frying?
Peanut oil is specified for this recipe to achieve the best frying results.
What is the correct temperature for the frying oil?
The peanut oil should be heated to exactly 350 degrees F before adding the potatoes.
How deep should the oil be in the pot?
You should fill your stockpot or deep fryer with oil to a depth of 4 to 5 inches.
How long do the potato rounds need to fry?
The potatoes should be fried for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown.
How do I know when the fries are done?
The fries are ready when they have reached a golden brown color, are cooked through, and feel crispy on the outside.
What is the best way to remove excess oil from the fries?
Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towel-lined plates.
When should I season the fries?
Season the fries while they are still hot to ensure the spices and salt adhere well to the surface.
What spices are in the Creole seasoning used for these fries?
The seasoning includes paprika, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
Can I use a pre-made seasoning instead of mixing my own?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can use Emeril's Essence Creole Seasoning as an alternative.
What types of cheese are used for the topping?
The recipe uses a blend of shredded mild cheddar and shredded Monterey Jack cheeses.
How much cheddar cheese do I need?
You will need 6 ounces of shredded mild cheddar cheese.
How much Monterey Jack cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
How should the fries and cheese be layered for baking?
Arrange the fries in an even layer in a shallow casserole dish or baking sheet and sprinkle the cheese generously over them; you can create multiple layers for extra cheesiness.
How do I melt the cheese on top of the fries?
Place the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
What oven temperature is used for melting the cheese?
Set your oven to 350 degrees F for the cheese-melting step.
What are some recommended garnishes for loaded fries?
Popular toppings include jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh herbs like chopped chives.
Is this dish suitable for a party?
Yes, it is described as a great party food, snack for game day, or a tempting appetizer for gatherings.
How many pounds of potatoes does the recipe require?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 pounds of Idaho potatoes.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the instructions state to peel the potatoes before slicing them.
Why shouldn't I fry all the potatoes at once?
You should fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil, which ensures the fries stay crispy and cook evenly.
How thick should the potato slices be?
The potato rounds should be sliced to a thickness of 1/3 inch.
How much paprika is used in the seasoning?
The seasoning mix uses 2 1/2 tablespoons of paprika.
What is the total amount of garlic powder needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of garlic powder.
Can I add heat to the seasoning?
Yes, the seasoning already includes 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Should the fries be served immediately?
Yes, for the best experience, serve the Loaded Cheese Fries immediately while the cheese is gooey and the fries are hot.
Can I use a deep fryer for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed stockpot for frying the potatoes.