Description

Crispy homemade fries topped with a rich, smooth homemade cheddar cheese sauce, crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeños, and green onions. A flavorful, customizable, and crowd-pleasing snack perfect for game day.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1.5 lbs / 700g), cut into ½ inch thick sticks
Vegetable oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
4 tablespoons (60g) Unsalted Butter
¼ cup (30g) All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (200g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
1 cup (240ml) Whole Milk, room temperature
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
1 teaspoon Yellow Mustard
½ cup Pickled Jalapeños, sliced
6 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
3 stalks Green Onions, sliced
Sour Cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Peel potatoes (or leave skin on) and cut into even ½ inch thick sticks. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch, then dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp.
Remove fries with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Sprinkle immediately with kosher salt. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and turns light blonde.
Slowly whisk in milk, a little at a time, to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer (about 3-4 minutes).
Reduce heat to low. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard. Gradually add grated cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more. Do not boil.
Pile hot fries onto a serving platter. Pour cheese sauce over the top. Top with crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeños, and green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Grate your own cheese to avoid anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese which can make the sauce grainy. Do not overheat the sauce once cheese is added, or it will break. For extra crispy fries, double fry: first at 325°F, let cool, then fry again at 375°F. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk. Do not freeze the cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 650
Fat: 28
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 3
Protein: 12

Keywords: loaded nacho cheese fries, game day snack, homemade cheese sauce, jalapeno fries, bacon fries, comfort food, party food