Smoky Cheese Fries

Indulge in ultimate comfort food bliss with these irresistible Smoky Cheese Fries! Perfectly golden, crispy hand-cut russet potatoes are drenched in a luxurious, smoky cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and a touch of smoked paprika for a bold and savory kick. Each bite is the perfect harmony of crunch and creamy, gooey goodness, complemented by the optional freshness of chopped parsley. This easy recipe combines classic frying techniques with a rich, homemade cheese sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality status. Ideal for sharing as an appetizer, party snack, or indulgent side dish, these smoky cheese fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Impress your guests or treat yourself to the decadent combination of smoky, cheesy, and crispy flavors today!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet potatoes
• 4 cups Vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Whole milk
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries. Place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps achieve crispiness.

Step 2

While the potatoes are soaking, prepare the smoky cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Step 5

Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Ensure they are as dry as possible to prevent oil splatter during frying.

Step 6

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep pot or fryer until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato sticks in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7

Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle the fries with a pinch of salt while still hot.

Step 8

To assemble, transfer the fries to a serving platter. Drizzle the smoky cheese sauce generously over the fries. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy your Smoky Cheese Fries while they’re hot and gooey!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2624.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9632.8

Total Fat 940.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 186.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 537.9g
Cholesterol 331.3mg	0%
Sodium 4149.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 296.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.6g	0%
Total Sugars 26.0g
Protein 101.1g	0%

Vitamin D 155.4IU	0%
Calcium 2116.2mg	0%
Iron 17.8mg	0%
Potassium 7485.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 84.2%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 11.8%