Ingredients
Fries
- 26 ounces frozen French fries
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 teaspoons ranch seasoning powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder (divided)
- 8 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and cook fries: Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake or air fry according to package instructions until fries are golden brown and crispy, typically about 15-20 minutes.
- Make roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until well combined and cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add milk and seasonings: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in salt, ground white pepper, ranch seasoning powder, and half of the cayenne powder for balanced spiciness.
- Thicken sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add cheese: Stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning by adding the remaining cayenne powder if you desire more heat.
- Assemble and serve: Pour the hot cheese sauce evenly over the cooked fries. Serve immediately while warm and gooey for the ultimate indulgence.
Notes
- Use frozen fries for convenience and guaranteed crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne powder to control spiciness to your preference.
- For extra flavor, add chopped green onions or cooked bacon bits as toppings.
- This cheese sauce can also be used for nachos or as a dip for vegetables.
- Ensure to serve immediately for the best texture, as the fries might get soggy if left too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
