SIDE ESSENTIALS: SEASONED CHEESY FRIES

Side Essentials: Seasoned Cheesy Fries image

This recipe is not so much about the fries, as it is the seasoning and the cheese sauce. This go great on a plateful of French fries, and are equally good on steamed veggies. Or as a seasoning for a nice juicy burger. We will be using them on fries; but, not just any old fries... But, more on that later. So, you ready... Let's...

Provided by Andy Anderson !

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

PLAN/PURCHASE
THE SEASONING
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt, kosher variety, fine grind
1 tsp garlic powder
1.2 tsp white pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp coconut sugar
THE CHEESE SAUCE
2 oz sharp cheddar, grated
2 oz pepper-jack, grated
2 tsp arrowroot powder
1 - 2 pinch ground cumin
1/2 c evaporated milk
1 - 2 tsp hot sauce, i prefer frank's
THE FRIES
more on the fries later
OPTIONAL ITEMS
crispy bacon bits, for topping

Steps:

1. PREP/PREPARE
2. I used to deep fry my French fries... until I became acquainted with Bonnie's oven-baked fries; now, it is my go-to method for making fries. You can use any fries that you desire. You can make your own recipe, buy a bag of frozen... Up to you. However, if you want really yummy, oven-baked fries, check out this recipe. I do not think that you will be disappointed: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/side/potatoes/best-oven-baked-fries-and-potato-wedges-2.html?r=4
3. The making of the sauce can be a bit tricky. If your burner is too high, or you let it cook too long it can get a grainy texture. I would have a bit of extra cheese, and evaporated milk on hand, just in case you need to do some adjusting. Finally, I like to check the seasoning as it cooks. And, depending on the type of cheeses being used, I find that it usually needs a bit of salt, to help bring out the flavors.
4. Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
5. THE SEASONING
6. Combine the ingredients for the seasoning in a small bowl, and reserve.
7. THE FRIES
8. If you are using Bonnie's recipe, then sprinkle on a good portion of the seasoning, just before you put them into the oven. If you are using frozen fries, then follow package directions for baking, and sprinkle on the seasoning just before you put them into the oven.
9. THE CHEESE SAUCE This is a fairly straightforward way to make a good cheese sauce. You can vary it using different cheeses, and spices.
10. Add the grated cheese, and toss with the arrowroot powder, and cumin, until thoroughly coated.
11. Pour in the evaporated milk, and set the temp to medium low.
12. Stir until the cheese has melted into the liquid.
13. When fully melted, set the burner to low, low (just enough to keep it warm), until needed.
14. Remove the fries from the oven.
15. PLATE/PRESENT
16. You can go about this in several ways: 1. On The Side: Place the fries on a plate, sprinkle on a bit more seasoning, and serve the cheese on the side. 2. Over The Top: Follow method 1; however, instead of having the cheese on the side, drizzle it on top. 3. Cheesy French Fry Bowl: My personal fav. Put the fries in an individual bowl, sprinkle on some seasoning, drizzle with cheese, give them a fork, and stand back. And a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits would be a brilliant addition. Enjoy.
17. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.